DOG HIKING TIPS
- It is very helpful that dogs are trained to heel and have recall.
- When encountering people on the trails, put dog on a sit stay to let people pass
- DO NOT leave dog poop on trails AND rest stops. If dog poops on trail, pick up and relocate a distance from areas that hikers use. NEVER leave poop in rest stops or nearby areas because these are areas where climbers eat, rest and nap. Be considerate.
- Body harness and flat collar are recommended. DO NOT use choker chains. Use prong collars if dog tends to pull excessively.
- Depending on your dog's toilet schedule, don't feed dog the night or the morning before the climb.
- Bring kibbles and water. Bring bowl (collapsible bowls, dog drinking dispenser).
- Water sprays are useful in cooling down dogs. Wet bandanas around dog's neck are also helpful.
- Bring muzzles just in case (agitation muzzles or the light plastic basket kind so as not to restrict breathing)
- Handler should be capable to carry dog in the event of an injury.
GENERAL HIKING TIPS
CLOTHING - Be prepared for any change in weather (bring rain gear, follow principles in layering of clothes)
- Wear clothing with light, durable and easily driable material
- Long pants, sleeved shirts and closed shoes are preferred over shorts, sandos and sandals. (for activities with waterworks, bring hiking sandals. Slippers are fine but bring extra in case you lose them.)
- Do not wear camouflage, fatigue or anything that resembles a military uniform
- Secure eyewear with necklace attachment
- Waterproof valuables
- Always bring change of clothes
- Bring sun protection: e.g., sunscreen lotion, wide-brimmed hats, arm sleeves, folding umbrella
FOOT CARE - Hiking shoes and sandals are recommended. Use running or crosstraining shoes if hiking footwear is not available. DO NOT WEAR basketball shoes!!!
- Clip toe nails at least a week before the hike.
- Make sure shoes have at least an inch of extra space in the front.
- For those into badminton or basketball, knee supports are your savior.
NOURISHMENT - Bring trail food (chocolate, nuts, raisins, Jelly-Ace - high carbs, high protein)
- For liquids, sports drinks (Gatorade) are preferred.
- For dayhikes, bring packed lunch plus extra snacks for emergency.
WASTE DISPOSAL
- Bring plastic bag for your trash. No littering on the mountain. Whatever you bring in, you should bring out with you: uneaten food, food wrappers and empty water bottles included.
- Do not dispose your trash at local villagers' garbage bins/pits. Dump trucks do not collect garbage from remote rural areas like they do in the city and at your own homes.
- Ashes and cigarette butts should be disposed in a covered container and carried out with you. Smoke only where it is safe; i. e., in a cleared area. No smoking while trekking.
MORE IMPORTANT TIPS! - Bring change and small bills.
- ALWAYS bring an identification card
- ALWAYS bring first-aid kit.
- Bring flashlights and extra batteries.
- Use backpacks. Keep hands free.
- Improve immune resistance by taking vitamins at least two weeks before the hike.
***More items to be added...
