 Super botonist, hippie chick who cuddles thistles with glee
Langley, BC
Canada
1541 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 11:21 AM
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I also have a lab/BC cross. She doesn't chase cats or bark at other dogs, so I doubt she would react to wildlife (my BIL's dog used to go crazy for squirrels).
If the bear was holding a tennis ball, that would be another story!
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Castlegar, B.C.
Canada
1249 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 1:21 PM
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That's the hazard of taking a dog hiking with......"YOU DON'T KNOW HOW THEY WILL REACT TO A BEAR ENCOUNTER " but I do it anyways because my dog is hesitant on approaching anything she does not recognize, so I figure I would have time to leash her ?
I make more noise than normal when hiking with my dog just to avoid the situation !
My dog just herds me along the trail without barking or chasing wildlife so she makes a great companion.
I must admitt that I do take extra precautions while travelling solo with my dog on less frequented trails in bear country, so I take my full arsenal 
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 Fleece thong wearin, Buntzen Lurkin, mystic poet mountain man and international spokesman of the friends of the white squirrel society
Port Moody, B.C.
Canada
5908 Posts |
Posted - 07/03/2003 : 1:55 PM
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I don't tend to get to upset about many things on the trail, but one thing that does bother me are dogs in the bush.I wouldn't call myself a dog hater , I can take them or leave them.I have owned several in the past, and love cats.I know there are a number of people on the site that have dogs and love the companionship of hiking with their four legged pals.
My opinion is going to tick them off sorry folks ! Can't stand your dog on the trail !
Most urban areas have tons of dogs per square km. and along with that are the irresponsible owners that let Fido bark till his hearts content. I escape to the wilderness to get away from the city for peace and quite.My last few overnighters had me camped with people and dogs and I really enjoyed being woke up in the middle of the night by some guys dog barking at things that go bump in the night.
I do not enjoy being hot ,sweaty, tired , and then having someone's cute pooch slobber all over my legs as I'm walking with a heavy pack.
I remember sitting on a rock at a view point ( had not seen a soul all day) when all of a sudden I was jumped from behind by some furry mass. Hiking solo you can guess what was going thru my mind. This fellow's German Shepard came within 2 seconds of getting killed ! The guy apologized for his dog and explained that it had run on ahead of him saw me sitting up top and wanted to play.Great so because you can't control your mutt I get jumped from behind and smoke your frigging pet , then I feel like crap !
Another time I had taken out a lady that was new to hiking and a bit on the nervous side.We were at that small veiw point at High Falls Creek , an Irish Setter came down the trail behind us and started barking , this startled her , made her jump and she dam near fell off the view point.
I have read a few posts about dogs and bear hunting . Might I remind you these dogs are trained for that sort of thing .Not being an expert I would think the average city dog would just start barking at a bear and if the bear decided to charge Fido is running back to mommy or daddy with bear close behind.
Four years back there was a couple that took thier two huskys on the Golden Ears trail .It was a hot day in August and they were on the trail for a long time and the dogs ran into trouble. The man sat with the dogs while she went to call SAR .Seems the dogs were dehydrated and they both had the pads on their paws cut badly due to the rocks.Both dogs had to be carried out .Not much fun for the poor dogs eh !
I know the majority of dog owners are caring and responsible people so with that in mind might I suggest a few things:
Keep you dog under control around people .
If he loves to bark there are some of us that don't enjoy the sweet sounds especially if we are camping for the night.
If it is a multipoo, cockapoo , toy poodle or some other little munchkin .... this would be finger food for cougars . Leave the thing at home , and yes I've seen all three on the trail.
Bring extra water for your dog if you are away from a water source.
Be aware of trail conditions for your dog.
Hang a bell on it's collar if it likes to run ahead of you.
I'm told most dogs have the mentality of a 10 year old child . Remember that and treat it accordingly .Also not every one thinks Muffy or Spot or Queeny is the greatest thing on earth, and I don't find it funny walking down the trail seeing your dog munching on a grouse or squirrel.
No trail is long with good company. |
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Dog- Man' s best friend-good company or bad
