Canine Companions: A How-to for Dog Owners and the Woods

Rosco having fun.

Rosco having fun.

The question always comes up, especially when your partner bails on you.. Can/Should I bring my furry friend to come along with me on this trip? This hike? This trail? The answers are not in the article, however the guidelines and research required to produce the best possible outcome for both you and Cujo are. Here are the principles to live by for taking your dog along with you.

In the bed of the truck, happy but alone.

In the bed of the truck, happy but alone.

Number 1: Research ahead of time.
I cannot stand when I see a dog attached to a car, bike post, tree, scooter wheel, small child or any other stagnant object.. It triggers me to the core. I want to channel Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson and layath the smackath down upon the irresponsible owner of the poor canis lupus familiaris. Thus! Here is some critical information for you to take with you; dogs are not allowed within many National Parks in the United States, with justifiable reasons. They chase wildlife, they create paths that don’t exist and hence can destroy restoration areas that are critical to the evosystem and biodiversity of the region. Simply put, the National Park is not for the dog.
That being said, Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Acadia all have SOME trails that dogs can travel on, and there are strict regulations for dogs. Check them out here.

Voice and within sight.  The right way to keep your pet safe.

Voice and within sight. The right way to keep your pet safe.

2. Train your pooch.
If your dog runs wild, cannot come when called or likes to bite other animals… or people… GET SOME LESSONS! Train that animal. It is not too hard, and can be done with some focus and commitment. It is not the responsibility of other runners, hikers and horseback riders to keep your dog away from them, that falls on the owner. If you can’t take care of your animal, leave it at home!

Ruffwear backpacks for dogs

Ruffwear backpacks for dogs

3. Carry its own water and food.
That’s right, either invest in a Ruffwear of carry it on your back with your food and water… and unless you like the taste of mechanically separated chicken, be careful not to mix them up! Dogs need an ounce and half of water per pound of body weight every day. Active dogs require much more. If you fear your dog may be dehydrated, pull up the fur on the back of its neck… seriously. If it snaps back immediately, the pup is okay. If it goes back slowly, or forms a tent shape with its skin, it is in definite need of more aqua.

Running the author into the ground!

Running the owner into the ground!

4. Love your animal for all its flaws.
It doesn’t understand language. They are silly sometimes, appreciate their unending devotion to you, their appreciation for simplicity, the slobber of its drooling mouth and its increasingly baffling athleticism when you throw a tennis ball in his or her general direction. You may never be that agile (gain it here) but you sure can appreciate it.

Just lettin' him chill.

Just lettin’ him chill.

Its pretty basic. Its smart. It is considerate to your dog and to the other people’s needs. Those who enjoy the wilderness go to see the vistas, encourage spiritual growth and spend time with family and loved ones. Be a responsible per owner, and learn that it is your lack of behavior or consideration that can impact and influence the lives of others.

Oh yea, wherever you go, clean up their shit.

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