I have a 7 month old dog who is great with people and loves to swim and play outside. I have just started to get her into hiking and would like to hear from other people who hike with their dog.

I purchased a Kelty pack for her. I understand that you have to break in the dog with their new pack, has any one done this before. My wife and I really want to do this right so we can all enjoy the outdoors together.

I climb but will nevwer leave her at the base of a climb. I know that is a huge issue in the Gunks.

If any one has some good trails for hiking with a pet in the newpaltz bear mountain area that would be great.

Thanks

We take the MurphDog up Bear Mtn (there are 2 or 3 different trail options) all the time - he loves it.
Plus, he gets to swim in Hessian Pond at the bottom.

He did Anthony's Nose when he was just a wee pup, it was a bit too much for him then, and my wife had to carry him back down. It's no problem now.

He doesn't have a pack (lazy mutt - or is that smart doggie? ), so he relies on us to carry his snacks, water, leash, etc.

He also hikes w/ us in Fahnestock, on the AT, up Breakneck Ridge, Sugarloaf, Castle Rock, Taurus, Mt Beacon, Schunemunk, wherever.
(He comes climbing on occassion too, but he's a very good dog, so leaving him at the base hasn't been an issue thusfar. - don't take my word for it, crackers, phil, phlan, etc. can vouch for him )

Can't help w/ the pack question, but other than severe scrambling routes (like Giant's Workshop - that's too much for any dog), you should be able to take your dog hiking anywhere that you go.
(we even took him winter camping once, he did fine.)

crackers, phil, phlan, etc. can vouch for him

Next expert witness please!

do you think he realized he shot himself in the foot with his choice of expert witnesses?

Well, it's not like they are convicted felons or anything.
(not convicted, anyway )