Replying to Dog at the mountain

So, I've started to bring my dog with me when I head to the mountain.
I can't tell which is better;

1. leave him home alone all day

or

2. to take him with me and let him out of the car to run around, and take a shit a few times.

Does anybody else bring fido with them? or Am I being a complete dick to my dog?

Yer thoughts...