By Fran Jewell
It’s that time of year again when we are out in droves hiking this beautiful landscape and soaking in the moderate temperatures. And, what would a hike be without our beloved companions?
It is becoming harder and harder to find places to hike in comfort where our dogs are not confronted by other dogs, especially off-leash dogs that have no recall. All of us have the right to take our dogs, but our dogs have a right to remain safe as well as we humans. As a community with all the same goals of enjoying this delightful paradise we live in, we must remain kind and thoughtful.
Just what is kindness when it comes to hiking with our dog?
It means respecting that not all people will enjoy your overenthusiastic greeter even if he is “friendly.” As someone who is still recovering my balance from two total hip replacements this winter, I am still working desperately to regain my former balance. There are many people out on the trail that have hidden disabilities. If your loose, “friendly” dog knocks someone over, it can be life threatening for someone who is older or with a hidden disability. Do NOT let your dog run up to anyone, regardless of how friendly he is.
Kindness is also keeping your dog on a down/stay or on a leash as someone else passes on the trail. It’s not hard to carry a leash with you and snap it on when someone else alone or with a dog passes by. It just good old-fashioned kindness!
Don’t expect everyone’s dog to be friendly or want to play. Don’t say, “Oh, he just wants to play!” when your dog is an obnoxious greeter invading the space of another dog. Every dog has a right to be on a walk, even if they are not especially social. If someone has a non-social dog ON A LEASH and they ask you to call your dog, be responsible and call your dog. Do not criticize them for having an unsocial dog. That dog may have already been seriously attacked at one time and is now terrified of invasive “friendly” dogs.
TRAIN YOUR DOG! An off-leash dog in our environment MUST have 100% recall! Our environment is filled with life-threatening challenges. Did you know that 90% of the time you are on a walk in the woods you are being watched by a mountain lion? That is the statistic I have heard. A dog that comes unless there is a distraction should not be allowed to run free. A confrontation with any wildlife could be fatal for your dog. TRAIN for a perfect recall in any distraction. Train, THEN let your dog run, and then COME!
Be respectful of our environment. Dog feces upsets the health of wildlife. Clean up after your dog! Carry a plastic bag, treats as a paycheck for your dog for an excellent recall and BRING a LEASH! You never know when you might need one.
Make space between your dog and other dogs and people. It’s just the kind thing to do! When I am on the bike path working a client dog and the dog is being taught to come and sit just off the path, every bicycle rider has said, “Thank you!” It means a lot to the other person!
Let’s make hiking fun and be responsible, be kind to others, and train your dog! TRAIN. RUN. COME!
Fran Jewell is a dog behavior consultant, NADOI-certified instructor and vice president. She owns Positive Puppy Dog Training LLC and can be reached at (208) 721-7221.
