How Milla and I experience our tours together
Milla always knows exactly when it’s time to go. At the latest when I grab the hiking rucksack, she sits down next to it — eager to see what happens next. Her tail wags incessantly, she hums with anticipation and if it takes her too long, she barks at us in encouragement. Let’s go now!
Together with my boyfriend and Milla, I am out and about on the hiking trails in the Allgäu as often as possible. It is our home and a gift every time that we can set off into the mountains right on our doorstep. It wasn’t always a given that we could go on such tours together.
Who I am and why I am writing this
My name is Joana and I live in the Allgäu. I’m out in the mountains as often as I can — preferably on long hikes. I’ve already crossed the Alps three times and I share my experiences of long-distance hiking on Instagram.
My dog Milla is also by my side more and more often — at least on the tours that are made for her. She is our little explorer on four paws and has shown me how nice it is to see the mountains through completely different eyes.
From street dog to wandering dog: our story
Milla is about four years old and originally comes from Russia. She was a street dog when she came to us via animal welfare. A shepherd-husky mix, presumably — nobody knows for sure. What we do know is that she didn’t have an easy start in life.
At first, everything was new for her: her own family, a soft dog bed, walks together. And when we went into the mountains together for the first time, the next challenges came. Narrow paths, steep climbs, encounters with cows — all of this was unfamiliar and sometimes frightening for Milla. I remember the first hikes well, when we had to show her where to step at every rocky spot.
Milla is now a safe companion. She stops at difficult places and waits for my signal. Then she shows me that she trusts me — and that’s what makes hiking with her so special.
Hiking with a dog: an experience that connects
For me, hiking with a dog is one of the best ways to be out and about together. It brings you closer together. You learn to look out for each other — and not just for yourself. Milla often shows us how much fun she has outdoors.
Sometimes she gets her typical “zoomies” on a tour: she runs in circles like crazy, hops through streams and jumps over stones. Seeing her enjoying her new life to the full is my personal highlight every time.
Can my dog go on multi-day tours?
I often hear this question. The short answer: “Yes, but it depends.”
Milla loves to be out and about for long periods of time. Our longest tour lasted three days — around 20 to 25 kilometers per day. That was no problem for her. She was fit, motivated and not even tired in the evening. But that’s not the case for every dog.
It is important that you know your dog well and assess it honestly. Multi-day hikes in the mountains are challenging for both humans and animals. My tip: start small, try out day hikes, take breaks and always pay attention to what your dog is signaling.
Our most important lessons learned from over 100 hikes with dogs
1. the right equipment
Milla wears a comfortable harness on our walks. This is particularly important when we use the tow line — that way there’s no pulling on her neck in case she takes off. We also have a simple belly harness that you can get anywhere online. It’s practical because it leaves our hands free.
2. packing list for the dog
At the top of our list: water! Especially in summer when it gets hot. Plus a few snacks for in between — hiking also costs energy for dogs.
Milla gets her usual food on the way. Important for us: a thick blanket so that she doesn’t have to lie on the cold floor. She has bladder problems, so we’re not taking any risks.
An often forgotten point: muzzles are compulsory on many mountain railroads. Milla first had to get used to it. We practiced this in small steps — today it usually works well. So: make sure you pack a muzzle if you are planning to go on the cable car!
3. encounters with cows and wild animals
Encounters with cows are simply part and parcel of hiking in the mountains — and they were a real challenge for us at first. Milla quickly got excited as soon as she spotted a herd and started barking. This naturally made the cows nervous. Anyone who has ever seen how curious (and sometimes brash) a herd of cows can be knows that this should not be underestimated.
That’s why we started practicing early on. Today, we consciously keep our distance and walk past calmly and at a steady pace. I speak quietly to Milla so that she can get her bearings and realize that there is no danger.
My most important learning: safety always comes first. For the dog — but also for the animals we meet along the way. Cows are not harmless extras on the side of the road, but animals that need to be treated with respect. The more foresighted you are, the more relaxed the situation will be for everyone involved.
Crossing the Alps with a dog — is it possible?
I haven’t yet crossed the Alps with Milla myself. But after our experiences on multi-day tours, I know that it would be possible — provided we prepare ourselves well.
If you are thinking about crossing the Alps with your dog, you should know beforehand how your dog reacts to altitude, long stages and changing surfaces.
The biggest advantage of organized tours: the planning is done. Especially when crossing the Alps, the search for dog-friendly accommodation can be a challenge. With a planned tour, you know right from the start where your dog is welcome.
Nevertheless, crossing the Alps is not for beginners. You and your dog should have experience with longer hikes and the terrain.
My conclusion: start small, dream big
I can only recommend it: Try it out! Start with easy tours, get to know your dog on hikes and slowly build up. For us, hiking has long been more than just exercise. It’s time spent together that has brought us even closer together.
When Milla sits excitedly next to the rucksack today and looks at us in a challenging way, we know: We are traveling as a team.
Author: Joana Breyton Image rights frameduo.com
Contact: info@frameduo.com
Booking reference:
Hiking with a dog: adventures on four paws and two legs:
- Crossing the Alps on the Maximiliansweg 1 incl. luggage transfer Challenging, varied 8‑day hike through the Allgäu from Lake Constance to Füssen and Forggensee
- 3 lakes short tour
- Active but relaxed 3‑day hikes around the Tegernsee, Schliersee, Spitzingsee with views and plenty of refreshment on the dog beach.
- Alpine crossing Tegernsee-Sterzing
Hike through picturesque scenery from Lake Tegernsee via Lake Achensee and the Zillertal valley to Sterzing in South Tyrol.