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VancouverKobeV, BCVancouverKobeVB
Canada
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 10:13 PM
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| I'm new to this forum and after reading previous posts about dogs on trails, I realize this might be a slightly controversial question....however, I'm planning on hiking the North Coast trail at the end of August and I'm questioning whether or not to take my dog. Is there anybody out there who has any experience doing this trail with their dog? Our dog is pretty tough, he has done the Juan de Fuca and Joffre Lakes and various other hikes. I'm more worried about the wildlife and wondering if it really isn't a good trail for dogs or if it's a bit of hype. Any helpful hints would be great.....PS... Not looking for a lecture here from the anti-dog-on-trail movement. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1656 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 10:55 PM
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BC Parks has a pretty clear opinion on this matter:
"May 2012 - WOLF ADVISORY: CAPE SCOTT PARK
There has been an incident involving a wolf attacking a dog in this park. BC Parks is strongly advising park visitors to not bring their dogs to the park. "
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cape_scott/
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 canine loving, machete-toting bushwhacking lake seeker, Indiana Jones hat-wearing off-road 4x4 guru
Surrey Hole, BC
Canada
6871 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 11:00 PM
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Joffre is a small hike in comparison, is your dog over 60 pounds?
small dogs can be more of a concern. |
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113 Posts |
Posted - 07/26/2012 : 11:11 PM
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| This year has been really bad for wolves attacking dogs on the trail. There was one documented attack in May, a lady's small dog. The weekend after I went in June, my buddy and his dog were followed by a wolf. That same weekend a lone wolf came onto the beach, which someone's dog chased until it ran into the woods and then a whole pack came out and chased the dog back to the camp, only to be held off by a group of people all yelling and throwing things at them. |
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77 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 06:43 AM
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I think small dogs are more of a concern with cougars but wolves will take bigger dogs as well, often in the fashion Lonny described. A female will lure or taunt the dog into the bush and the pack will attack.
A big black lab was attacked at Cluxewe river mid-day (north island) when I was living there. |
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Calgary, Alberta
Canada
57 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 07:30 AM
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Even when I was training sled dogs wolfs would follow the team often enough to know the *trail* and when the team was on it. It was obvious which wolfs were hunting and which were looking for a pack. They are predators looking to feed their family’s.
AS far as hiking with your dog in wolf country....ON A LEASH ALL the time!! wolfs are smart and most times you have no idea they are around till its to late.
To many people are horrified that a dog gets attached when seriously lets not forget you are on their turf, they have the right to HUNT and eat. Naturally they prey on fox's and coyotes therefore it goes to say a dog is fair game when it's only pack is a skinny two legged human.
When hiking in mother natures world dogs should be kept ON LEASH at all times, kept close to you with your awareness that anything could happen.
That doesn’t mean just bears, sprain ankles or random rain storms but also wolfs, cougars, squirrels that steal straight out of your pack or porcupines in the outhouse!!
Understand all the risks in the backcountry, figure out what the worst moments are, what you can do at the worst of moments and what you can live with should the worst of moments happen.
Enountering a wild animal with your dog is no fun and packing out a 40pound wounded dog may not be something you care to do, but for others it’s worth the risk to travel with the company....I stress again ON LEASH for everyones safty.
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Edited by - TAlicia on 07/27/2012 10:30 AM |
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VancouverKobeV, BCVancouverKobeVB
Canada
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 09:23 AM
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| Thanks everyone for responding.....decision made :) Sounds like it's safter for everyone if my dog stays home. |
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77 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 6:24 PM
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I couldn't imagine hiking with our dog on a leash. We frequently take her out on multi-day ventures but she is a unique animal. We have had multiple animal encounters together so I feel comfortable with her.
To each their own, as long as you are taking informed risks. |
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It's not a city yet!!, BC
Canada
25 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 6:40 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by TAlicia
Naturally they prey on fox's and coyotes therefore it goes to say a dog is fair game when it's only pack is a skinny two legged human.
.....That doesn’t mean just bears, sprain ankles or random rain storms but also wolfs, cougars, squirrels that steal straight out of your pack or porcupines in the outhouse!!
Very good examples. However, just for the record, there are no foxes, coyotes, or porcupines on this island. Still, there are equivalents.. |
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Kamloops, British Columbia
Canada
155 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2012 : 7:16 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Kingpin63
I couldn't imagine hiking with our dog on a leash. We frequently take her out on multi-day ventures but she is a unique animal. We have had multiple animal encounters together so I feel comfortable with her.
To each their own, as long as you are taking informed risks.
Yes to each their own - as long as your dog is on leash where required and does not infringe on the safety and enjoyment of others you share the trail with. I love dogs - but too often dog owners don't think of anyone beyond themselves and their dog on the trail...is everyone you have met on the trail "comfortable" with your dog? |
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77 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2012 : 07:57 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by ph0n3y
quote:
Originally posted by Kingpin63
I couldn't imagine hiking with our dog on a leash. We frequently take her out on multi-day ventures but she is a unique animal. We have had multiple animal encounters together so I feel comfortable with her.
To each their own, as long as you are taking informed risks.
Yes to each their own - as long as your dog is on leash where required and does not infringe on the safety and enjoyment of others you share the trail with. I love dogs - but too often dog owners don't think of anyone beyond themselves and their dog on the trail...is everyone you have met on the trail "comfortable" with your dog?
Like I said, Alaska (dog) is unique. She never barks (except at bears) and never approaches or runs at anyone etc. I agree with you though, too many 'dog people' just assume everyone should be 'dog people' and in doing so disrespect others space. |
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nanaimo, BC
Canada
85 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 11:52 AM
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| I was in Cape Scott on the Aug. long weekend. I personally saw 3 wolves. The ranger at Nel's Bight told me that the park pack is about 20 wolves. He also told me about a lone wolf bringing down a deer on Nel's just the week before (apparently during the day for everyone to see). Everyone I saw out there had their dogs leashed at all times. The rangers are enforcing this, by the way. It is a park regulation and the N.C.T. is a part of the park. |
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22 Posts |
Posted - 08/11/2012 : 1:53 PM
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I wish people would leave their dogs at home to be honest.
Then again, wolves have to eat too. |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
26 Posts |
Posted - 08/20/2012 : 11:15 AM
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I thought the NCT had some ladders and river crossings that might be difficult / not passable for dogs - worth checking before you head out! "The North Coast Trail is not recommended for dogs. There are many steep headland sections on the trail with extensive rope work. These sections are not suitable for domestic animals." - http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cape_scott/hiking.html
If you just want to do Cape Scott, it might be a good alternative. We did Cape Scott with our two mid-sized (60-65 lbs) dogs last summer and it was great. There was a lot of wolf activity that year as well, but we did not encounter any - also kept the dogs on leash the entire trail, except for the occasional supervised play time on the beach.
Would be a shame to leave the pup at home, but I'm a "safety first" kind of girl. It will also save you lots of weight if you don't have to carry the dog food!! |
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North Coast Trail and Dogs?
