[pct-l] dogs on the trail (Long)

[dicentra]

Yes! Thank you.

IMHO... It isn't just unfriendly dogs that are a problem. Friendly dogs off leash can be an issue too if they are not under control. My daughter was almost knocked into a river last summer by a friendly dog running off leash. He just bumped her, but she's a toddler... falls easily. Luckily I caught her by the arm. I was PISSED.  Also on that trip was a friend's son who is terrified of ALL dogs.  Friendly or not. Dog did not come when called... I read the owner the riot act. Her response?  "Oh, I didn't know I had to have my dog on a leash on this trail..." I call bull. You are a dog owner, you need to check the rules and be respectful and cautios of other hikers.

I like dogs as much as most dog owners. I used to take our dog hiking with us. He's too old now.  BUT dog owners have to respect other hikers on the trail. Not everyone has to like your dog. Some people are unreasonably afraid of YOUR dog.

I'm done ranting now.  FWIW, I *like* seeing dogs on the trail... Well behaved dogs.
 
~Dicentra



http://www.onepanwonders.com ~ Backcountry Cooking at its Finest
http://www.freewebs.com/dicentra 

 

--- On Mon, 2/16/09, montypct <montypct at gmail.com> wrote:


From: montypct <montypct at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [pct-l] dogs on the trail (Long)
To: "Thatcher Koch" <ironlegs at pacbell.net>, "Bob Bankhead" <wandering_bob at comcast.net>
Cc: pct-l at mailman.backcountry.net
Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 11:00 AM


I have had more than 10 negative encounters with dogs on the PCT.
I have heard "He's never done that before." about 5 times.

It's not the DOG that needs to be disciplined.
It's the owner making the threat.

Warner Springs Monty


Lightweight Backpacking
The fun goes up when the weight goes down
-Warner Springs Monty