NAWP Dog Additional Info
Backcountry: a hike that is void of service roads, typically woodland trails but also other terrain where vehicles do not travel. * Hikes may be part backcountry, and part service road. Count the backcountry miles portion of these hikes to help you fulfill the required miles.Elevation Gain: An elevation gain of 1000’ feet can be counted as one hiked mile. 1500’ can be counted as 1.5 miles, and so on. Increments between the 500’ marks are not counted.Tracking Miles: Use your GPS, or an official map with mileage scale to determine hiking miles. When using GPS, a photo of start and finish must accompany hike verification information, plus screen shot of total miles.
Dog Weight: Dogs must be weighed on a veterinary scale prior to first hike, and then once a month on a vet scale or prior to each hike on any other available scale. Dog weight must be indicated on hike verification, and when/where weight was taken.Dog Age: Age of dog is based on actual birthdate of dog. In the case of dogs who are not registered and date of birth is unknown, veterinary documentation must be submitted. This is to keep dogs with developing joints from becoming injured by overuse on the trail and carrying weight.Dog Eligibility: All dogs, of all breeds, are eligible to participate providing they meet the age requirements and are healthy. Dogs with mobility issues should have a certificate from their veterinarian stating they are capable of participation. Registration with a breed association is not required. Spay/Neuter is not required.
Pack Weight: The weight of the pack and contents counts towards pack weight. Weight must be taken prior to each hike. Dead weight such as rocks are not allowed. Weight should include useful items such as water, food, poop bags, and whatever else you would carry with you backpacking. Packs will weigh less at the end of your hike as you use supplies from it.Trail Identification: A minimum of two photos of trail signs and geographic markers must be submitted, along with a paper map with arrows indicating route taken.Stewardship: All owners must pledge to clean up and pack out any fecal matter produced by their dogs, or carry a shovel and bury it. All dogs MUST be leashed where required. Anyone found to be breaking these rules will be removed from the program.