My name is Adèle, I'm 28 years old. I arrived in Toulouse in 2018 for my studies, and I never left 🙂 I've always wanted a dog, as there was always one at home. I wanted an athletic dog, capable of keeping up with me in the mountains, and I quickly settled on a Border Collie. After quite a bit of research on breeders, several phone calls, and a meeting with his breeder, Loki was born.
Find Loki on Instagram: @loki.explorer
How has hiking changed your relationship? Do you feel Loki is different in the mountains?
Loki loves exploring, sniffing, and scrambling everywhere. He especially loves going to the mountains because there are lots of smells, plenty of space, and rocks to perch on. He thrives there, and it shows in his behavior: he never wanders off, and he listens to what I ask of him. I know I can trust him in the mountains because his needs are met there.
At what age did you start taking him hiking?
At 3 months old! With a baby carrier, on a short hike 🙂 He walked a little, but we mostly carried him. He even fell asleep in the carrier. Otherwise, we really started around 10 months, gradually introducing hills.
Have you ever experienced a particularly powerful or moving moment with him while hiking?
Yes, in August 2024, we climbed to the highest point in the Ariège region, reaching three peaks over 3,000 meters high: Montcalm, Pica d'Estats, and Verdaguer. It was a goal I had set for us a year earlier, and I knew it would be difficult, since it involved climbing 2,000 meters in a single day (most mountain huts don't allow dogs). We did it. It was tough for both of us… but it was incredible.
Top 3 hikes to do with a dog in the Pyrenees
Here are three hikes that I recommend to anyone who wants to go hiking with their dog:
-
Comte Pond (Mérens-les-Vals)
Ideal for beginners: stunning scenery and an accessible hike. Accessible by train from Toulouse. -
The Médécourbe pond (from Soulcem)
Perfect for dogs: the route is dotted with water points, very useful in summer. -
The Tarbésou Peak
An accessible summit offering a magnificent view, perfect for a first “real” summit with your partner.
Tips for hiking with your dog
If you'd like to get started, here are a few recommendations:- Don't go alone on your first hikes.
- Bring enough water for both of you.
- Choose easy routes to start with.
- Check the weather forecast and any access restrictions (presence of Pyrenean Mountain Dogs, no dogs allowed, etc.).
- Be attentive to herds and guard dogs.
As for equipment, I recommend a special dog water bottle: it allows you to collect uneaten water and avoid waste. But ideally, choose routes with streams or lakes so your dog can cool off naturally.
A little extra: treats, an essential item not to forget
To make hiking a rewarding and motivating experience for your dog, consider packing some treats in your bag! They can be used to reinforce good behavior, distract attention in case of a sensitive encounter, or simply to reward them after exercise.
