Preparations are fully underway now as our departure date for a major section-hike of the Appalachian Trail is just under one month now. Our own wonder dog Sojourner joined our family just before Christmas, and in January and February she and I focused on stamina building done by hiking with packs almost daily. Unfortunately Sojo developed sores where the straps rubbed her armpits, but we discovered Groundbird Gear, and a custom chafe-free pack should be reaching us this week. I believe the extra cost will prove a worthy investment, hands down.
Seems a bit ironic to have to better socialize ourselves to go backpacking in such sylvan mountains, but for all its wilderness appeal there are frequently social aspects to journeying along the Appalachian Trail - especially in recent years. In fact, this year the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has launched a new but voluntary registration system to prevent overcrowding and resource harm from the increased usage. Here and here are statistics on numbers of AT hikers. The ATC also has helpful guidelines for those hiking with dogs.