Hiking with a dog: rules, preparation and packing list

Before you lace up your hiking boots, it is worth checking the regulations in your hiking area. Rules in Germany are far from uniform.

Lead requirements: In federal states such as Berlin, Brandenburg and Hesse, dogs must be kept on a lead in forests all year round. Bavaria has no general lead requirement in forests, although local rules imposed by municipalities or nature reserves may be stricter. Practical tip: before every hike, check the website of the relevant nature park or municipality.

National parks and protected areas: Dogs must generally be kept on leads in all German national parks. In nature reserves and bird sanctuaries, dogs almost always have to be kept on a short lead, often no longer than two metres. Some areas, such as sensitive raised bogs or bird reserves, are completely closed to dogs.

Grazing livestock: If cattle, young animals or cows with calves are in a field, keep your dog close by. Walk through the herd briskly but calmly. Important: if a cow attacks, let go of your dog if necessary so it can get out of the way.

Consideration for others: Put your dog on a lead in good time when hikers, children, cyclists or horse riders approach. On narrow sections, keep your dog beside you or at the edge of the path. Naturally, poo bags belong in your rucksack and, once used, must be taken home again.

Wildlife and breeding seasons: In spring and early summer, roughly from March to July, wildlife is particularly sensitive to disturbance. Many regions impose stricter lead requirements at this time, with increased checks by hunters and foresters. Encounters with dogs cause considerable stress for chamois, roe deer and ground-nesting birds, even when we barely see the animals ourselves.

Cable cars and public transport: Almost all gondolas and cable cars in Germany and Austria require dogs to wear a muzzle. On long-distance trains, larger dogs must be kept on a lead and wear a muzzle. Muzzles are also often compulsory on ferries, for example to the North Sea islands. If your dog is not used to one, you may face a problem at boarding.

The right gear can make the difference between an enjoyable hike and a stressful one. Here is the complete packing list, divided into three sections.

A rucksack with chest and hip straps keeps your hands free. Layered clothing: breathable, suited to the weather, with a rain jacket close at hand. Hiking boots should be sturdy and broken in, not worn for the first time on hike day. Sun protection includes a cap, sunglasses and sun cream.

For food and drink, allow at least 1.5–2 litres of water per person, and considerably more on hot days. Bring snacks such as nuts, bars or sandwiches. A map, GPS device or smartphone with offline maps and a power bank belong in every rucksack. Do not forget rubbish bags, tissues, ID and some cash.

A harness rather than a collar: a well-fitting harness with a back handle gives you control on steep sections and distributes pulling force more evenly than a collar. Also bring a lead (2–3 m) and a short lead for narrow sections or protected areas. Your dog should still wear a collar with an ID tag (name and phone number) as a backup.

Water and food: Bring a separate water bottle or drinking system for your dog, plus a collapsible bowl. Pack dry food in small portions and treats for breaks. Plan water breaks every 30–60 minutes.

Comfort and safety: A lightweight towel for drying off, a thin blanket or sleeping mat for breaks, and dog boots for sensitive paws or gravel paths. A reflective collar or flashing light is useful at dusk. Take a muzzle if one is required on public transport, in mountain huts or on cable cars. Extra tip: get your dog used to the muzzle beforehand, not on hike day.

Do not forget poo bags. Pack plenty, so you can pick up waste you come across on the trail too.

Pack two separate kits. Medicines for people can be toxic to dogs, and vice versa.

Even if your dog is bursting with energy, regular breaks matter. Stop briefly and offer water every 30–60 minutes. Short, frequent breaks are better than a few long ones. Take breaks away from narrow sections and do not block the path.

Heat and paws: Dogs regulate their body temperature almost entirely through panting and their paws. They can barely sweat. At temperatures above 25 °C, exercise becomes strenuous; above 30 °C, it can be dangerous. Choose woodland and meadow paths where possible, and avoid stretches of asphalt. Paw protection creams can help on stony ground, while specialist dog boots are useful in extreme terrain. Your dog needs to get used to them beforehand, though.

Stay on the path: Remain on marked paths to protect wildlife, nesting sites and sensitive vegetation. Cutting across open ground can disturb wildlife, cause erosion and result in fines.

Overnight stays with a dog: Many mountain huts in Germany and Austria allow dogs, and some even provide separate sleeping areas for them. This is not the case everywhere, so ask in advance. Bring a light blanket or sleeping mat for your dog to lie on inside the hut. In the dining room, keep your dog under the table and do not let them sniff around other people’s rucksacks or food.