[pct-l] hiking with dog

[Charles Doersch]

>From my experience so far in conversation with the folks on the list -- I
don't think the list is not dog friendly. I think quite a few of the people
on the list are rather fond of dogs. Many of us adore dogs. I think some
hikers here have seen dogs on the PCT -- and those dogs were suffering. And
maybe the sense of exasperation or frustration or impatience you might hear
in the tone of their reply has more to do with seeing a frequent pattern of
dog owners wanting their dogs with them regardless of what it costs the dog.

So maybe, rather than dog-unfriendly, many people on the list are frank in
warning dog lovers that most dogs will suffer just to try to stay with you
on a trail they aren't equipped to manage. When you've seen enough unhappy
experiences, you recognize the odds are not good for a good dog/PCT
experience.

A second consideration: Some of us have backpacked in national forests and
wilderness areas where other backpackers have brought their dogs along --
and it has not been a happy experience. Not bad dogs, bad owners. I know
for me (a dog-adorer), I don't like backpacking where other people's dogs
are scaring off the wildlife, running into our camp, sticking their noses
into our food, running across our pads & sleeping bags when we're set up
for cowboy camping (I had my Thermarest popped by one dog's claw as he ran
across), barking in the night. Hiking past someone's tent, I experienced a
Rottweiler attack (my walking stick saved the day). The ineffectual
apologies of the dog-owning backpackers get old after awhile. "Sorry! She's
not usually like this." Oh well. Can't tell you how many times our
experience of the wilderness has been diminished by the dogs of others.

So aside from the many ways my dog could suffer if I brought her along on
the PCT, I also know I can't always control where she runs and what she
does, and how she will likely degrade the experience of others. So I choose
not to.

Cheers,

Charles & the guys



On Mon, Dec 12, 2011 at 8:58 AM, <gschenk1 at roadrunner.com> wrote:

>
> ---- Josie <josie1066 at gmail.com> wrote:
> > I have not found the PCT-l to be dog friendly, which I find rather
> sad.--jo
>
> If it is OK for us as hikers to flaunt regulations whenever we feel like
> it, what right do we have to complain about mountain and motor bikers on
> the trail?
>
> Maybe that's why the "list" is not friendly to dogs in the national parks.
>
> Gary
>
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