Taking the dog out

“Wondering how many of you include your dog(s) on some of your packing trips and what recommendations if any you might have. The group I'm going out with has recommended shoes for the dog due to rocky terrain and possibly a doggy pack as well. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.”

“Bring poopie bags to clean up the dog's crap from the trail.

Best suggetion: LEAVE THE DOG AT HOME.”

“I take the "Dude" once in awhile. He is used to being out and has tough feet. I don't think shoes is really needed at this point for your dog. The "Dude" is a hunting/stock dog, so I don't worry when he is out of my sight, as he does, when he is on track. If he gets lost, well that is his problem. Are you willing to lose your dog? Some people tend to treat their dogs with more respect than the people they meet on the trails or in the campsites. I let my dog know that people come first, and he needs to be mindfull of that, or I have no use for him. I enjoy taking the "Dude" out with me and have put hundreds of hours teaching him how to behave and I think he understands what is going to happen if he crosses the line. Just remember your dog is just a dog, not a person. I have seen dog owners that mistreat other peoples space by not having their dog under control at times. I really don't enjoy taking the "Dude" around groups of other people while in the back country. He just does not like for people to get into his space, and I don't want to ruin it for others. Just be carefull and mindfull of those who you come in contact with.”

“I ALWAYS take my dog unless the area prohibits them. I am lucky in that my dog is well behaved, poops off the trail, and runs ahead so he isn't tangled up with hikers. I will put him on his lead around dinner time if necessary so he isn't sniffing people's food.

My experience is that people who don't like dogs have other problems too so I don't really worry about them.

The look on my dogs face when we go hiking is so worth it so I hope you get your pup out there.”

“asked a question that evokes strong emotion on this board. If your going to join in on group hikes, make sure that everyone is cool about your dog being there. Follow the rules and regs of the place that you are going...a $1000.00 fine isn't worth breaking the rules to bring your dog. there are plenty of places that are dog friendly.

I bring Khatru on all my venture to the wilderness when I'm not traveling far. Hiking and canoeing without him seems to be less enjoyable for me. He has his own pack pack, but he doesn't have boots...now that would be silly looking...although I've seen some great looking leather baby boots at Walmart, but, I don't think he'd go for it. he already has 4 paw traction.

I'd say go for it and don't pay attention to the riff raff...they like to see their own words in print and plus they really smell bad. Have fun! and remember to bring the leash and put a harness on the dog...much better control and a darned good handle if need warrents.

Training is EVERYTHING. Khatru has been in training for 6 years and is becoming a great trail dog. I just wish he'd stop staring at the food as its being eaten.”

“what kind of gun are you going to use? it depends on the breed what gun you can use to take a dog out.”

“stik..
you can break his habit by giving him something to do while you are eating.
Buy an 8" cow bone that is hollow on the inside. Place a small amount of peanut butter in the bone, put him on a "down" them give him the treat. That dog of yours won't move for love or money until he fishes that PB out of that bone. It will take him hours! Good luck.

These are the bones I buy. Get the sterilized ones that are hollow.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=340&Ntt=bones&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2001&Nty=1
last edited: 6/27/05 7:45:10 PM”

“I will bring Layla out on small group trips. She is very hyper and is friendly to everyone, including those who dont like her, so I have to make sure everyone is ok with it. She has a pack and carries her own food, water and some of my crap. My suggestion would be to hike on local trails that are fairly populated to get it used to the people and trails. I dont think doggy booties are necessary.”

“Biner comes with me just about all the time...though I do leave him at home on mountain bike trips. The places I ride don't allow dogs off-leash, and I'm not stupid enough to leash him to me while I ride.

He's just a year and a half old, and has some lessons to learn. He's been through some obedience classes already, but could use some more. He is a friendly and sociable dog, though.

Unless required by law, I don't pack out anyone's poo...I'd really rather not carry that around for days. I just make sure it's far off trail and buried well. Biner's caught on, and will even pile leaves over his poo with his nose. Funniest thing I've ever seen.

I haven't ever needed dog booties for my dog, but I've been places where I would make him wear booties.

