Hike responsibly and safely
By Fran Jewell
It’s that time of year to hit the trails with our dogs. Nothing is finer than a great walk with your dogs through one of our wonderful national forest hiking paths. We love to let our dogs off leash and to run to their heart’s content. What a wonderful opportunity we have!
But, in doing so, we also have certain responsibilities. Those include being considerate of your fellow recreationalists. That might be someone hiking, too, with their dogs, or riding a horse, mountain biking or some other mode of travel. If your dog scares a horse and the rider falls, do you know you are liable for the damages? If your dog jumps on or bites someone on a mountain bike, and they fall, you are also liable. Having a dog is a responsibility and a privilege. Your dog does not have a God-given right to harass others off leash. Please be considerate.
1. Train your dog to COME when called the first time, NO MATTER WHAT THE DISTRACTION. If your dog cannot come the FIRST time, he should not be off a leash. This can be a matter of life and death out on the trails. A dog that chases game or other people or dogs is a dog likely to get lost or killed by a predatory animal. Don’t fool yourself. We live in a wilderness environment with bears, coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, badgers, etc., that can make quick pickings of your dog. Even if you don’t see wild animals, they are there. Statistically, you are being watched by a mountain lion on nine out of 10 of your hikes!
2. Carry a leash with you so you can leash your dog, if needed. Carry treats and practice “come” along your hike. Teach your dog that the command “COME” does not mean the end of a good time and that he gets to return to his hike. He is far more likely to come in an emergency if you practice on every hike. Leashes are not evil things. It is a way to be “CONNECTED” with your dog. Your dog will respect you more for it. Any dog will respond to commands more readily if he respects you.
3. Carry citronella spray in a canister to use on dogs that are aggressive with your dog. As many of you know, I had an off-leash dog attack and bite my Brinx FOUR times IN TOWN!!! Protect yourself and your dog from other dogs that do NOT have good manners. If you or your dog is attacked by another dog, be sure to get a description, name if possible and REPORT THEM to the authorities for the area you are in. Document their description, time and location. TAKE A PHOTO WITH YOUR CELLPHONE OF THE DOG and OWNER!
4. Call your dog and move OFF the trail when someone approaches. Have your dog do a sit or down-stay while the other people/dogs/horses/mountain bikes pass by. Your dog does NOT have to play with every dog that comes along. And besides, many other dogs are NOT in the control of their owners and DO NOT have good manners. Protect your dog from others who are not as responsible as you are.
5. Put a Swiss bell on your dog at all times in the forest. This alarms other animals that your dog is near so they will leave and there are not confrontations with wild animals. This also helps you to hear where your dog is and also allows others hiking to hear an approaching dog and be prepared to move off the trail in courtesy to you. Swiss bells are made to last and are audible over long distances.
If you ride horses, accustom your horse to the sound of bells, so he/she is not startled or over-excited at the sound.
6. Put a reflective collar on your dog for visibility and a reflective vest in the fall so hunters see you have a dog. Be sure to include a nametag even if your dog is microchipped.
7. Carry plastic bags to pick up waste your dog leaves. This is not only unsightly, but unhealthy for wildlife and other dogs. Your dog packs it in; you pack it out.
8. Carry water for your dog and a small bag of treats or kibble in the event you are not able to get home and are forced to stay in the woods overnight, and especially to reward that perfect recall you practice on your hike!
9. Carry a whistle and teach your dog that a whistle means treat! A whistle will carry much farther than your voice if your dog does run off.