RUFFIN' IT : ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING WITH HOUNDS.

Byline: Brett Pauly

He's just what you want in a hiking guide.

Bagged more than 250 peaks. Led 75 trips for the Sierra Club. Ascended heights above 14,000 feet.

Sure, his mane's a little shaggy, he likes to chase wild burros into the wee hours, and, feeling the strains of middle age, he grimaces when his backpack is strapped on. But you'll never see his tail between his legs when traversing a narrow ledge over a dizzying drop-off.

Indeed, Ruskie, an 8-year-old sheep dog-retriever mix, is the ideal trekking partner.

Companionship, a sense of safety, a better appreciation of nature - these are some of the reasons outdoors enthusiasts share backcountry experiences with their dogs.

``The more you take them out into the wilderness, the more in tune with nature they are and the more in tune you are,'' said Julie Rush of Silver Lake, Ruskie's hiking buddy and owner. ``You can watch how the animal reacts to the environment and learn to appreciate it more.''

``I see so many people who hike with their heads to the ground, hit the summit and go home,'' Rush said. ``They don't take the time to look around and aren't really attuned to the surroundings.''

Tujunga trekker Wynne Benti, author of ``Favorite Dog Hikes In and Around Los Angeles'' (Spotted Dog Press), maintains that dogs offer a measure of security for solo hikers, especially women.

``I feel much safer having a dog with me,'' Benti said.

As a member of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club, Benti formed the group's K9 Committee and its newsletter, Waggin' Trails, three years ago to organize outings with dog lovers. She wrote the book, now in its second printing, after receiving many calls from dog owners claiming there were no places to hike locally with their four-legged companions.

Benti recently hiked in Sandstone Peak in the Santa Monica Mountains with her husband, Andy Zdon, and their dogs (pictured). She offered some of the more important tips to remember when hiking with hounds:

Always carry water.

Many dogs need more liquids than humans. Take frequent water breaks and pour rations of about a cup at a time so the pooch doesn't overdrink.

Bring a leash.

Leashes protect dogs from getting lost and other wilderness hazards, such as mountain lions, rattlesnakes and poison oak. Unrestrained dogscan hassle other dogs or hikers and pose a threat to wildlife.

A recent Backpacker magazine survey revealed that 71 percent of those polled felt dogs should be allowed on backcountry trails. Still, it is imperative that dog owners be considerate of others.

``This is the wildlife's home, not the dog's,'' said Ken Low, a National Park Service ranger.

Know where dogs are allowed on trails.

While the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are more lenient about requirements, many parklands require dogs be leashed on trails. State and national parks don't allow dogs on trails at all.

Trailhead signs spell out the rules; not following them can result in fines.

Condition your dog like you would condition yourself.

Start by walking around the block and slowly increase the distance to build up strength and endurance.

Dogs get worn out just like people; looks for the signs.

It will start to struggle, slow down or stop, indicating a need for water, sore paws or that the hike is too grueling. Rest, water and dog booties should do the trick. If not, you may have to resort to carrying the dog; hiking with man's best friend has its responsibilities.

Teach your dog the command, ``Come.''

Responding immediately to your call can save your dog's life, especially when it stumbles onto a coiled rattler.

Socialize your dog: Get your dogs used to being with other dogs; they will meet other pooches on the trail.

It's the antisocial dog that attacks others, and it's the owner who is responsible for the dog's behavior.

End of the trail: Other references include ``The California Dog Lover's Companion'' (Foghorn Press) and ``A Guide to Backpacking with Your Dog'' (Alpine Publications).

To find out where you can hike with other dog lovers, call the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club at [phone]. For additional information, contact the American Dog Owners Association, [phone].

Fido's hiking checklist

Leash.

Collar with dog tags.

Water (two quarts, minimum, for longer hikes).

Food and water bowl.

Zip-style plastic bags. (In case bowl gets lost or stolen by coyotes - or another hiker forgets theirs.)

Trowel, for burying scat. (Some carry it out in bags.)

Dog food and treats.

Saddlebag-type dog pack.

Booties (store-bought or homemade from leather or other sturdy, weatherproof materials; bring a spare set).

Emergency poncho or large garbage bag for rain protection. (Use twine for fastening in place.)

First-aid kit equipped with waterproof cloth tape, adhesive pads and gauze (for taping sensitive paws); aspirin (dogs can use it); necessary dog medication (bring extra); tweezers or other tool for removal of ticks, burrs and cactus spines (conduct full-body tick checks during and after each hike); alcohol pads and antibacterial ointment; calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream (to ease itch of poison oak); and a snakebite kit with suction-type poison remover (also good for insect bites).

Fork, if desert hiking, for removing clumps of cholla spines.

Towel for drying dog after it falls in the river.

Dog comb for making it beautiful again.

CAPTION(S):

2 Photos

Photo: (1--color) No Caption (Wynne Benti, Andy Zdon and dogs)

Photo by Brett Pauly / Special to the Daily News

Photo Illustration by John Gerung / Daily News

(2--color) No Caption (Hiker with dog)

Terri Thuente / Daily News