The Ultimate Guide to MTB With Your Dog
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Photo: Sterling Lorence
There are few things better than dropping into a perfect ribbon of singletrack. But sharing that experience with your stoked, four-legged best friend running alongside you? That’s next level. Turning your pup into a certified trail dog is an incredible bonding experience, but it’s not as simple as just opening the car door at the trailhead. It takes patience, training, and putting their safety above all else. Here’s how to do it right.
Is Your Dog Trail-Ready?
Before you even think about hitting the dirt, you need to be honest about your dog’s ability. First, your pup should be fully grown, to ensure they can handle the impact of running. They also shouldn’t be too old. Your dog needs to be in good shape and ready for distance A quick check-in with your vet is always a good idea.
Some breeds are also better suited for endurance running. Herding and sporting dogs like border collies, aussies, and retrievers are top breeds for adventure buddies. Breeds like pugs and bulldogs can struggle with breathing and overheating and should stick to the backyard. Most importantly, a good trail dog needs a solid temperament—eager to please, not easily distracted, and friendly toward other people and animals.
Trail Comes First
Once you’ve confirmed your pup's up for the challenge, it’s time to lay the foundation for safe, responsible trail running. Your dog’s safety, and the safety of everyone else on the trail, hinges on a few commands. Before you go anywhere, your dog must have a near-perfect recall. When you yell "Come!" they need to return immediately, no questions asked. "Leave it" is just as critical for avoiding encounters with wildlife, other dogs, or trailside trash.
Once your dog is solid on the basic off-leash rules, you can start training them on trail etiquette. Start slow. Walk new trails on foot first to let them get used to the sights and smells. Once your dog masters recall, stays close, and behaves around hikers, other dogs, and wildlife, then you're ready for your first ride, pick a short, easy loop and keep the pace mellow. Keep it short, positive, and end with a ton of praise- start with short, 10-minute sessions based on their attention span, and always end on a high note.
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Photo: Gator and Nuthin
Must-Have Gear
A Good Harness: Never use a leash attached to a collar, which can choke a dog when they're running hard. A comfortable, non-restrictive harness is key.
Water & Bowl: Your dog will need more water than you think. Pack extra and carry a lightweight, collapsible bowl.
Dog First-Aid & Paw Salve: Be prepared with a small kit that includes essentials like antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers for splinters or ticks. It can be common for dogs to rip their paw pads so using paw salve can help to prevent this.
Rules of the Trail
Remember, you and your pup are a team, and you’re responsible for being good ambassadors for all trail dogs.
Yield to Everyone: Your team is at the bottom of the totem pole. Yield the trail to hikers, horses, and other bikers. Keep your dog close and under control when passing.
Know the Leash Laws: Respect the local rules. It’s always a good idea to check trail websites for pet rules.
Leave No Trace: This one is simple. Pack. It. Out. All of it.
Listen to Your Dog: This is the most important rule. Learn to read their body language. If they’re lagging behind, panting excessively, or showing any signs of fatigue or injury, the ride is over. The goal is to finish with a happy, healthy dog who can’t wait for the next adventure.
Photo: Katie Bennett
Trail dogs don’t happen overnight—but put in the time, and you’ll have the ultimate adventure partner by your side (or just behind your rear tire). Respect the trail, listen to your pup, and always prioritize fun and safety over mileage. Because at the end of the day, nothing beats the pure joy of bombing singletrack with your best friend wagging behind you.
