[pct-l] Tips for taking Dogs on the Trail

[Jo Pegrum Hazelett]

Kent-

Excellent points. 

First regarding the rattlesnakes. Although we did encounter rattlesnakes
several times in Southern California our dog was not with us at the time.
However, last spring, my husband, Kerry, Mr. Cody and I braved the Ventana
Wilderness, which I venture to say was even more challenging than the PCT in
some ways, and there we did encounter a rattler. The three of us generally
walk single file with the dog in between. This is one way we keep him under
control and somewhat protected from potential hazards.

We were bushwhacking through poison oak when we came to a bit of a clearing
when I was confronted with a very large, very angry snake in the middle of
the path perhaps 3 feet away--well within striking distance. In direct
contradiction to common sense, "don't move, when you see a rattlesnake",
(in no particular order) I screeched, leapt 3 feet up into the air and back
about 10 feet. Facing a rattlesnake curled, rattling and ready to strike
gets your adrenaline going and your body tends to move on its own. Mr. Cody
(the dog), a quick study, took my cue and did the same dance that I did but
with a little more grace. 

But now we had a problem, surrounded on all sides with poison oak and brush
(with heaven only knows what denizens live there) and our only path forward
covered with a big angry snake--what to do now! My husband stepped up to the
rescue-threw a rock to "scare it off" (was he nuts?) to which the snake
responded with a bigger rattle and much more noise! (we later found out
there is a variety of rattler, which lives in that area that is very
aggressive). Kerry, somewhat chastened, then grabbed a fallen tree about 8
feet long and pushed the angry snake off the path. That snake was so mad
that we heard it rattling as it slithered off into the distance and the
rattle just got stronger. Passing by on the now vacated path, the sound of
its rattle pursued us down the trail for quite a way until it melted into
the landscape and the sound of the Carmel River once more became noticeable,
and soothed our rattled nerves.

It took us several minutes to quiet Cody (I called him a "Fraidy Cat"-I've
never heard of "Fraidy Dogs" maybe that's because they usually look for
trouble) before moving on our way.

The lesson we learned from this experience is that this is yet another
reason owners need to have their dogs under control, to protect them from
things like snakes that can hurt them.  

Having said that, we had another dog who hearing a rattle, inquisitively
stuck his nose down a hole in the ground and came up with fang marks on both
sides of his muzzle. We were very, very lucky--the snake failed to inject
the venom and the dog was fine. I have heard that more dogs die or are
injured by rattlesnakes than humans, I don't know if that's true.

Your second point, about dogs and wild life is also of concern--and I could
say a lot about that, but again it comes back to control and expectations.
One thing I will say on this subject is that if your dog is hungry, he will
find food. I'm embarrassed to say there are several incidents in my journal
where Mr. C. caught his lunch--the first one at Hiker Town when he caught
one of the chickens (no, he didn't kill it). We have got better at gauging
how much food he needs, but this is definitely something to be wary of.

Regarding horses, I recommend getting your dog used to horses before going
on the trail. We have had no problems with this, even though we see horses
all the time. The main thing is, if a horse comes along, get well off the
trail so the horse doesn't freak out, but we find that's true of humans
also.

Finally, even though you didn't mention it, my pet peeve is people who let
their dogs poop in the trail--the least they can do is flick off the trail
(if they are on a steep ridge) and better yet bury or cover it up off trail.
But then, I object to horse poop too. :-)

-----Original Message-----
From: Kent Spring [mailto:kjssail at yahoo.com] 
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 5:53 PM
To: pct-l at backcountry.net; joph at piedmontbsa.org; postholer at postholer.com
Subject: Re: Tips for taking Dogs on the Trail

Hi Jo -

Two things that I think also need to be mentioned with dogs are kind of
related: the effect of snakes on dogs, and the effects of dogs on wildlife.
There also might be concern over how the dog will deal with the relatively
rare meeting with horses or other stock on the tril.

I don't know how best to control a dog when you run across a big (or little)
rattler, but I think the dog owner needs to have that well in hand before
the incident.  It might well be the first encounter for either the dog or
the hiker with a snake.


Secondly: there is no doubt that dogs will reduce the chance that you (or
other hikers with-in a significant distance) have a chance encounter with
some of the more rare wild animals out there - wild goats, bobcats, etc.  

Kent