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  1. #61
    Formerly thickredhair Gaiter's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by terrasculp View Post
    Going North from Springer Mtn., how far can I hike with my dog, before I am forced to take her off the trail?
    she can't go in the smokey's, you have to make arrangements or skip the smokeys
    it really depends on the dog, there are a few rare dogs that can handle the long distance, personally I will never take my dog out for more than a month, thats the longest she's hiked before. you have to really pay attention to your dog, watching for signs of stress, injury. don't plan on pushing your dog too many miles, just because you can handle bigger miles, doesn't mean your dog can,
    Gaiter
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  2. #62

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    Glad to see this thread's still going.

    Gotta be amused by the guy who actually joined Whiteblaze with the name "Baltomorescorner".

    I wish Jester were here as he'd certainly have some ideas on this......is this guy a "Baltimore Scorner" who holds me with eveident disdain? Or is he a guy with spelling issues who wants people to know he stands firmly in "Baltimore's Corner"?

    Pretty funny, in any case.

    Also got to spend some quality time with my landlord's Jack Russells today down by the brook before I went for hike.

    The folks who seem to think I have a real problem with dogs might have been surprised.

    I thought the dogs had a pretty good time, and no, our walk down by the brook did not include rope and cinder blocks.

  3. #63
    its a state of mind
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    Not a problem here never slept in a shelter with or without my dog. As far as dogs in shelters my vote would be no.

  4. #64
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    My puppy chow LOVES to hike.

    I don't feel safe in the woods w/o her.

    She's a chick magnet, and I need all the help I can get!!!

    I've trained her to pee on people I don't like- while they're in the shelter

  5. #65
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    This is a good post, if not a little harsh, with many useful sugggestions. I just finished a SOBO with my dog and he was excited to hike nearly everyday. The word "hike" still cannot be said without an enthusiastic response. I did notice many of the things you said: more work, many exclusions, extra pack weight, dog haters, alternated schedule, etc. As for the shelter thing, I stayed in only a few and ONLY when I had it to myself. A tent is a must for more reasons than just keeping other hikers comfortable. It became his home away from home. A safe place. I used Advantix and aside from the occasional tick he never had an "infestation" problem. I too ran into a few dogs that had no business on a thru-hike but it was mostly an unprepared owner at the root of the problem. One thing that I noticed is missing from this article is the added expense. It costs more than just the price of dog food. (By the way, they are going to eat twice as much as at home) Most motels charge a pet fee. A vet visit (or two) is definetly going to happen. Advantix isn't cheap. Etc. You might be surprised by the amount of extra cash that is needed to safely get them down the trail with you. All that aside, if done right, a thru with your best friend will reward you in many ways. Happy hiking.

  6. #66
    Registered User Phreak's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Gaiter View Post
    Why is Superman/Winter's article not in this section? Why is Jack the only 'expert' in the dog section?
    Jack is the 'expert' on everything.

  7. #67

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    Thumbs down Who is the real 'dog hater'?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack Tarlin View Post
    And saying this makes one neither "negative" or a dog hater.
    I agree, though too many people engage in a form of "double-speak" and use the pejorative, dyslogistic term "dog hater" to demonize the victims of bad dog owners.

    In my opinion, many falsely so-called "dog haters" are the true dog lovers. It's the bad owners who are more truthfully dog haters.

    The term "dog hater" is just a red flag, in more ways than one. To me, it identifies the person using it, more correctly than it identifies the victims rightly complaining of the bad conduct.

    I would say if the double-speak term "dog hater" is in your vocabulary, then you are not ready to take your dog on a long hike, even if your dog is.

    I have dogs, love dogs, and have run into very fine dogs and very fine dog owners on the AT. I'm no dog hater just because I "hate" the very bad conduct of some dogs' owners.

    RainMan

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    [I]ye shall not pollute the land wherein ye are: ... Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit....[/I]. Numbers 35

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  8. #68
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    Yep. I've been the victim of the "dog hater" label before. My dogs don't seem to think I hate dogs.
    SGT Rock
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    BMT Thru-Hikers' Guide
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    NO SNIVELING

  9. #69

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    i'm happy that my dog and myself hiked all of our miles before joining WB
    didn't realize we were breaking so many rules! i could give a **** less about all you dog haters

  10. #70

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    This isn't supposed to be "expert" commentary.

    Phreak, this is an old thread. I suggest you go and read Post #49 from way back in August.

    There are good dog owners and bad dog owners. There are ones who can rationally discuss matters and there are those who take everything personally, especially the lsightest criticism of their pets.

