Should I take my puppy hiking?

dobeguy · 08-05-2008, 10:33 PM

Ok, I am in a bit of a conundrum here. I am getting my pup late this week, but me and my brothers have booked a vacation full of canoeing, boating, fishing, hiking etc... I don't want to leave my pup at home because my Dad is away on business, mom works and my sister works as well, and I don't want her to be alone 4-7 hrs a day. Fortunately, the resort I am staying at is pet friendly, so i can bring her along, but I have a few concerns maybe some of you can help me out with.

1) Can an 11 week old pup physically go hiking? I will give her some breaks throughout of course, and no forced exercise on hard surfaces, but I certainly do not want to do anything that can hurt her in the long run?

2) I am a little worried about her catching some kind of virus/parvo or something like that. When I get her she will have a parvo/distemper/hepatitis shot and than I would like to get her boosted at 11 weeks before we go. So taking that into consideration will she be safe? Are there any other shots I should give her? Considering she will be surrounded by wildlife.

At the end of the day I really want to take her because she will meet alot of new people, get to spend some time swimming, on a canoe, boat, and see a lot of neat things and a few interesting smells as well.

Thanks.

Julie W · 08-05-2008, 11:02 PM

I personally wouldn't recommend it. New puppy in a new environment without many shots going on a physically and emotionally draining trip...just not a good combo. Also, hiking with an 11 week old puppy is IMO too much to ask of them. I would be looking at alternatives, possibly the breeder babysitting or just not picking the puppy up until you come back?

dobeguy · 08-05-2008, 11:42 PM

I don't think I can wait another few weeks. Leaving her with the breeder for a few days is definitely a possibility though. Also, I might just forget the hiking. I can focus on activities around the resort, which would be less physically taxing.