Practice good pet-iquette. The excitement (and the smells!) of a hike can make even the most obedient dog go a little wild, so keep him safely leashed. In fact, many state and national parks and forests require leashes. In places where off-leash hiking is allowed, don’t let him out of your sight. Call him back when approaching other hikers because not everyone wants a dog nosing them.

If your dog goes poo, pick it up and carry it out. Or dig a “cat hole” six inches deep and cover it. And never let him harass wildlife. It may seem like great fun to him, but it won’t go well in the case of critters such as venomous snakes, porcupines, alligators, or bears.