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What is Dog Trekking?

Dog trekking is an outdoors cross-country sport that can be done with any dog as long as it is fit for walking (dogs have to be able to walk the course themselves and cannot be carried) in which dog and handler cover long distances in a set time limit.

Participants develop personal skills in orienteering and map reading and it also develops the dog / handler bond as well as  a team play between them.

Races are usually organised in nature reserves, mountains or around natural places of interest. The handler and dog are connected by a harness, belt and line that are specifically designed for pulling. This is similar to sledding equipment and is used for the sport of canicross as well. A lead and flat collar is also acceptable and can be swapped with the harness at any time in the race.

Dogs are allowed to carry backpacks but should not carry more than a third of their own bodyweight. Dogs cannot be let off the lead at any time during the race.

Official dog trekking races are organised for 100km or more with usually on outdoor sleep-over. Races can be split into parts, with a different start and finish point or they may have a set time limit and check points that dog and handler have to reach in a time decided by the organisers. If the team don't meet the checkpoints in time their race is over.

The organisers number can always be called in the event of an emergency or retirement and they will come and pick up the team.

During part-time races the minimum length is 40 km and as a result the participants need to rely on their own strength and have to sign a contract to say that they are entering the competition at their own risk and take full responsibility for their own and their dogs safety.

Each person has to carry equipment that has been listed by the organiser; this will include items such as water, food, a first-aid kit and headtorch. A list of equipment and a full itinery is sent to the participants in advance.