One of the most common questions we get inside Backpacking Badass (and in my DMs) is how to know if your pup can handle hiking and backpacking, and how to get them ready if they're not there yet.
In this episode, I'm joined by Kellie, one of our coaches at She Dreams of Alpine, to break down everything you need to know about adventuring with your dog. Between the two of us, we've raised sight hounds, reactive rescues, and everything in between, so we're pulling from real experience, not just theory.
We'll talk about how to build up your dog's mileage and confidence the right way, the off-leash debate, how to handle encounters with loose dogs on trail, and the safety gear and communication tools that make a real difference out there.
Whether you're prepping your first pup for their first overnight or you've got a seasoned trail dog, this episode will help you adventure smarter, safer, and with way more confidence for both of you.
What you'll learn in this episode:
- How to slowly and safely build your dog's hiking and backpacking readiness, from short walks to overnight trips
- Why we're team on-leash (and the wildlife, safety, and etiquette reasons behind it)
- What to actually do when a loose dog runs up to you and your pup on trail
- The gear and visual cues (like vests and patches) that can protect anxious or reactive dogs
- Why using your dog as a "safety plan" for solo hiking needs a second look
So next time someone asks you "is your dog ready for this?", you'll have real, trail-tested answers, for both of you.
Where to learn more about Allison:
🎁 FREE GIFT: Grab the Outdoor Backpacker Starter Kit for FREE here to get started on your journey with backpacking. (shedreamsofalpine.com/adventure)
🥾 BACKPACKING COURSE WAITLIST (shedreamsofalpine.com/waitlist): This is our signature program where women who are done waiting finally get the skills, the plan, the coaching, and the community to make backpacking real. You'll learn everything you need to get out there safely and confidently — and you'll do it surrounded by 2,000+ women who are right there in the trenches with you, cheering you on every step of the way. If you've been circling this goal for a while, this is the place to finally land.
Learn more and join our waitlists for these programs here:
