Exploring the Outdoors with Your Dog: A Guide to Responsible Hiking

Hiking with your dog is one of the greatest things you can do together, especially when you live in a country like Switzerland, where beautiful mountains, lakes, forests, and flower meadows are just in your backyard! Spending time in nature is not just a great way to exercise your dog, it is also a great for mental stimulation, in the mountains there are a lot of smells and different terrain which  is great for mental stimulation, agility and balance which are important for physical wellbeing as well as confidence and bonding with your dog. For us humans I don’t think there is anything better than seeing your dog happy running through the mountains, simply enjoying life.

Both nature and dogs have a special place in my heart. As many of you who know me are aware, we spend a lot of time in the outdoors with our pets. In winter this could be snowy hikes, sledding and skiing while in summer we often go for long hikes, camping and swimming in these beautiful crystal clear (but absolutely freezing) alpine lakes. Being able to do these things with my dogs has been an absolute privilege.

As  a biologist, I care a lot about the environment, ecosystems, and wildlife that make up these beautiful places we are lucky to call home. And these beautiful ecosystems can be as fragile as they are resilient. With the ongoing and pressing global crisis of climate and environmental change, it is more important than ever to enjoy these privileges, while respecting and protecting nature.

Switzerland’s ecosystems are home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including many protected species, and while we are lucky to have such easy access to nature, it is our responsibility to make sure that we do not harm it.

Hiking with dogs, if not done responsibly, can have unintended consequences on the environment. Dogs, as much as we love them, can disrupt wildlife if not managed properly. Dogs are natural predators and off leash dogs can cause serious stress and endanger wild animals, particularly during breeding seasons for grownd dwelling birds and mammals.

Many species rely on undisturbed environments to nest and raise their young, and an unexpected encounter with a dog can lead to abandoned nests or even injuries to vulnerable animals. Swiss laws and regulations require dogs to be leashed during the growing season which is from April until July and in many forests and nature reserves to protect these fragile habitats. The presence of off-leash dogs can trigger a predator-prey response in wildlife, causing unnecessary stress and energy expenditure that can be detrimental to their survival.

Another big issue is dog waste. While some may believe that leaving dog feces in nature is harmless, I mean other animals poop in natrue too right? That is true, however, dogs, especially with the amount of dogs that there are, are not part of the natural environment. Dog waste can introduce harmful bacteria, excessive nitrogen, and other imbalances to the environment, which can negatively affect plant life as well as causing wildlife to move out of these areas due to the clear presence of predators. This is particularly problematic in touristy areas and along popular hiking trails, where the accumulation of dog waste can significantly impact biodiversity and water quality. Additionally, dogs may spread diseases to local wildlife.

Switzerland takes conservation seriously, with numerous efforts dedicated to preserving its natural landscapes and biodiversity. National parks, wildlife protection zones, and strict environmental regulations help maintain the country’s rich ecosystems. Initiatives such as reforestation projects, wildlife corridors, and leash laws all play a crucial role in minimizing human and pet impact on nature. These measures ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy Switzerland’s breathtaking landscapes while allowing wildlife to thrive in their natural habitats.

Suzanne, Lea and Rosie with a view of Schwellisee, Arosa.