What 14ers next with Lab
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- OldDude
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What 14ers next with Lab
Planning for next July which 14ers my dog and I might do. We did Elbert, Quandary, G&T, and Bierstadt over 8 days in July. Of these 5 I found the final boulder berm of Bierstadt to be the most challenging for the dog and in looking at trail routes I see the same, e.g. Massive, Sherman. Maybe will tackle the DeCaLiBron, reverse route, but would appreciate suggestions on others in Sawatch, Mosquito.
- SkaredShtles
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Great. Now I'm thirsty for a gin & tonic.
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Huron and Belford-Oxford are almost all dirt trail, so pretty dog-friendly. And yeah, the Mosquitoes are easier and good.
- CaptainSuburbia
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Sherman is good. Took a 20 pound dog up there with no issues. Saw lots of other dogs too.
Some day our kids will study Clash lyrics in school.
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
Re: What 14ers next with Lab
I think all the clsss 1 and 2s are within the realm of doable for most dogs. There may be some small difficulties -like you found on Bierstadt- but nothing insurmountable.
IMO Challenger and Kit Carson could be done by a dog but I would hesitate to bring one up Blanca or the other difficult class 2s.
IMO Challenger and Kit Carson could be done by a dog but I would hesitate to bring one up Blanca or the other difficult class 2s.
- OldDude
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Thanks for the tips. Found this link that is good for further research and may be helpful to others as well.
https://sites.google.com/site/colorados ... ourteeners
If only my lab weighed 20 lbs then I could just pick him up for the challenging stretches but mine hits the scales at 90 lbs. He gets no lift from me. On Bierstadt I put him off leash on that last section. He knew which line to take which was different from mine and may have saved him from injury. Plus, we both had to deal with the hordes scrambling at the top. Saturday in July not good for a peaceful hike.
Yes, SkrdShtls time for some gin.
https://sites.google.com/site/colorados ... ourteeners
If only my lab weighed 20 lbs then I could just pick him up for the challenging stretches but mine hits the scales at 90 lbs. He gets no lift from me. On Bierstadt I put him off leash on that last section. He knew which line to take which was different from mine and may have saved him from injury. Plus, we both had to deal with the hordes scrambling at the top. Saturday in July not good for a peaceful hike.
Yes, SkrdShtls time for some gin.
- CaptainSuburbia
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
No lifting on Sherman. I would recommend the Iowa Gulch side. You'll likely have the trail to yourself until the ridge.OldDude wrote:Thanks for the tips. Found this link that is good for further research and may be helpful to others as well.
https://sites.google.com/site/colorados ... ourteeners
If only my lab weighed 20 lbs then I could just pick him up for the challenging stretches but mine hits the scales at 90 lbs. He gets no lift from me. On Bierstadt I put him off leash on that last section. He knew which line to take which was different from mine and may have saved him from injury. Plus, we both had to deal with the hordes scrambling at the top. Saturday in July not good for a peaceful hike.
Yes, SkrdShtls time for some gin.
Some day our kids will study Clash lyrics in school.
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
Nothing drives people crazy like people drive people crazy.
Save Challenger Point
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Was wondering if anybody had any suggestions or must knows before going out with a dog on the trail. Obviously have to pack in pack out and bring a lot of water for the pup. But if there are any other suggestions it would be greatly appreciated! Also, I had a few questions for Christmas. The first is a backpack so he can carry his own water/food! Any suggestions?
And for the second, I'm nervous to take him on some trails because they are so rocky and I don't want him to tear up the pads on his paws. Not exactly sure because I don't think the booties or whatever they have are really an option. Does anybody have experience in this area and may have some suggestions?
And for the second, I'm nervous to take him on some trails because they are so rocky and I don't want him to tear up the pads on his paws. Not exactly sure because I don't think the booties or whatever they have are really an option. Does anybody have experience in this area and may have some suggestions?
- BillMiddlebrook
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Tons of info in the sub-forum where you posted...mattdhicks20 wrote:Was wondering if anybody had any suggestions or must knows before going out with a dog on the trail. Obviously have to pack in pack out and bring a lot of water for the pup. But if there are any other suggestions it would be greatly appreciated! Also, I had a few questions for Christmas. The first is a backpack so he can carry his own water/food! Any suggestions?
And for the second, I'm nervous to take him on some trails because they are so rocky and I don't want him to tear up the pads on his paws. Not exactly sure because I don't think the booties or whatever they have are really an option. Does anybody have experience in this area and may have some suggestions?
https://www.14ers.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=35
"When I go out, I become more alive. I just love skiing. The gravitational pull. When you ski steep terrain... you can almost get a feeling of flying." -Doug Coombs
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Took my yellow lab up Mt Princeton. It was pretty hard on her pads. They were bruised and scraped up pretty bad. Wouldn’t take her again without having some booties for her.
- two lunches
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
leave your dog at home if you aren't strong enough to self-rescue him in an emergency.
“To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles.” – Mary Davis
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Re: What 14ers next with Lab
Labs are rugged, working dogs bred for the outdoors. Unless you want to protect paws from chemicals, extreme cold or extreme heat, then booties might not only be unnecessary but also counterproductive. The bigger problem is that while dogs know their limits, because of the leash and pack mentality, they can seldom make their own decisions such as when to stop for a break, when to sip some water, when to eat or when to cool down. So if your dog is new to hiking, give him plenty of opportunities to do those things until you can read his cues.
When scrambling, I gently direct my dog with my hands, but ultimately he needs to learn how to choose his steps, so it's his decision. I obviously hold onto the leash but with enough slack to not restrict or pull him. Don't push or pull him, don't pick him up. If he won't budge, then either turn around or find an alternate line up. Remember, the immense trust your dog puts on you is damaged every time you lead him to a decision that causes him pain.
When scrambling, I gently direct my dog with my hands, but ultimately he needs to learn how to choose his steps, so it's his decision. I obviously hold onto the leash but with enough slack to not restrict or pull him. Don't push or pull him, don't pick him up. If he won't budge, then either turn around or find an alternate line up. Remember, the immense trust your dog puts on you is damaged every time you lead him to a decision that causes him pain.
Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves and half in love with oblivion