Picture a day spent at the crag, tackling bouldering problems or testing your lead climbing skills. The only thing that could make it better? Your furry companion joining in.
Rock climbing with your dog can be as relaxing or as adventurous as your pup is comfortable. It all comes down to having the right dog climbing gear. Check out leashes, beds, and bowls for keeping them comfy while chilling at the base of the crag. Or explore harnesses and boots for an exhilarating day of belaying them right alongside you.
However you like to get after it, having the right dog climbing gear means your companion can be a part of the fun too. And don’t forget to check out our tips, tricks, and how-tos for planning your best day at the crag together.
Explore All Dog Climbing Gear
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Knot-a-Leash™ Rope Dog Leash
Swiveling and Auto-Locking Carabiner
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars300 Reviews -
Flagline™ Dog Harness with Handle
lightweight, multi-use dog harness
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars767 Reviews
Doubleback™ Full Body Dog Climbing Harness
If you're looking to tackles some actual climbing and belaying with your dog, the Doubleback™ Harness is the way to go. It's our strength-rated belay harness with metal hardware and supportive leg loops for confidence exploring new areas with your dog.
Top Tales For Climbing With Dogs
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Six Tips for Crag Dogs (And Their Humans)
Graham Zimmerman is a professional climber, and his sidekick, Pebble, often joins him at the crag. He shares some things he's learned over the years about being bringing a dog with you to thee crag.
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How to Be a Crag Dog
Riggins is a Ruffwear office dog – and trail runner, skier, and crag dog. These are tips for crag dogs from his perspective.
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Waypoints: Max & Billy
Waypoints celebrate the places our dogs take us and the joy of returning to them together, time and time again. Max Tepfer and his sidekick Billy share their connection to their local climbing spot, Trout Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rock climbing with your dog can be a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some time together. So what is a crag dog — and what makes a good one? A good crag dog has basic trail manners, is content relaxing on the ground while their human is climbing, and is respectful of other climbers in the area.
Some dogs are good at scrambling, although the vertical rock climbing that humans do is not typically a strength of theirs. Oftentimes, rock climbing with your dog just means your companion enjoying some time hanging out at the base of the crag. Playtime between climbs and the walk to and from the crag can make climbing quite fun for our dogs.
Tethering your dog while you climb is usually a good call, since climbing areas can be busy. So bringing the right dog climbing gear includes a strong connection to keep your pup secure, like our rope leashes for dogs.
Yes, you can belay your dog — but only with the proper knowledge and dog climbing gear, including a dog lift harness. The Doubleback™ Harness is a full-body, strength-rated belay harness that opens up new areas for dogs to explore with their humans that would otherwise be difficult to access. Strength-rated to 2,000 lbf or 8.9 kN, the Doubleback™ is designed to be comfortable while aiding in lifting and lowering dogs in exposed areas, meaning your furry buddy can tag along when the climb gets steep.