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Huskies were built to pull sleds across frozen nothing for days. Ours were built to sprint at the first squirrel and then lie down in the creek. Either way, a trail day with two of them takes more planning than a trail day with one normal dog. This is the list we actually use. It lives on the fridge.
Before we leave the driveway
Water first. Each boy carries his own in the trail pack, and we carry a backup bottle because Luka drinks like he’s being timed. Then the bowl, the balm, the long line, and the GPS collars on and charged. If the collars aren’t charged, we don’t go. That rule came from a very long afternoon. Luka has been informed of the rule and has filed an objection.
Check the weather at the trail, not at home. Double coats and hot afternoons don’t mix, so in summer we go early or we go somewhere with water. The full version of that is in the summer post.
The checklist
- Water for the dogs, plus one backup bottle
- Collapsible bowl clipped to the pack
- Trail packs on, straps checked, nothing rubbing
- GPS collars charged and on both dogs
- Long line for the open stretches
- Paw balm, before and after
- First aid kit in the car, the small one in the pack
- Treats, poop bags, and a towel for the ride home
“We don’t get tired. We get bored. You should be far more concerned about the second one.”
Sosa, General Counsel
On the trail
Luka leads, Sosa paces. We keep both on the long line anywhere there’s wildlife, because recall is a suggestion to a husky. Water stops every half hour or so in warm weather, longer in the cool months. We watch for the signs: heavy panting, lagging, looking for shade. Sosa will just sit down. Luka will not, which is the problem.
Creek crossings are the best part of the day and the worst part of the drive home. This is why the towel is on the list.
The honest part
You will forget something. We’ve done a full hike with no bowl and poured water into a cupped hand for two dogs who looked at us like we’d failed them. The list exists because of days like that. Screenshot it, stick it on the fridge, and go.
Written by
Tracy
Behind the camera and the leashes. Perpetually outnumbered, never once in charge, and fine with it. Meet the pack →