By Aishe Berger

Years ago on a backpacking trip with my first dog, a Shepherd-Collie mix named Zasu, I wandered away from my campsite in search of kindling. Neophyte outdoorswoman that I was, I promptly lost my way.

There I stood, 7,000 feet up in the Sierra Nevada, unable to read a compass, uncertain of the difference between a pile of rocks and a trail marker, with evening rapidly approaching. For a few anxious moments I thought about how Zasu and I would: a) be devoured by bears, b) starve to death, or c) die of thirst.

As I lamented that the food in Zasu's backpack was far from the lamb and rice I had in mind for dinner, I noticed her sniffing the air and cocking her head curiously. Vaguely recalling "Lassie" episodes from my youth, I figured I had nothing to lose but the experience of tasting dry dog kibble. I turned to Zasu and commanded, "Home, girl!"

She promptly pointed her nose westward (or what I imagined was westward) and trotted off through the woods. I stumbled after her, and a few minutes later we were back at our campsite, where my friend Melina was heating up a freeze-dried chicken dish.

I was naive in my early days of backpacking, but the more trips Zasu and I took, the more seasoned we became. Here are some things I wish we'd known from the beginning.

Preparations

• Most dogs aren't used to the rigors of backcountry trekking. In the weeks leading up to a long trip, condition your pooch by going on shorter hikes, which will build up her stamina and toughen the pads of her paws.

• Consider your dog's health and breed when planning a trip. Toy breeds and older dogs are generally not suited for backpacking - unless they ride in the backpack.

• Make sure your dog is current on her license, vaccinations, and other medical needs, including heartworm pills and flea and tick treatment.

• Dog pack. If your dog is fully grown and in good health, she can carry between 10 and 25 percent of her body weight. Zasu carried her food and water, her portable dish, and our guidebooks. I double-bagged everything in case she ran through creeks and streams (which she did at every opportunity). Note: Breeds prone to back problems or dysplasia shouldn't carry packs.

• First aid kit. This essential should include coated aspirin, antibiotic ointment, antihistamines, a snakebite kit (if the area has poisonous snakes), and tweezers, which are great for pulling out foxtails and those dreaded ticks.

• Leashes. Take two; it's always good to have a backup. Even on a trail that allows dogs to run loose, you may find reason to keep yours leashed, especially if some fascinating wildlife is nearby.

• Extra food and water. Always factor in an extra two days' worth of dog food. If you aren't sure whether there will be watering holes along the trail, pack an extra two liters of water as well. A collapsible bowl is a great space-saver and light enough for your dog to carry in her pack.

• Skunks. If you and your dog hike and camp often, it's likely that your dog will get skunked at some point. You probably won't want to hang out with her afterward, so head directly to the nearest grocery store for tomato juice and give her a bath.

• Overheating and dehydration. I always made sure Zasu drank a lot of water and kept an eye out for signs of heatstroke, such as excessive panting and staring. If you're hiking near water and your dog seems hot, take her for a swim.

• Coyotes, bears and snakes. Outside of a leash and your dog's immediate response to vocal commands, there isn't much you can do to guarantee your dog never encounters a wild animal. Be alert, and keep your dog close by.

• Giardia. This parasite is all too common in lakes and rivers. It's dangerous for humans and dogs, though some dogs have a higher immunity than others. I'm lucky that Zasu was never exposed to it, but now I always filter my dog's water just to be safe.

If you're unsure of her outdoor behavior, I recommend taking a day trip together first to test it out. How protective or aggressive is she when other hikers appear? Always have a leash ready, and remember to be respectful of other campers and their attitudes toward dogs.

Once you're confident that your dog is healthy, strong, and responsive to your commands, you are set to leave civilization behind. Don't forget your camera for capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments - and be sure to brush up on your "Lassie" reruns for those occasions you'd rather forget.