Roaming through dunes, forests, or heathlands is even more fun with your dog by your side. The Netherlands and Flanders offer plenty of dog-friendly trails. But let’s be real—there are rules, and they matter. They’re there to protect wildlife, keep the peace for other hikers, and most importantly: keep your furry friend safe. Here’s your ultimate guide to hiking responsibly with your dog. 

1. Safety First – The Basics

✨ Follow the Leash Rules

In most nature reserves, dogs are welcome, but only on-leash—unless you're in a designated off-leash area. During bird nesting season (March 15 – July 15), leashing is usually mandatory. It protects young wildlife and keeps things chill for everyone. Always check the entrance signs or the park’s website for specific rules.

🌧️ Hydration is Key

Dogs get dehydrated faster than humans, especially when they're running around. Always carry fresh water. Natural streams? Not always safe. Pro tip: stash a collapsible bowl and water bottle in your Multi-Use EDC Dog Walking Pouch—plenty of space for snacks and poop bags too!

🚨 Build Endurance Slowly

Not every pup is ready to hike for hours right away. Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance. Watch for signs of fatigue: panting, falling behind, or refusing to walk. Take breaks and don’t rush it. Also, make sure your dog is trained to walk nicely on a leash and return when called—even on leash, it’s a safety must.

☀️ Mind the Heat

Dogs can't sweat like we do, so they overheat easily. Hike early or late during hot days. Our Cooling Bandana is perfect for heatwaves—it gives up to two hours of refreshing relief and looks cute too.

2. Nature & Wildlife: How to Keep It Safe

🐺 Wildlife Encounter? Keep Your Dog Leashed

Unleashed dogs can scare or chase wild animals. Even their scent can cause stress. Some nature areas with grazing animals ban dogs altogether. If your dog’s too curious, go for the Heyday Hiker Lightweight Harness and Leash set—comfy, secure, and escape-proof.

🐺 Spotted a Wolf?

Yes, wolves are back in parts of the Netherlands and Flanders. They’re shy, but off-leash dogs can be seen as a threat. Always keep your dog close in known wolf zones. If you see one, stay calm, hold your dog tight, and let the wolf walk away.

🧜♂️ Watch for Ticks & Bugs

Ticks are everywhere—in woods, tall grass, and dunes. They can transmit Lyme disease. Protect your dog with vet-approved treatments and check their coat thoroughly after each walk. Use a Tick Removal Tool—keep one in your walking kit. Also, beware of oak processionary caterpillars and snakes (like the European adder).

💦 Avoid Stagnant Water

Summer ponds can contain blue-green algae—highly toxic for dogs. Don’t let your dog drink or swim in murky water. Instead, pack clean water or rely on a Cooling Bandana to keep things chill without the risk.

3. Adventure-Ready Gear for Dogs

• Cooling Bandana – keeps your pup cool for up to 2 hours.

• Heyday Hiker Lightweight Harness and Leash set – ergonomic, comfy, and secure.

• Heyday Explorer Leash – adjustable from 108 to 220 cm, can be worn hands-free.

• Multi-Use EDC Dog Walking Pouch – fits snacks, water, poop bags, and more.

• LED collar or light – essential for low-light hikes.

• Dog booties – protect against sharp rocks or hot ground.

4. Weather Prep: What to Expect

☀️ Hot Weather

Avoid asphalt and hot sand. Take frequent shady breaks and wet your dog’s belly, paws, and neck to cool them down.

☔️ Mud & Rain

Skip deep mud and standing water. Rinse off muddy paws afterward. Toss a towel in your bag—you’ll be glad you did.

⛰ Rocky Trails

For rocky or rough terrain, use a snug harness like the Heyday Explorer. Dog booties help prevent paw injuries.

5. Dog-Friendly Trails in the Netherlands & Flanders

Netherlands:

• Veluwe: Off-leash at Kootwijkerduin and 't Leesten.

• Loonse en Drunense Duinen: multiple off-leash trails.

• Beaches & Dunes: Off-leash allowed in winter.

• Amsterdamse Bos: big dog zones and plenty of space.

Flanders:

• Hoge Kempen National Park: off-leash areas and on-leash paths.

• Kalmthoutse Heide: limited dog access, check signs.

• Sonian Forest: dogs leashed in Flemish parts, off-leash at Groenendaal.

References  

1. Staatsbosbeheer. (n.d.). Hond in het bos. 
2. Natuur en Bos Vlaanderen. (n.d.). Regels voor honden in natuurgebieden. 
3. RIVM. (2023). Tekenbeten en de ziekte van Lyme. 
4. Vlaamse overheid. (2022). Wolf in Vlaanderen. 
5. KNMI. (2023). Hitte en dieren. 
6. Nederlandse Voedsel- en Warenautoriteit (NVWA). (2023). Blauwalgen. 
7. Universiteit Utrecht. (2021). Ziekte van Lyme bij honden.
8. Natuurmonumenten. (n.d.). Wandelroutes voor honden. 
9. Hoge Kempen Nationaal Park. (n.d.). Regels voor honden. 
10. Vlaamse Dierenartsenvereniging. (2023). Leptospirose en vaccinatie. 
11. Trimbos Instituut. (2022). Oververhitting bij honden. 
12. Stichting Natuurinformatie. (n.d.). Europese adder. 
13. BOS+. (2023). Honden in het bos. 
14. De Standaard. (2022). Wolf doodt loslopende hond in Limburg. 
15. NRC. (2022). Honden en wilde dieren: botsende belangen in het natuurbeheer.