[pct-l] thru dogs dates?

[Kevin Cook]

Hi Rob

Based on your story, I have to wonder if the problem isn't you! This isn't
meant as an insult or slight. Dogs are not people. They do not judge you
based on what you look like or what you say. They respond to your energy. It
sounds to me like you might be putting out an energy of being a victim or
prey of some kind. When you see the dog, are you thinking, "oh shit its
gonna come attach me!"? If you're having thoughts like that, the dog will
pick that up and interpret it as, "oh look, this guy is something I'm
supposed to attack."

Do you have problems with dogs outside the backcountry setting? Have you
ever owned or lived with a dog?

I'm not trying to trivialize your experience. It's totally understandable
how you have developed the feelings you have. I'm also not trying to say
it's entirely your fault, but I do think the thoughts going through your
head are sending out a message to the dog that is contributing to the
problem.

Also I'd like to offer one small piece of advice. I know you are afraid of
the dog, but if you were to hurt someone's pet, they may not react
favorably. I understand your position, but you might find that the owner
becomes a much bigger problem than the dog. My dogs have never acted
aggressively towards anyone, but maybe your energy could bring out the worst
in them. I hate to say it, but if you were to hit my dog with a rock, you
might find yourself getting hit with a rock as well. I'm one of those people
that don't think a human life is worth more than any other (except for
mosquitoes!). This isn't a threat. I'm just saying what my instinctive
reaction would be, just as you are. I would defend my best friend without
thinking about it. I would probably feel bad afterwards though if that
helps. ;)

Given your experience with dogs and the resulting fear, have you considered
carrying a can of pepper spray? It would be a much more humane way of
dealing with your issue. It might avoid a potentially dangerous situation as
well. As others have said, you're going to have a difficult time avoiding
dogs on the trail completely. You might be better served to find a way to
make the encounters positive. Maybe instead of pepper spray a dog whistle
might work too. Would be lighter and easier to access and would not upset
the dog's owner. I've used dog whistles in training, and I can vouch that
they do not like the sound. It would definitely stop the dog's approach and
provide its owner an opportunity to control the animal.

I understand if you pass on the offer, but I'd be happy to introduce you to
Doc if our schedules match up. Have you ever had a healthy relationship with
a dog? Doc really is a sweet heart. He's big, ~90 lbs, but he would never
hurt anyone. He is a retriever breed, Flat Coated Retriever to be specific.
They are bred to have a "soft mouth". Retrievers just don't bite or chew
things (he had stuffed toys that lasted years until we got a puppy that
destroyed them). It's not in their nature. They are used for hunting fowl,
so it's a desirable trait that they fetch the bird and bring it back without
damaging it. He will be on the trail with me between Echo Lakes and Soda
Springs. I'm not exactly sure of the dates this early, but I'd love to
introduce you to him. Maybe it will help?

Anyway, I hope none of this offends you. It was not my intent. I truly
believe dogs enrich our lives and I hope you can develop an appreciation for
them someday.

See ya on the trail! :)

On Fri, Jan 7, 2011 at 12:34 AM, rob gratz <hikergratz at gmail.com> wrote:

> > I love my dog but I'm very leary of other loose dogs since being bit from
> > behind after passing two loose "friendly" dogs.
> >
> >
> > i really didnt want to get back into this,but people are accusing me of a
> lot of things.this was a legitimate post and not a troll.
>
> heres my story. years back i was setting up camp in the cascades,when out
> of
> nowhere a german shepard attacked me from behind.anyone who has seen videos
> of "cops" knows what kind of damage these dogs can do.i had to wrap myself
> up the best i could, hike out 5 miles to the trailhead. then go to the
> hospital for 18 stiches.i still carry the scars.
>
> around 2002 i stopped for lunch at maidu lake in oregon when some touron
> decided to let his pitbull loose,he came straight at me,and the only thing
> that saved me was a lucky rock up side his head(the pitbull not the
> touron).that slowed him down enough so his clueless owners could grab him.
> referencing as a bat, i have also been bitten by seemingly friendly dogs
> ,and have been menaced by countless aggressive dogs.
>
> seeing my history you may understand why im a little leary of having dogs
> around me.i think many dog owners don`t understand that dogs in the
> backcountry may not behave as they do at home. in my experiance, dogs in
> the
> backcounty become very territorial and hyper aggressive. this can cause
> problems.
>
> the reason for my post was i didnt want to have conflicts.if your dog (and
> i
> hate this term)invades my personal space, im going to send him packing,
> with
> whatever i got, while i scream at you.this will not be pleasant for me or
> you.i don`t want the hassle,especially with someone  im going to see for
> hundreds of miles.
>
> so here it is. im planning on starting around may 20. if you and your large
> dog are planning to start around the same time,let me know. my schedule is
> flexible im not asking you to leave your dog at home,i don`t even want to
> get into the ethics of dogs on the trail.i will work around you
>
> on a personal note.
> sorry brick,lots of sites have overeducated a-holes that love to give
> people
> crap,so they feel Superior .after 12 years on the list i know you are not
> like that.next time i post i will count to ten.thanks for all you do. rob
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
>