Doug Gelbert

The Waggies Doug Gelbert

"They look like they are having the time of their lives." If you hike with dogs chances are you have heard words like that from other trail users when they see your happy trail dogs. Dogs are happy on any trail but they become especially excited on new trails. New scents to sniff. New sounds to hear. New sights to see. It seems like every group has its own awards these days. So we created the Waggies to honor the best hikes you can take with your dog in America. The nominees are egalitarian, all day hikes that can be reached by driving in the continental United States, just about always in a two-wheel drive vehicle. Doug Gelbert is our expert selector in awarding the Waggies. Doug has shepherded the hikewithyourdog.com website since 2001 and started the Hiking With Dogs Facebook group that now has over 35,000 members. He has written over two dozen books on hiking with dogs including The Canine Hiker's Bible, How To Hike With Dogs At Our National Parks - Even When They're Not Allowed On The Trail, and 300 Day Hikes To Take With Your Dog Before He Tires You Out. What about snubs? Of course there will be snubs. Arguing about who has been dissed is the best part of awards shows. Send us in your favorite hikes with your dog for the next round of Waggies. Until then, the envelopes please...and let's start handing out Waggies! For Best Canine Hike in a National Park... For Best Canine Hike through a Slot Canyon... For Best Canine Hike at the Seacoast...for Best Doggie Playground in the American Southwest...for Best Canine Hike at School...for Best Canine Hike in Sedona, Arizona...for Best Canine Hike to an Alpine Lake...for Best Canine Hike in Sand Dunes...for Best Canine Hike Up an Iconic Mountain...for Best Canine Hike in America...and two dozen more.