As far as dog packs go, I can't seem to find one whose measurements correspond with my dog. He has a Mountainsmith Dog Pack I that fits his girth well, but doesn't come close to fitting his length. I've decided I'm going to have a custom x-back harness made for him, and then fasten the saddlebags to the harness for a better fit.

Biner is thin, leggy, long, and narrow with a deep chest.

People who don't like dogs can just go places that are not dog-friendly...that's all I have to say.”

“Here are the NFS regulations that cover Fido in the wild:


TITLE 36--PARKS, FORESTS, AND PUBLIC PROPERTY

CHAPTER II--FOREST SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

PART 261_PROHIBITIONS--Table of Contents

Subpart A_General Prohibitions

Sec. 261.1 Scope.

(a) The prohibitions in this part apply, except as otherwise
provided, when:
(1) An act or omission occurs in the National Forest System or on a
National Forest System road or trail.
(2) An act or omission affects, threatens, or endangers property of
the United States administered by the Forest Service.
(3) An act or omission affects, threatens, or endangers a person
using, or engaged in the protection, improvement or administration of
the National Forest System or a National Forest System road or trail.
(4) An act or omission occurs within the designated boundaries of a
component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
(b) Nothing in this part shall preclude activities as authorized by
the Wilderness Act of 1964 or the U.S. Mining Laws Act of 1872 as
amended.


Sec. 261.1b Penalty.

Any violation of the prohibitions of this part (261) shall be
punished by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more
than six months or both pursuant to title 16 U.S.C., section 551, unless
otherwise provided.

[46 FR 33519, June 30, 1981]

Sec. 261.8 Fish and wildlife.

The following are prohibited to the extent Federal or State law is
violated:
(a) Hunting, trapping, fishing, catching, molesting, killing or
having in possession any kind of wild animal, bird, or fish, or taking
the eggs of any such bird.
(b) Possessing a firearm or other implement designed to discharge a
missile capable of destroying animal life.
(c) Possessing equipment which could be used for hunting, fishing,
or trapping.
(d) Possessing a dog not on a leash or otherwise confined.
(e) Curtail the free movement of any animal or plant life into or
out of a cave, except as authorized to protect a cave resource.


Personally, I'm mystified why dog owners find it offensive that they can't let Fido run free. Any rational explanation from you dog owners?”

“the suggestion...

Hey playdeux...I let Khatru run and swim off leash in the Mark Twain National Forest every weekend...He runs and swims past rangers, sherrifs, river police and they don't bat an eye at him, and Khatru doesn't bat an eye at them.

So, I'm not sure what your point is, but since I have experience EVERY weekend with this situation, I'd say something but, I'm derned if I know what.

Maybe the fuzz ain't used to seeing a dog playing and having fun and being a dog where you live, but if seeing a dog run and be a dog off leash...please, stay off my river when I'm on it cause Khatru owns the place and is the only dog on the river being a dog and having as good a time as his human (me).”

“i love dogs, and dont mind them jumping on me and playing, but if they go after my food once, they wont go a second time”

“A dog on a leash seems so natural IT must be rational.”

“sage always goes with me hiking and camping-she loves other dogs and people-she stays on a leash mostly-sometimes at the campground i let her off it -but hiking she is always on the leash because sometimes she has run off too far- but if you have a dog that is well behaved and stays with you i dont really see the need to keep them on a leash all of the time--”

“So, I guess you people, who break the law by allowing your dogs to run "free", don't mind hunting out of season, or fishing with grappling hooks, or your dogs illegally harassing wild creature in the park. Phydeux must have ommitted the part in the law that says "pick and choose to suit your own selfish needs."”

““So, I guess you people, who break the law by allowing your dogs to run "free", don't mind hunting out of season, or fishing with grappling hooks, or your dogs illegally harassing wild creature in the park. Phydeux must have ommitted the part in the law that says "pick and choose to suit your own selfish needs."”
BS
8:30:19 AM
6/28/05
ignore this user

I don't know about other places, but here in New York you are not required to have your dog on a leash except in populated areas and alpine zones. Different areas in the state have different rules such as the High Peaks Wilderness which does require your dog to be on a leash at all times except where it is dangerous to do so, such as areas on the trails that require rock scrambling.

