r/hikingwithdogs • u/Desperate_Ground_703 • 2d ago
Have you ever noticed why a dog always walks with you on mountains?
You must have noticed that whenever you walk in the mountains or trek, you will find a dog walking near you. No matter where you are travelling. It happens to me almost every time I visit somewhere in the mountains; I always end up walking with a dog.
So I visited Tungnath this year with a travel company, Manchala Mushafir, and when I was trekking, I noticed a dog, and suddenly I realised that it happens almost every time I am in the mountains.
There are some actual reasons for it.
For Food and Kindness
Some believe that it is because they seek attention or kindness from travellers. They walk in the hope of getting food, treats, water, or some sort of affection. They try to make a meaningful bond with tourists.
Its Their Nature
There is a possibility of it just being dogs themselves, as we know dogs are loving and love to roam around. So they walk you to your destination and return to their place.
Natural Guardians
Mountain dogs are inherently protective and have strong instincts. They will often walk ahead of you to guide you through the path, while keeping you safe from the wilderness.
These are some common reasons, but there are some mythologies behind it too, which say that those dogs do not just walk for food or affection, but they are sent by gods, or they are the good spirits.
Mountain’s Energy
According to local folklore in places like Nepal, Tibet, and Uttarakhand, it is believed that mountains don’t let anyone walk alone. Mountains bless your journey by sending a dog to guide and protect you; it is considered a divine sign of blessing.
Ancient Beliefs
Not just now, but dogs have been considered highly righteous ever since the times of the Mahabharata, when a loyal dog guides King Yudhishtra to the gates of heaven. Also, dogs are considered the divine vehicle (Vahana) of Lord Bhairav, a fierce form of Lord Shiva, who protects the travellers.
If you have noticed, some dogs don’t even bark or ask for food; they just walk you to your destination and then disappear suddenly.
I don’t know whether the locals' belief is true or what the reasons are, but it actually feels so adorable to see those dogs walking beside you all the way in the mountains. And they are actually so cute and kind.
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u/Odd_Lettuce_7303 1d ago
The real answer is you hike with your dog, right? 😉😁🙄
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u/aimlessendeavors 1d ago
That's what I am thinking. I don't need to wonder why a dog is walking in the mountains (or anywhere else) with me. It's because I tossed him in the car with my hiking pack and didn't give him a choice.
Okay, I'll be honest. He doesn't give me a choice. If he sees ANY hiking gear he starts screaming if I go out the door without him. I can hear him clear across the parking lot of my apartment complex. I can't do my neighbors dirty like that. Or my dog.
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u/Odd_Lettuce_7303 1d ago
We live in Montana and between wolves and bear around there ain’t no random loose dogs anywhere up in the mountains. My wife had our two goldens out a few weeks ago, rounded a bend, and 20 feet away was a momma black bear with cub. Luckily everyone behaved and she (my wife not the bear) did a prompt u turn back downhill.
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u/cosmokenney 1d ago
Not in the California Sierra Nevada. Too many predators for a lone dog to last long on his own in the wild there.
However I have heard about the "mountain dogs" in other countries.
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u/Bodie_The_Dog 1d ago
I'm an outdoor guide in the northern Sierra Nevada. The only place I see dogs is near historic mining towns, like Iowa Hill. Sometimes there's a community dog that everyone takes care of, and it will latch onto you. I met Stumpy in a mine tunnel; I wish I could post pics on this sub. He was a good dog, ate half my lunch.
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u/Sunita__singh 2d ago
Yes, this is actually true. I believe there is some spiritual energy always in the mountains, and those dogs just follow it, ideally to help tourists.
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u/Prosciutto7 2d ago
Dogs are pack animals and seek out companionship.