[pct-l] Re:dogs on the trail

[david at dalbey.org (David Dalbey)]

I don't know if the original question was dogs on the trail or dogs
thru-hiking the trail.  Either way, I'll give my 2 cents...

I would never take my dog on a thru hike or long distance hike for all
the reasons previously listed regarding fairness to the animal.  I
wouldn't hesitate, (nor did I) taking him on weekend-long hikes.

Up until a couple years ago we had a golden retriever.  We had to put
him down at 8 yrs. old due to cancer.  My wife and I don't have kids.
Our dog , (and 2 cats) our our kids.  Our dog was much better behaved in
the wilderness than many 8 year old children I've encountered.  Loud
children can be as obnoxious as a barking dog when I'm enjoying the
quiet.  Although he was well trained, we would keep him on a leash when
around other hikers.  This was a dog who would let anyone wander into
camp because they might want to play with him!

It's all about responsibility, whether you're taking your dog, child, or
a friend who hasn't spent time in the wilderness before.  I take my dog
camping and make sure he stays in our camp and doesn't annoy others
barking.  They keep their camp volume down below a dull roar and don't
set up camp next to me when we're the only two groups at the lake,
everyone respects each other and their space we don't have a problem!

David
david@dalbey.org