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Guide to Hiking Etiquette with Dogs

Cooler weather is on the way, and as the leaves change their colors to red and gold hues, it means many of us will be once again hitting the trails with our best four-legged friends.

Let’s face it – nothing cleanses the soul like a relaxing hike through the wilderness. Whether you want to enjoy the rich colors of wildflowers in that remote desert valley, or just want to run a few miles through the pines, it’s important to make sure everyone out there has the same level of enjoyment as you do. So dust off the walking stick and renew your wild spirit, but make sure you follow trail etiquette when you take your pets along.

Dogs are usually naturals on the trailhead. That doesn’t mean you don’t have to watch them carefully – there are plenty of dangers in the wild – from poisonous mushrooms to cacti, and coyotes to rattlesnakes (not to mention hunters of the two-legged variety).

This is why it’s so important to understand the basics of hiking etiquette. Here’s a primer to get you started…

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Keep Pets Leashed[/heading]

This is now law in many areas of the country (on or off trail). Keep your dog under control at all time. Just because you’re a dog lover doesn’t mean that the person walking over that ridge shares your enthusiasm. Just because your dog is “small” or “wouldn’t hurt a rabbit” doesn’t mean they can’t get shot by a fearful person walking towards you. Leashes eliminate 95% of the problem.

[bt_taglinebox style=”full” width=”500″ font_size=”14″ text_color=”#5b5b5b” title=”Trail Tip” title_color=”#259b9a” align_center=”no” bgr_color=”#f6f6f6″]Most trail hikes within national forests require a park pass. You can pick yours up at any outdoor shop, the ranger station or by leaving payment in box at the site.[/bt_taglinebox]

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Yield Right of Way[/heading]

If you’re walking your dog, yield the trail right of way to larger animal. Is it law? No. Is it courteous? Absolutely. And if you’re wise enough to be out enjoying nature, I’m operating on the assumption that you’re smart enough to yield to larger animals. Some horses are “dog-shy” and your pet is just as likely (or more likely) than you to get kicked in the head if you don’t scooch over a bit.

Here are some common questions we get about hiking with pets:

[list icon=”icon: exclamation-triangle” icon_color=”#006666″] [/list] [bt_quote style=”box” width=”0″]Check the state park website for off-leash day hikes, on-leash day hikes and regional trails.[/bt_quote]

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Respect Water Sources[/heading]

Water sources are rare in the Southwest, so this is a bone of contention with me. Don’t let your pet splash through the only clean source of water for miles (and you shouldn’t splash through either). This rule might be a bit more flexible in areas with running water or lakes, but if you come across a spring, keep paws out of it.

On that same note, dogs should not drink from unknown sources due to the danger of invisible parasites. Carry bouillon cubes or a small packet of dehydrated goat’s milk to encourage your pet to drink.

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Cleaning Up After Pets[/heading]

The only waste in a forest should belong to woodland creatures. You are visiting their home.  Yes, bears do shit in the woods. It doesn’t mean you can let your dogs do it without picking up after them. Dogs can easily transfer disease to their wilder cousins and part of a happy life is making sure you take responsibility to keep all animals safe.

Clean up after your pets – if you bring it in, be sure you pack it out.

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Respect and Understand the Wildlife[/heading]

Just because your pets are enjoying their wild side doesn’t mean it gives them license to chase wildlife. Leave the bunny alone, don’t chase the squirrel, and for God’s sake, snake-train your pet if you’re hiking in the desert! Along the same line, you need to protect your curious canine from dangerous wildlife. These include, but are by no means limited to:

[bt_taglinebox style=”top” width=”500″ font_size=”14″ text_color=”#5b5b5b” title=”TIP” title_color=”#259b9a” align_center=”no” bgr_color=”#f6f6f6″]Consider having your dog snake-trained and/or vaccinated if you frequent areas with high rattlesnake populations.[/bt_taglinebox]

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Know the Five Commands[/heading]

Come, Drop, Leave it, heel and Sit-stay are the five basic commands every pet should know before walking out the door.  If your pets cannot do these things, you should focus your training until they can. We have a way for your to quickly teach these commands. Training Diaries: 5 Commands Your Dogs Should Know

Owning a pet is about being a responsible pet owner. You are responsible for teaching your pets good etiquette as they will not learn from others. Together we can make the world a better place for our animals and other humans.

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Announce Your Arrival[/heading]

No one likes animals running up on them, especially not in treacherous places like narrow trails, cliffs, or washes. It’s important to approach every person as if they are fearful of pets. Let the other make the first move. There are ways you can do that without being a jerk.

If you’re walking up on people or horses, call out that you’re “passing on the right”. Most people head to the high country to lose themselves in their thoughts, not have crazy animals run up on them. “Behind you” or “on your left” are also great notifications to those ahead of you.

When running or walking with your dog, it’s always polite to inform those ahead of you that you’re coming up behind. This can be done with a simple “Behind you” or “to your left” announcement letting them know you’re planning to pass. This is particularly important when using public walkways.

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Respect Plants and Animals[/heading]

There are hundreds of plants that can kill your pet in the forest or desert. Poison ivy, poison sumac, poison oak, stinging nettle, skunk cabbage, crocus, calla lilly, and tulips are just a few. Our biggest issue with plantlife is mushrooms.

Wild mushrooms kill hundreds of dogs each year. It’s very important you keep your pets away from plants. We’ll be discussing the dangers of  mushrooms soon and give you some tips on types of wild plants you need to keep an eye out for. But, meanwhile, keep your dogs on leash and teach them the “drop” command sooner rather than later. It could just save their life.

[heading style=”modern-1-light” color=”#006666″ style_color=”#006666″ align=”left”]Prepare for Regional Diseases[/heading]

Your pets can become exposed to unusual diseases and viruses as fast as you can when you’re in a new area.These are the things you need to be aware of when hiking or camping with your pets.

Tick-born illness: Prevalent throughout the US.

Plague: This is still common in the Four Corners area of the Southwest.

Hantavirus: Also still around in the Southwest.

[box title=”What to Bring On A Hike” box_color=”#996633″] [/box]

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