Always check out the regulations for a region before you get there.”

“If you wish to piss and moan about unleashed dogs go start your own thread. It was a simple honest question requesting informed opinions, not dog phobia. For the record my dog is always leashed when in public even though she is well trained and always under control. I find courtesy to the public is the best practice. This is an Echo Lake, Tahoe area trip and dogs are allowed on the trails. I've never taken her out so didn't really know where to start. We'll be a party of 10 and apparently 1 or 2 others will be bringing their dogs which they've take on these trails before. I've actually never heard of dog shoes but they were recommended by one of the other vets. Thanks to everyone for your input.”

“Hay, when you ask for opinions-you get them. I like dogs. Some are a nusance, others are exceptions. Just don't think they are welcomed by all.”

“dog shoes are a waste of money imo. you start with 4 and it's not long before you'll only have 3.
some of these people live for the day someone starts a new dog thread, but in reality you probably won't come across anyone who will be upset with you for bringing your dog with you.
really, the only time it's even an issue is at feeding time. hikers get very defensive of their food and sometimes if the dog even looks their way when they're eating they think it's fighting time.”

“Interesting responses to the regulations I posted. Maybe I should have used the word objective instead of rational. I'm always amazed at how people get annoyed and raise subjective defenses when restrictions are imposed on their dogs.

Yep, stikmon, I've witness three citiations issued for dogs 'off leash' here in Southern California and the Southern Sierra Nevada mtns. First was a friend's dog ($100 fine). We looked up the regulations listed on the citations when we got back home and verified they were correct. Other two were other parties that had dogs off leashes that got cited by backcountry rangers.

Worst experience I ever saw was an unleashed lab go chasing after a coyote. After trying to run away the coyote turned to defend itself and mortally wounded the lab. Pretty ugly site, and a leash would have prevented the carnage.

As for Landser, you wanted information/ recommendations about dogs on the trail and thats why I posted the regulations. Just check with the local ranger station before you head out on the trail. Maybe you wont get cited if your dog is 'off leash,' but if you do please don't complain to the backcountry ranger; he/she is only doing their job.”

“give your dog what seems to be too many water breaks. dogs get sore muscles from dehydration just as a person would.
you can also let your dog clean your dishes out for you then wipe em with a little sanitizer and they're good as new.
if it's gonna rain make sure you have a big enough vestibule for the dog to sleep in. you might try a packtowel to dry poochie off but i don't know if it'll work that well.
the dog pack doesn't really work for me. my dog likes swimming more than breathing and it gets to be a pain taking it off and putting it on. i've started just carrying some extra water(he usually drinks creek water anyway) and feeding him my leftover dinner. i was thinking about getting a new one. the one i have now soaks up water and holds it in. i should get one that has some drain holes at the bottom and doesn't soak up the water. if everything inside is in a ziplock it should stay dry.
if you do get a doggy pack be sure to fill it with beer.”

“Mountain Smith II. It fits him well...I treat it with water proofing inside and out, but, I still line it with ziplocks. more better.

and...

Like I said, this subject makes some humans neurotic. More neurotic than the dogs themselves. LOL

Hey neurotic humans...go BARK yourselves...LOL @ U!!!!”

“Phydeux,

The owner is to blame for lab death by the coyote. I did not realize a coyote could scrap that well with a larger animal.

Interesting.

In many rural areas of the country, unleashed canines (with or without collars!) are consider feral and danger to livestock.
They can be legally shot, no questions asked.”

“Phydeux, I've seen a Lab sized dog and Coyote scrap before in the outback areas of Davis, CA and there was very little contest with the dog being the larger and stronger animal but its a nice alarmist story on your part. If you'd bother to read my posts prior to alerting the unleashed dog crisis center you'd note I ALWAYS have my dog harnessed and controlled in a public area. I do it not to restrict the animal so much but as a courtesy to others using the public domain, some of whom aren't as comfortable with domesticated animals. Thats only fair. Thanks :)”