Hiking and camping with dogs: Good or bad idea?
Friendly campanion, or nuisance to others on the trail? (PAUL B. SOUTHERLAND/THE OKLAHOMAN)
Scenario 1: A couple goes out for a hike in a remote wooded trail. Coming the other way are a few other people with a dog. The dog is on a leash, friendly and seems to be enjoying itself along with its human counterparts. The two groups say hello, friendly comments are made about the dog, and then they go their separate ways.
Scenario 2: The same two groups meet up. The dog, unleashed, sprints toward the other group, barking as it goes, then jumps up on the woman who had been coming the other way. No harm is done, but the woman is startled by the dog, and some angry words are exchanged. “Where’s your leash for that thing?” the woman’s companion asks. Members of the other group gather their pooch, mutter something about being able to do what they want and that their dog has a right to the trails, too.
If you read any message boards regarding outdoor activities, this issue is bound to come up. Should people bring pets on the trails? Or in the backcountry? If they do, what’s the proper way to care for the animal so that its safety as well as those of others is taken into account?
First, a little disclosure. I am not a pet owner, but I’ve had dogs in the past. I’ve been camping with dogs and have never had a negative incident with them. Every time I’ve run into other hikers and campers who had dogs, the animals have been well-behaved, whether they’ve been leashed or unleashed.
I know this is not always the case. Some people will let their dogs do what they please without regard to others. They’ll let them chase wildlife, even in times where wild animals are trying to bulk up for the winter and pile up calories (a dog chase or two could mean the difference between life or death for some animals if they have to spend a lot of energy escaping your dog).
Being man's best friend, this dog is shown with a dog pack. (AP Photo/Edouard H.R. Gluck)
I’ve seen cases that were strange, too. While ascending Mount Yale a couple of years ago, I saw a man with his dog, a beautiful lab, who ended up carrying the animal to the summit when the terrain got too rocky. Why bring it up there if you know it can’t manage the terrain?
In another instance, I saw a couple hiking along the banks of the Gunnison River in the Black Canyon. With the woman was her dog – a very small breed – tucked away in one of those dog purses. I guess that’s her choice, but what a strange thing to see on the trail.
I’ve also seen some really cool dogs that are strong companions, good protectors and even carry their own weight – quite literally, with dog packs strapped to their backs – up the trail.
There are some places that don’t allow pets at all, or restrict dogs to leashes. Other places lack such restrictions.
I’m fine with people bringing their dogs on the trail, as long as they take care of the animal and don’t allow it to ruin other people’s experience in the wild. But I’m curious what you all think. Generally speaking, we love our dogs, maybe now more than ever. Any stories, good or bad? Opinions? Write me here or e-mail me.
Bob Doucette
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Comments
Some people are afraid of dogs, some are allergic to dogs and some simply don’t like them. Some people don’t like seeing dogs in our National Forests and they’re banned in our National Parks.
Dogs bark and chase wildlife.
Dogs defecate anywhere and carry diseases that can be transmitted to wildlife, such as parvo.
If dog owners would take the above into consideration and keep their dogs at home, the outdoors would be more pleasurable to visit.
Some people are afraid of other people or simply don’t like them. Some people don’t like seeing other people in our National Forests.
People are noisy and startle wildlife.
People defaecate and urinate outdoors and carry diseases, food and trash which affects our wildlife.
If people would take the above into consideration they would stay at home and my dog and I would have a much more pleasurable visit.
All kidding aside….I have a large dog who, like the other members of my family, loves the outdoors. He is clean, vaccinated, friendly and I clean up after him.
Dogs kill deer by running them in the winter, depleting their energy stores such that they don’t survive the winter or dogs kill deer directly by attack. Dogs kill and harass other wildlife.
Dogs kill more livestock than wolves.
There have been cases where a dog at large encounters a bear, angers the bear which then chases the dog. Where does the dog go? Back to it’s master of course, with the bear in close pursuit.
All of our domestic dogs are decedents of the Asian wolf. Talk about gene manipulation.
If dog owners were good citizens/neighbors, they would keep their domestic dog(s) at home for many reasons.
People kill and harass deer and other wildlife as well.
People kill more livestock the wolves and deer combine….oh we also dogs and wolves.
Some dogs are stupid and anger bears…but then again so are some humans.
Depend on if you believe in creation or evolution people come from only two humans or a long line of monkeys….so is it creation, evolution or gene manipulation.
Dogs can be good neighbors and serve as therapy animals etc.
Haven’t heard a good reason yet to leave the dog at home.
I think camping with a dog is a joyous experience. It’s a good bonding treat for both owner and dog. They may learn new things about each other. Definitely, it is going to be a good time for both. But of course we have to take note that there are other hikers and campers out there… so we have to make sure that our dogs are not violent or danger to others. We know our dog well, so we have to assess first before deciding to hike or camp with dog.
I own a pitbull and am very conscious about keeping her on a leash and under control. Because of her breed, I am particularly aware that any type of incident might be misconstrued as her being a “vicious” dog. I gave up walking and hiking with my dog where there will be a large amount of people around. There have been multiple times where unleashed dogs have come running and barking at us as if they would attack, two times where an unleashed dog has attacked her and we were lucky enough to separate them, and our final episode was when an elderly “gentleman” had a young but large shepard on a leash and was dragged over to us. The dog was barking and growling which started my dog barking. Even though our dog was under control (barely) and his dog had invaded our space trying to attack, he had enough nerve to tell me my dog was a maneater! I have not had good experiences with dogs on the trail, and no longer bring my dog. She certainly is not a maneater, but I am sure if she has enough experiences where she needs to protect herself and me, she will be turned into a fighter. All I have to say is keep your dog on a leash when hiking and please dont bring them at all if you can’t control them. One more thought about unleashed dogs in the great outdoors….I have seen plenty of unleashed dogs get bit by rattlesnakes, but I have yet to see a dog that is kept leashed by a caring owner, have the same problem. If you love your dog, keep them leashed.
Basically, there would be two things you should ask yourself if you plan bringing your dog along in the trip. First would b, he is capable of doing for the environment because sudden enevironmental changes wear them out especially if they are not the tough-and-tumble types. Also if your dog can handle the environment,ask yourself if your dog has a good ‘recall obedience’ and never let him go about without a leash. When the event would be in the wild your dog without his leash is in a situation where he can go and chase something or he gets to be chased by something.
Yes, I think it is okay to allow dogs (on and off leash) on these types of trips..as long as the dog is not aggressive and has been recall (comes when it is called) trained.