    Whenever this subject somes up (i.e. a discussion of dogs and dog behavior on the Trail) there's an immediate response from folks who go on defensive mode, and their response is to either fault the critic ("You don't know what you're talking about!!) or to villify the critic as a dog or animal hater.

    In many, if not most cases, this criticism is uncalled for.

    So no, I'm not an expert on this subject and freely acknowledge this. But I've encountered a lot of dogs out there and a lot of dog owners. If your experience with dogs is different than mine, then tell us about it, i.e. instead of criticizing me, tell us why you feel differently.

    Truth be told, most Trail dogs are better off at home, and truth be told, in all likelihood, THEY are happier there, too.

  11. #71
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    So i'm new to all this... I have 3 young dogs that i'm still training but are very active. I want to take them for a day hike or a few day hike to relax myself and get away, they have little back pack to work, since they are working dogs and are always with me. They need to be outdoors and be socialized to new things that's why i was considering hiking, but it seems like everyone is so dog unfriendly that i shouldn't bother trying. I used to go and hike everywhere with my border collie and haven't been for awhile now... she couldn't do more than 2 or 3 miles towards the end. So should i not even bother trying to hike with my unwanted dogs, since the one does occassionally bark or talk back when he is ignored... he's 6 months and i'm working on it. But sometimes you can't train a dog to handle a situation if it's never in that situation...

  12. #72
    Registered User Phreak's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Pittmama75 View Post
    So i'm new to all this... I have 3 young dogs that i'm still training but are very active. I want to take them for a day hike or a few day hike to relax myself and get away, they have little back pack to work, since they are working dogs and are always with me. They need to be outdoors and be socialized to new things that's why i was considering hiking, but it seems like everyone is so dog unfriendly that i shouldn't bother trying. I used to go and hike everywhere with my border collie and haven't been for awhile now... she couldn't do more than 2 or 3 miles towards the end. So should i not even bother trying to hike with my unwanted dogs, since the one does occassionally bark or talk back when he is ignored... he's 6 months and i'm working on it. But sometimes you can't train a dog to handle a situation if it's never in that situation...
    You should hike with your dogs if that is what you want to do. You should continue working on their training and trail manners.

  13. #73
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    You know your dog is ready for the trail when they learn to be happy a d comfortable for six months on a leash. If you believe that's possible you should reconsider being a dog owner.

  14. #74
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    I work with dogs for a living, and have a Black Lab who just turned 2 years old. She has only done day hikes with me, and tented only for car camping. I plan on taking her on overnights begining this spring. She will carry a small amount of food, her pack bowls and treats. I would not push her too far for any reason.

    My old dog hiked with me many times, never carried a pack because I could never find one that fit him well. Just had a weird build as a mixed breed.

    In my experience there are no bad dogs, and Jack has stated this here and elsewhere, but there are bad owners. You must understand that not everybody likes dogs, or even just may not want to share their sleeping quarters with dogs. If you want to take your dog to a place that it is allowed (like much of the trail) but not everybody is there to be with dogs, it is your responsibility to make sure your dog is under control. It is also your responsibility to be ready to sleep elsewhere if someone does not want to sleep near your dog.

    Also, if you do not want to sleep next to a dog then you need to speak up about it. I may not be the one to put you in that position and ask, I will just tent anyways, but others may not always be that considerate.
    -clicker

  15. #75
    Registered User traildust's Avatar
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    Baltimore Jack,
    Thanks for the reminders. We plan on taking our black lab with us in 2011. This was helpful. We don't stay in shelters unlesss it is an emergency. In our previous attempts we have met several hikers with dogs and never had a problem. It is as rare as coming upon a rude, crude backpacker. But thanks for the helpful dialog.
    Discover Kentucky's Long Tail. Join The Sheltowee Trace Association and help us maintain, grow and preserve this national resource.

  16. #76
    http://www.facebook.com/themissjanet Miss Janet's Avatar
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    Default Your dog is ready for a long hike...

    When he mopes around with his guide books all over the floor, pictures of Baltimore Jack hanging above his food bowl, and deep sighs coming from him whenever he sees white rectangles of any size...

  17. #77

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    A lot of good comments! I myself am a proud "Grandpa" of a sweet little "Grandpup", Misha. Although I enjoy her company, I limit our walks together, to just that, "our" walks together. I would never think to keep her in a shelter when others are present. In completing 800 miles SOBO, I had occasions to hike and camp around others dogs. Since I like dogs, I had little problems relating well to them. Therefore, I had little problem relating to their owners. I never had problems with hikers with dogs... not even with them in the shelters. However... I was fortunate to have plenty of room to keep distance between me, the dog, and the owner! I guess if I was to hike with a dog, I would definitely plan on tenting with it. I do believe in "hiking your own hike", but that act should not interfere with the hiking/shelter of other hikers. Let's just let sleeping dogs lie... ...Misha says, Bow wow, Bow wow wow!

