In the 21st century, the majority of Americans are living in cities and suburbs, and our dogs, like us, have become urbanites. We have grown accustomed to a noisy, concrete-centric environment where the air often smells bad, nature is fenced off, and the big blue sky seems very far, far away. While we love our citified conveniences, this artificial atmosphere is not conducive to long-term biological or mental health. Numerous studies have shown that getting out into a more natural environment as often as possible has great therapeutic value for us and for our canine companions, and one of the simplest, least expensive, and most readily available escapes is to go on a hike.

Walking Fido in the city is good physical exercise for all involved, and I encourage it wholeheartedly as a daily practice, but it pales in comparison to hiking with your dog in the wilderness. Basically, hiking requires 28% more energy than walking, so it is your city walk intensified with added benefits! Here are some of the advantages of taking your dog on a hike.

Enhanced Physical Movement:

Hiking over rough terrain involves a wider range of muscles moving in different ways. Jumping over a log, navigating over and around varying heights of rocks, ducking and weaving through undergrowth and tree limbs, climbing uphill, balancing downhill, and navigating currents in a stream or through waves all challenge the body in new ways.  Hiking demands more from you and your dog, and it delivers more. Just a few of the physical benefits of this low-impact, weight-bearing exercise are an increase in bone density, promotion of joint health, strengthening of the cardio-vascular system, respiratory enhancement, weight management, improved muscle mass, agility, and balance.

Mental And Emotional Gains:

Being in the wild stimulates our dogs’ and our own connection to our ancient natures, reminding us of old pleasures and old dangers that city living tends to blur. This reawakening can be especially evident in our dogs as they become intently absorbed when sniffing the wind, catching unfamiliar aromas, and busily pushing their noses along fascinating scent trails. Their ears prick and their eyes gleam with excitement, hearing strange rustling sounds and animal and bird cries.

All of these new experiences stimulate a dog mentally. Their curiosity helps prevent boredom, thus reducing anxiety and lessening destructive behaviors, which is a win-win situation for everyone. The mood boosting advantages of physical activity in nature are well documented, and being outside for significant periods of time helps regulate circadian rhythms, causing improved homeostasis.

Building confidence is also cited as a benefit for dogs and their parents alike. Overcoming fears through successfully handling new situations is empowering. And although you never really know what might happen in the wilderness, arriving back home with all limbs intact and a refreshed sense of humor can be a deeply satisfying feeling and an incentive to try it again next weekend.

Grounding/Earthing:

It is thought that the earth’s negative electrical charge can be received into our bodies when we make direct physical contact with the ground of our planet through our skin. On a hike, this benefit will be felt more by your dog than you, as you will most likely be wearing substantial hiking boots, but your dog will be running bare-pawed down dirt trails, grassy meadows, muddy areas, or through sand dunes. Directly absorbing the earth’s healthy negative electrons increases the body’s antioxidant level, thereby reducing inflammation. Preliminary research also suggests that Grounding has a beneficial effect on blood, rendering it less sticky, which leads to better circulation and heart health. There is general agreement that direct body contact with soil, sand, etc., reduces stress by reducing cortisol levels, leading to a calm and relaxed state of mind and body.

Fresh air, sunshine, and challenging your limits out in the green world are all excellent reasons for going on a hike with Fido. You will want to start slowly, do some research on the areas that interest you, obey pet restrictions and leash laws, and choose appropriate gear for both you and your dog. But at the end of a day full of discoveries and adventures in the wilderness, your bond with your best friend will be more profound and more precious than ever.

Happy trails lead to happy tails.