Dogs are great companions in the outdoors -- but they don't really have an "off switch." Take a faithful dog on a hike that's too long or rough for him, and he will walk himself into a quivering mess of tired muscle and bloody paws rather than be left behind.

I've seen that happen, and it's not pretty -- so it's up to you to be the strategic brains of the outfit and make sure your pup is ready for the coming adventure.

Here's how to get him ready for a tough hike:

Start Slowly

Just like humans, dogs need a chance to build up strength and endurance before tackling long, hard hikes. So start with short, easy hikes and gradually increase distance, incline and terrain difficulty until your practice hikes resemble your anticipated day(s) on the trail.

If you intend for your dog to hike with a pack, let him get used to carry it on your practice hikes -- first with a light load, then with a heavier load.

If your dog isn't really enthusiastic about hiking, win him over by carrying plenty of treats (make him sit, heel, come or perform other basic obedience to get them) and turn back when he still has plenty of energy left; you want him to build up positive associations with the experience.

Dogs don't have any concept of turning around before they're fully worn out, so it's up to you to pay attention to subtle behavioral clues that tell you when he's getting tired.

Toughen Up Those Paws

Gradually increasing hike length and difficulty gives the pads of your dog's paws a chance to toughen up.

Even once your dog's pads have toughened up, check them periodically -- especially when traveling on rocky, sandy or snowy/icy terrain. Look for cracking, irritation, unusual soreness, redness/rawness or anything accumulating between the pads.

Using a wax like Musher's Secret on the pads of your dog's paws can offer some extra protection in extreme conditions, and help prevent cracking.

This is one case where an ounce of prevention is worth ten pounds of cure; don't wait until your dog's feet are bloody and hurting before turning back or making camp for the night. When traveling on snow, frequent checks will help you clear out balls of ice or snow before them hurt your dog's feet.

Dog booties are a good doggy first aid supply to carry when you're hiking with Fido, and can help keep snow/ice balls from accumulating in the winter -- but unless he's running the Iditarod, don't fall into the trap of thinking that your dog can wear booties all the time. Booties don't offer the same traction as bare paws, some dogs won't tolerate them at all, and you'll both be screwed if you depend on booties that come off or get lost. It's better for him to have tough, healthy feet to start with.

Watch the Heat

Dogs aren't covered in sweat glands the way we are; they only sweat through their noses and the bottoms of their feet. So no matter how fit your dog is, avoid hiking in extremes of heat whenever possible (this will also help protect your dog's paws).

Aim to travel in the cooler mornings and evenings instead, give your dog plenty of water, and be alert for signs that your dog is overheating. (Otherwise, he may run until he drops.) Danger signs include fast, rapid panting or breathing, excessive drooling, and disorientation. If your dog is overheated, letting him submerge himself in water is one of the best ways to cool him off.

Signs your dog is dehydrated (which can lead to overheating) include sunken eyes, dry mouth/gums/nose, and poor skin elasticity. Offer him filtered water frequently (because dogs can get giardia too), before he gets to this point.

Can My Dog Do That?

Many of the most fun hikes involve exposure, boulder hopping or scrambling -- all activities that can challenge a four-footed dog that doesn't have the same upright vantage point we do. Some sure-footed dogs can handle this sort of thing easily (and enjoy it), while others will be miserable and terrified if they attempt to follow you.

The only way to know how your dog handles this sort of terrain is to let him try, starting with easier terrain and working your way up to more challenging areas if he handles the easy stuff well. Choose a clear day with good weather, and make the attempt in a non-committing situation (in other words, you should be fine with turning back if need be).

Again, your dog will follow you anywhere -- so it's up to you to keep a close eye out for signs of potential distress, or to judge when conditions are too slippery or wet for him to make the attempt. But as long as you watch out for him, he'll be the best trail companion you can ever hope for.