  18. #78
    Registered User Wise Old Owl's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Miss Janet View Post
    When he mopes around with his guide books all over the floor, pictures of Baltimore Jack hanging above his food bowl, and deep sighs coming from him whenever he sees white rectangles of any size...

    Too much!
    Dogs are excellent judges of character, this fact goes a long way toward explaining why some people don't like being around them.

    Woo

  19. #79
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    Default Real advice for people who want to hike with their dogs.

    Hmmmm... I wouldn't let this article keep me from bringing my dog. It's an unfortunate thing that it's the only resource here, becuase I think it perpetuates the worst stereotypes of dog-owners. For example, I'm laughing at the notion that "at some point in the year, all dogs are infested with fleas and ticks." Not if you use a preventative year-round... Standard practice for any respectable dog owner. Having a dog on a trail is a joy if done properly. FWIW, I've had great times on the trail with my dog- she's good company, usually runs circles around me, and it's comforting to know that no one will sneak up on me in my tent.

    First of all, I'm not sure I'd want my dog camping in a shelter unless we had it to ourselves. In my experience, there are a lot of people who don't know dogs and would make trouble (unintentionally or otherwise). It's better (and probably less mouse-infested) to camp in a tent. You're there to experience the great outdoors anyway, right?

    In terms of preparation: At a minimum, speak with your vet and have him/her check the dog before you start any exercise regimen. Talk to the vet about what you expect the dog will face on the trail (be realistic) and ask for tips. There is a vaccination that dogs who are frequently outdoors should get that will prevent Canine Leptospirosis, a disease caused by contact with infected rodent/raccoon/deer/fox urine. Also, you should condition your dog- just as you wouldn't expect a person to hike 10 miles out of the gate, don't expect the same of your dog. Learn and watch for signs of fatigue. Learn and watch for signs of common diseases. Take a first aid for dogs class before you go. Decide with your vet if your dog should wear booties or other foot protection. Decide with your vet if the dog should carry a pack, and how much weight they should carry. Take care that your dog drinks only from the water sources that you do- dogs can get giardia and other diseases too.

    The questions asked in this article are good, if only to get people thinking about the kinds of issues that a dog can raise on the trail, as well as perceptions you may encounter in other people on the trail. You'll have to plan differently, pack differently, hike differently, and think differently when going with a dog. It's a little like hiking with a child in that your responsibility to your dog and his or her welfare must be at the forefront of every decision you make, even if it's the painful one to leave him or her behind while you hike.

    For dog owners looking for real advice on backpacking with a dog, try this site for annotated links to resources on the web: http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/hike.html

    Just as with other hikers, remember that your behavior affects those around you and those who come behind you. Be respectful (look at the other posts to this article for things that annoy people, and avoid doing them), and remember that anyone who will "eek!" or mutter under their breath at the sight of a dog on the trail probably isn't going to be your best bud anyway. Just give them a wide berth and enjoy your hike.

  20. #80
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    Quote Originally Posted by ACElder View Post
    "at some point in the year, all dogs are infested with fleas and ticks." Not if you use a preventative year-round... Standard practice for any respectable dog owner.
    In terms of preparation: At a minimum, speak with your vet and have him/her check the dog before you start any exercise regimen. Talk to the vet about what you expect the dog will face on the trail (be realistic) and ask for tips. There is a vaccination that dogs who are frequently outdoors should get that will prevent Canine Leptospirosis, a disease caused by contact with infected rodent/raccoon/deer/fox urine. Also, you should condition your dog- just as you wouldn't expect a person to hike 10 miles out of the gate, don't expect the same of your dog.
    Great advice! My vet also helped me make a canine first aid kit, and taught me basic canine CPR. I would also HIGHLY recommend booties for any dog doing long distance hiking. I work at a vet hospital now, and it's very hard to wrap and bandage a dog's feet and get the bandage to stay on even if they aren't doing anymore exercise than just walking in the yard. Dog booties can be used to help hold a bandage on, or act as a bandage itself if the dog gets a minor scrape or abrasion on his paw, or yanks a toenail off.
    Also everyone should condition with their dog. It's a great way for both of you to get in shape, to get used to hiking together as a team and going over training. Plus dogs make can good exercise partners.

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