A great resource I found on the ATC site. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the PDF file Hiking with Fido.
Trail etiquette should be followed at all times, from the ATC site. They recommend leashing as follows, but I have always kept my dogs leashed. I’ve backpacked with Labs and Beagles and at no time have I been approached by anyone complaining of my dogs being a nuisance. With use of a muzzle I taught even the beagle no to put out the hunting call. If in doubt or if you feel the rules to be too restrictive, please leave your dog at home. As a female, backpacking alone much of the time, I rely on my dogs to alert me when to potential danger. Their hearing is keener. With their warning, I have been able to skirt areas when I do not feel comfortable with an encounter. So if backpacking with a dog, please be mindful of others. It is a privilege not a right, I’ve gone to meetings where adamant backpackers would like to see dogs banned entirely. Me, I want to see ATV’s banned so I understand a passionate viewpoint.
- Do not allow your pet to chase wildlife.
- Leash your dog around water sources and in sensitive alpine areas.
- Do not allow your dog to stand in springs or other sources of drinking water.
- Be mindful of the rights of other hikers not to be bothered by even a friendly dog.
- Bury your pet’s waste as you would your own.
- Take special measures at shelters. Leash your dog in the shelter area, and ask permission of other hikers before allowing your dog in a shelter. Be prepared to “tent out” when a shelter is crowded, and on rainy days.
Tags: Backpacking, Backpacking With Dogs, hiking
