Dogs on hiking trails

[Shawn]

How do you feel about hikers who bring their dogs on the hiking trail?

Are you in agreement with this or do you oppose it? Why?

Do you think dogs need to remain on leashes or should they be allowed to roam free? Why or why not?

Do you bring your dog with you on hikes?

 

[Jeff Ulrich]

I'm fine with people bringing their canine companions along on the trail if they control them and clean up after them.

On a leash might be best in a high traffic area where the chance of encountering other hikers would be likely. Let them run free in other areas where there aren't many other people on the trails. It all depends on the temperment of the dog as well. If they stay within a reasonable distance without running off and they come when called and mind well, then it shouldn't be a problem.

Dog owners should remember that not all people are going to appreciate even an over friendly dog coming up to them on the trail.

 

[Shawn]

Dog owners should remember that not all people are going to appreciate even an over friendly dog coming up to them on the trail.

And this is important.

Some people are terrified of dogs due to past bad experiences. Public land belongs to people, not pets.

I'm for taking a leashed dog on the trail but against unleashed because it could cause problems for those who aren't pet-friendly.

 

[Jeff Ulrich]

And this is important.

Some people are terrified of dogs due to past bad experiences. Public land belongs to people, not pets.

I'm for taking a leashed dog on the trail but against unleashed because it could cause problems for those who aren't pet-friendly.

It's interesting this topic came up now. I've never owned a dog myself, although I have taken care of dogs that belonged to others. I was looking at some old pictures today and ran across one of Duke, a boxer that belonged to my uncle. That dog has probably been dead for fifty years or more. When I was a little boy, my uncle and his family used to bring Duke in the back of their Ford Falcon wagon when they came to visit and we kept him while they went on vacation. We didn't have a dog and I wasn't used to dogs. My memory is a bit vague, but I know I was scared of Duke to the point of trying to hide behind the couch. Looking back at what I remember of Duke when I was a bit older, I don't think he was really a mean dog. He was probably more playful than anything, but I was just a little guy and he was a big dog. I had a fear of dogs through most of my childhood from Duke. I gradually got over it and it doesn't bother me to be around dogs now if they are behaved. I still wouldn't like being near any that were barking, growling, or snapping at me though, but I don't suppose anyone particularly enjoys that kind of experience.

One thing I don't like is encountering someone with one or more dogs that proceed to bark and act menacing, only to have the owner say, "Oh, they won't bother you. They're friendly." Yeah, right. They may be friendly to you. They don't seem so friendly to me.

So, yes, some people definitely can have a fear of dogs that others who like them and are around them don't always appreciate.