Getting fit and close to mother nature has made hiking a popular hobby. Having your pet furry trail following beside you makes double the fun and excitement. That is IF you had prepared to share all the fun with your pet dog.

Keep safe and don't risk it if a trail has been rumored to have a Bear or Burmese Python sighting or Cougar. Seeing your pup or dog become snake-chow in front of you is not worth the risk. Just ask the Ex-pat who 'beat' up the big python that got her dog in its deadly embrace, dogs went missing on the very same trail weeks before.
 
Make sure your dog is highly sociable since the trail never runs out of other hikers seeking for the peace you sought after yourself. An unsociable dog makes a stressful hike with you having to be jumping out of your skin every time your pet barks. Besides a yapper pet disturbs the peace.

Be sensitive to your pet's disposition for hints of discomfort. A group of mountain bikers thought it cute that their Terrier kept pace uphill 10 minutes into the trek only to collapse in heat exhaustion- they forgot to let her have a drink and trek under shade.

If possible trek along any body of water-brook, stream, river, places with lush vegetation. The availability of water is vital for your pet- it would need to drink. You can have fun and wade or take a dip (make sure there are no crocodiles though) in with your pet.

Make sure to have a picnic pack stashed in your back-pack and some treats in your pocket. This is  practical- like popcorn in a movie house, for survival- just in case you get lost and as insurance that your pet will keep close and not wander off (the treat smell can be scent it can track IF it does stray into the bush).