Keith just wrote a new article for the Chaffee County Times about proper dog etiquette on the trail. I can’t get my dog to stop smoking cigarettes in the house and loitering in front of 7-Eleven with his hooligan friends, so it was pretty helpful for me. I’m trying to reassure myself that it’s just a phase, but I can’t help but feel like a bad parent. Still waiting for replies from Dr. Phil and Cesar Milan. In the meantime, have yourself a read:
On The Trail With Your Dog
Many mountain people are “dog people” who like their pooch to accompany them on outdoors adventures. There are some basic rules of etiquette when hiking with your trail doggie. Out of deference to other trail users, other dogs, and the environment please follow these generally accepted rules. All the normal trail courtesies still apply – there are just a few more to keep in mind when your dog is with you.
Even the friendliest dog can frighten other people or other dogs by running up to them. Keep your canine companion under control at all times and never let your dog run up to other people or dogs. If your dog is off lead, recall your dog when you see people approaching, especially if they have dogs.
ALWAYS keep your dog on leash in on-leash areas. It is a good idea to keep your dog on leash any time you may encounter other dogs, especially if your dog is testy or aggressive. NOTE: Wilderness areas require all dogs to be on leash at all times.
ALWAYS pick up after your dog. Train your dog to move off-trail to do his or her business, and then pick up the waste using some sort of poop bag. Place the bag in a clearly visible spot on out-and-back hikes when you know you won’t be encountering a receptacle soon. You can pick the bag up on the return trip for proper disposal.
Don’t let your dog sniff/touch other dogs’ noses or butts. This can spread diseases and some dogs don’t like it and may become aggressive.
Move off trail whenever possible, shorten your pet’s leash and if possible have your dog sit to let other trail users pass.
Announce your approach whenever you are overtaking another trail user (whether or not your dog is with you). Say something like “On your left” or “Hikers back.” When overtaking or meeting try to indicate if there are others in your group, especially if some are out of sight, by saying something like “Two more behind me” or “lady with a dog behind me.”
Teach your dog the basic obedience commands such as sit, down, stop, stay, heel, wait before letting your dog off-leash. If your dog is not under basic voice command the dog should not be off-leash in public places.
Leash your dog and keep your dog close while people – hikers, cyclists, runners – or horses pass.
Minimize your dog’s impact on the environment. In addition to picking up your dog’s waste try to keep your dog on-trail and minimize his or her chasing of birds or other wildlife.
Put your dog on lead when other dogs approach and keep your dog’s attention on you so you can either walk on by or have your dog sit while the other dog passes.
Warn other dog owners if your dog is aggressive or fearful. Some other owners can’t or won’t control their dogs and keep them away – and some actually enjoy and encourage aggressive behavior from their dog. Be prepared for this.
Try to ward off aggressive or exuberant dogs with a squirt from a water bottle. Encourage the other owner to act responsibly by asking them to please control their pet but do not be confrontational. Strive to set a good example of responsible dog ownership.
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