Hiking with your dog in the Dolomites
A hiking holiday with your dog in the Dolomites of South Tyrol is a fantastic idea. However, as a responsible owner, you must keep a few tips in mind to ensure that the time spent on vacation and hiking is enjoyable for both you and your four-legged friend. We reveal how to turn hikes in the Dolomites—on two legs and four—into unforgettable experiences in nature that further strengthen the bond between human and dog.
South Tyrol with its fantastic mountains and many dog-friendly accommodations is perfect for a hiking holiday with a dog.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtHiking Holiday with Your Dog in South Tyrol
South Tyrol, with its breathtaking nature and well-marked network of hiking trails, is the perfect destination for an unforgettable holiday with your dog. Additionally, South Tyrol boasts numerous dog-friendly accommodations, such as dog hotels or holiday apartments where animals are welcome.
Before traveling with your dog to South Tyrol, it's essential to check the entry regulations and legal requirements in Italy and South Tyrol, including the European pet passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination. A well-trained dog that reliably responds to commands makes your life and holidays (especially hiking ones) much easier and more relaxing.
If you are touring South Tyrol with your dog, there are a few things to bear in mind, such as the compulsory use of a lead.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtOut and About with Your Dog in South Tyrol
In public places in South Tyrol (as in all of Italy), it is mandatory to keep your dog on a leash (maximum length 1.5 m) and carry a muzzle. If there's sufficient space, you can bring your dog on all regional public transport. Small dogs and guide dogs for the blind can travel for free and without a muzzle, while all others require a valid ticket and must wear a muzzle. Cable cars also admit dogs: it's advisable to inquire in advance about the specific rules of the cable car in question.
In midsummer, it can get very warm on sunny rock faces, even at high altitudes.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtTravel Period & Weather
In our opinion, the best period for a hiking holiday with your dog in the Dolomites is from mid-June to early July and from late August to late September. May and October can also be good travel months, but at high altitudes, there may still be (or already be) snow, and many alpine huts might be closed.
During the last three weekends of July and the first three of August, the trails of the Dolomites are particularly crowded, and with the sun, it can get hot even on alpine pastures and peaks. Therefore, in summer, it's important to start hikes early to take advantage of the cooler morning hours for the ascent.
Route Planning
When planning hikes with your dog, consider both your physical condition and assess what your furry friend can handle—depending on their health, age, and size. It's advisable to train before the holiday, gradually increasing the difficulty.
Long and challenging hikes are not suitable for: puppies (who can enter Italy only from 15 weeks of age), senior dogs, and certain breeds like pugs (due to respiratory issues).
In addition to physical endurance, also consider your dog's ability to handle difficult passages, such as sections with fixed ropes or metal ladders. It's essential to plan for sufficient breaks. Whether with or without a dog, it's always important to check the weather, opening hours of refuges, and trail conditions to avoid unpleasant or dangerous situations.
The fitness and age of the dog must be taken into account when planning the tour.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtEquipment & Supplies
Here's the checklist for your dog's hiking equipment:
- Sufficient water
- Collapsible travel bowl
- Snacks and food
- Harness or leash
- Muzzle
- First aid kit (disinfectant, bandages, paw protection, tick tweezers & nail clippers)
- Waste bags
- European pet passport
- Towel to dry your dog and blanket for breaks – not essential, but useful
For you: suitable hiking boots and functional clothing (layered system). Don't forget a water bottle, supplies, mobile phone, first aid kit, spare clothes, sun and rain protection.
Also useful: map and compass, gloves and hat, pocket knife, headlamp, and emergency blanket.
As a dog owner, you must of course also think about your dog when packing your rucksack.
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Give your dog and yourself a break from time to time: you can then admire the Dolomite panorama.
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In addition to the Dolomites, there are many other beautiful regions in South Tyrol for hiking with dogs.
Internet Consulting | Adam UngerichtSafety & Respect
As mentioned, in South Tyrol, leashing is mandatory, but it's particularly important that your dog doesn't chase wildlife or approach grazing animals. However, if an attack by a cow or other grazing animal seems imminent, immediately release your dog from the leash: grazing animals perceive the dog as a threat and, when free, it can escape more easily.
Respect others, both in alpine huts and in the city: some, especially children, may be afraid of dogs. Always keep an eye on them. And finally: don't leave your dog's waste on the trail; carry it with you until the next bin using the appropriate bags.
Picco di Vallandro: Our Recommendation for Experienced Hikers and Dogs
Lastly, a route suggestion in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park: those like Adam and his Australian Shepherd Apache, who are fit and not afraid of a short section equipped with a fixed rope, will be rewarded during the hike from Plätzwiese to Dürrenstein with a dreamlike Dolomite panorama.
If you and your dog are well-trained but not too confident on exposed terrain, you can easily avoid the last 50 meters to the summit and stop at the secondary summit: even from there, you enjoy a breathtaking view of Rotwand, the Three Peaks, and other famous Dolomite peaks.
Already the pre-summit of the Dürrenstein offers a fantastic view of the Hohe Gaisl and other imposing Dolomite peaks.
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