...yes, that trail has water 80% off the way. sometimes the dogs need to swim to cross the stream/river. after serious rain, the water is huge there. we have to cross this river about 15 times one way by jumping from rock to rock. my girl loves water, she has webbed feet so we're good. my girl also gets really excited, but she is used to hike off leash, so she is pretty good at pacing herself from the start. btw, like the look of your dogs better when lean and muscles are showing. they will also do much better on hikes when lean, and will remain healthier longer that way too. did you set a goal for yourself as to how many pounds you want them to be at? right now, my girl is about 22/23 inches at the shoulder and about 65lbs. i am guessing in 8 months from now when she reaches 2 years of age, she will be at 70lbs and that's perfect for me.