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Hiking with dog

Travelling with your best friend

Man's best friend, man's best hiking partner. Hiking with your dog strengthens the already close connection between master or mistress and your four-legged friend even more. To make every hike a true success for people and animals alike, there are a few points to consider, which we would like to explain at this point.

Chosing the right hiking route

Just as with humans, the walking route for the dog should be chosen according to age, health and fitness level. Basically, young dogs should have completed the growth phase before they are taken on hikes. A rule of thumb: the dog should be at least one year old. To prepare for the first hiking adventures together, longer walks are very helpful – as your four-legged friend continuously builds up physical condition and sure-footedness.

Ultimately, of course, the choice of hiking route depends on the dog breed itself: with a breed that loves to run, such as a Labrador or Border Collie, longer distances can be covered than with a Dachshund or Poodle. Not only the distance of a hike is decisive, you should also keep an eye on the difference in altitude that you have to cover, so that you don't overexert your dog.

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What else you should consider when hiking with a dog

Excellent planning is half the battle: this also applies to hiking with your dog. Before setting off on a hike with your four-legged friend, you should find out whether there are sufficient sources of water along the route. In order to avoid nasty surprises, you should also research whether there are tricky climbing passages on the hiking trail. In case of multi-day hiking tours with overnight stays at a hut, you have to make sure if dogs are allowed in the hut.

Spring and autumn are the best times of year to hike with your dog. Especially on hot summer days, there is a risk of heat stroke for your four-legged friend - accordingly, you should avoid the hottest days in the summer months. There is also a general danger to humans and animals if there are free-ranging cows or grazing cattle! The 10 rules of conduct for alpine pasture visitors, which you can find HERE at the bottom of the page, explain how to behave correctly on alpine pasturelands and in mountain areas.

Aiming high with your dog

If you want to venture into the majestic mountain world of Ötztal together with your dog, but want to save yourself (and your four-legged friend) the arduous ascent, you can use the comfy summer mountain lifts in Tirol's longest side valley. Dogs are allowed to ride on 11 of the 12 mountain lifts that are in summer operation. Once arrived on the upper alpine floor of the valley, myriad panoramic and high-altitude trails await you - which suit people and animals alike. By the way: dogs are also allowed on the scheduled buses throughout the valley.

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Dog-friendly accommodations

Anyone who enjoys longer hikes also needs enough sleep, of course - this applies equally to four-legged friends and two-legged buddies. Dogs are very welcome in over 500 accommodations spread across Ötztal. In our accommodation list you will find a huge choice of accommodation types such as hotels or guesthouses, where pets are welcome.

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Frequently asked questions about hiking with dogs

Ötztal is a popular holiday destination for all two- and four-legged friends. Hiking with dogs is possible here on many routes of all levels of difficulty - from leisurely walks to challenging mountain tours. You can find the perfect tour for you and your dog in the overview of hiking routes in Ötztal. Thanks to the practical filter functions, you are guaranteed to find the perfect route in Ötztal for your hike with your dog.

Hiking with dogs requires good planning to ensure a pleasant experience for both humans and animals. It's especially important to bring enough water. During the summer months and on sunny trails (e.g., above the treeline), the water demand increases significantly. Depending on the length of the hike, treats or dog food should also be included in your backpack. Additionally, when hiking with a dog, you should pack the following equipment: leash, harness (for navigating obstacles), muzzle (for public transportation), bowl, and a small first-aid kit.

When hiking with dogs, there are some basic rules to follow to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. In nature, especially in nature reserves, the rule is to leave places as you found them. This means that all trash and food scraps must be taken with you. The same applies to dog waste and poop bags – these must also be disposed of properly. Additionally, there is generally a leash requirement in outdoor areas (except for designated off-leash zones). In public transportation, dogs must wear a muzzle.

Not only do humans love to spend their summer vacation in the Ötztal, but the loyal four-legged friends also enjoy the pristine nature, varied trails, and water sources along the way. That's why you'll often encounter other dog owners with their furry companions while hiking in Ötztal. Owners can also connect with other two- and four-legged friends in their accommodations. Over 500 lodgings in Ötztal welcome pets. You can find an overview of all accommodations in Ötztal in our accommodation list.