I take my dog to the mountains

What are the best mountains to hike with your dog? What to take in your backpack to go to the mountains with your dog? How to find accommodation that accepts dogs in the mountains? I'm telling you all that!

Flowery meadows, rivers of clear water, snowfields, the tinkling of bells around the necks of Abondances or Montbéliardes... Did you recognize them? Welcome to the mountain!

This summer, take your dog on vacation with you and let him discover the joys of the mountains! Gain altitude and go to the Alps, Auvergne, the Vosges, the Jura or the Pyrenees.

Today, most vacation rentals accept pets for an additional charge to be paid locally. You can easily find spacious and practical accommodation there, such as a house with a garden, an individual chalet or an apartment with a balcony: ideal for your stay in the mountains! Your dog can feel like in his doghouse!

He will love to run freely in these wide open spaces and share moments of complicity with the whole family.

In the mountains: hike!

There are some tips to follow to share great adventures with your dog in the mountains. First of all, be aware that national or even regional parks and certain nature reserves are not authorized for dogs, even on a leash, in order to preserve the fauna and flora.

Select your route according to your dog. Is he more sporty or homebody? Depending on his age, weight and physical condition, you will have to adapt so that he takes as much pleasure as you do. Hike with your dog, it's getting ready. Little tip: some ski lifts operate in the summer and accept your dog on board. Do not suffer any more on the way up 😉

Musher and I are mountain lovers in summer and winter alike. This summer we are going to discover the Jura normally. And you? Already have a destination in mind?

One last note: if your dog has a developed hunting instinct, watch out for groundhogs. If he doesn't have a good recall, you'll need to keep him on a leash to prevent him from disturbing them.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of mountain areas where dogs are tolerated.

Le Vercors massif : Dogs are allowed in the Vercors Regional Nature Park but prohibited in the Vercors Highlands Nature Reserve.
Le Chartreuse massif : The Chartreuse regional park authorizes the presence of dogs but the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve prohibits their presence. An idea for a walk: the Belvedere of Nonne (1198m) or the Prairie de Girieux (1280m).
Le Belledonne massif : Dogs are allowed throughout the massif. An idea for a walk: the Lac de la Balmette (2084m).
Le Vanoise massif : Dogs are prohibited in the heart of the Vanoise National Park but are authorized in the membership area, ie on the outskirts. An idea for a walk: Pointe Rousse (2806m).
Le Ecrins massif : Dogs are prohibited in the heart of the Écrins National Park but authorized to circulate, kept on a leash, in certain places such as in the Gioberney and Fouronnière car parks at Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, at the Pré de Mme Carle in Pelvoux, at the Dormillouse car park in Freissinières, in the Confolens-le-Bas car park in Périer, on the Enver road in La Grave, on the Vieux Chaillol track in Villar Loubière and on the access path to the Selle refuge in Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans.

And if you tested the cani-rando? It is a very nice activity to share with your dog. Connected by traction equipment such as cani-cross equipment, you set off to climb the passes together. I love going to the mountains with my dog. We very often leave for hikes of a few days and we sleep in bivouac. My dog carries his things in his dog backpack. Want to know more about this type of equipment? I recommend the article dedicated to the subject: My dog also has his hiking bag.

Your backpack is ready?

Have you thought about equipment for the dog ? Add to your backpack: a bowl, a quantity of water varying according to the heat and the difficulty of the hike chosen, a first aid kit adapted to your pet and some treats. Don't forget his leash and collar.

In the mountains, you will very often come across herds roaming free, make sure your dog stays away, especially if a patou, herd protection dog, watch over them!

Your dog will be able to walk in total freedom at your side if he has a very good recall. The mountain is an extraordinary playground, but you have to know how to respect the places and some terrain can be dangerous... If the doggie is not very obedient, opt for cani-rando. Rather than keeping him on a leash, which will quickly become boring for him and for you, equip him with a pulling harness with an elastic lanyard connected to a cani cross belt ou harness for you. Thus equipped, you are free!

Practical reminder to book your accommodation

Before any reservation, for a week or simply a weekend in the mountains, it is important to inquire and check the conditions of acceptance of tourist residences or other accommodation in order to choose the right destination. Check carefully on the accommodation sheet you choose: