READERS COMMENTS

I think that it all comes down to responsibility when it comes to dogs on the trail, for example Would you just squat and poop right in the middle of the trail.... I dont think so, as responsible hikers we move well out of sight of the trail do our buisness, and bury it. why beacause its polite, and I dont know about you, but I dont like the idea of anyone steping in my poo, the same rule is easy to apply to our dogs, (yes I own one too), when you see them about to go #2 lead them off the trail and then let them go. If your not quick enough for that, I know im not always, at least scoop it up and carry it off the trail. Its not alot of effort.
Posted: Feb 05, 2010 Dean

Im planning a trip in late Sept to hike from Springer to NC about 100miles. Im planning on no more than 10 to 15miles per day. I have a 7yo hound whos in excellent shape but I am concerned about two things.
1.Is this too far and asking too much from him. I plan on only a light pack for him if anything at all.
2.I am starting to research for shuttles back to GA from NC. Im wondering if Im asking for additonal difficulties.
Thanks for any info you may have.
Posted: Aug 06, 2009 How far is too far??

Trail etiquette - I agree with Mike in that being attacked by a dog that the owner says is friendly is NO FUN and downright SCARY! My own dog was attacked pretty brutally (almost had his ear/face ripped off) by another dog that was out walking in front of a women loose while we were hiking on a trail on-leash, thankfully there were other people nearby to help remove my dog, a Wiem., from her dog's death grip. Out of common courtesy to others, including people with other dogs, PLEASE keep your dog on a leash when hiking on the trail. I take mine off only when we are in an open area with no other people around, or with other off-leash dogs and people I trust. Even then, they have electronic collars on and are trained to come back to the heel position instantly should anything unexpected come up. My general rule that has worked for many years is that, when I am running my dogs off leash and someone comes along with no dog or a dog on a leash, I ask my dogs to heel, hook up my dogs or make them sit quietly until the person and/or dogs are passed. That is the respectful thing to do, always assume that other people are there to enjoy the trail and will most likely NOT want to meet your dog no matter how sweet he or she is. If someone comes up on us with a loose dog and my dogs are already loose than we let them sort things out and most likely they will be fine. The incidence off off-leash dogs attacking dogs that are on leash happens more often than not. Plus, I pick up after them, they are all natural but the poo is not with the high-protein diet we feed. It is no different than you or I pooing on the trail even though we could make the same claim. Just be courteous to others, PLEASE!
Posted: Aug 06, 2009 DogLover

yeah, with my experience, if you try to make a dog carry much more than 20% of its weight, chances are, he will love the hike for the first mile, but be panting and refusing to walk too much farther after that. it is rough on his paws to carry a lot of weight especially on unfamiliar terrain. Especially if the dog is unexperienced. Be easy on fido! and he will be easy on you. I would recommend 10%-15%.
Posted: Aug 05, 2009 Taylor

If a dog attacks you on the trail, you might want to rethink why... dogs can pick up on nasty attitudes pretty well... fear, uncertainty, and a hatred for dogs doesn't go over too well with dogs on the trail.
I never have any problem with dog encounters. But then, I like dogs. And guess what? They like me. Funny how that works.
Posted: Aug 01, 2009 Sandy

Hey Mike! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stay home yourself. You sound like someone I would NEVER want to meet in the woods. Mankind's ultimate existence as we live today is unquestionably due to dogs. We would still be using sign language and living in caves were it not for our canine friends. Just because YOU don't like dogs, don't make all of us suffer without them. Again, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stay home. Oh, watch out for that pile of bear poop! MH in NC.
Posted: Jul 30, 2009 dogdude59

If you live in the East, there is a brand-new book out titled "Dog Hikes in the Adirondacks: 20 Trails to Enjoy with Your Best Friend." Nice pix, and proceeds go to animal shelters.

http://www.examiner.com/x-15432-Albany-Outdoor-Recreation-Examiner

Posted: Jul 29, 2009 Phil

You need big and strong dog to bring him hiking with you. <a rel="dofollow" href="http://mancinggembira.blogspot.com">~mancing~</a>
Posted: Jul 28, 2009 Mancing Gembira

There is a time n place for everything, with or with out a dog ...just treat the trail and others with respect.Love the mag, keep at it.
Posted: Jul 28, 2009 outdrsteve

My German wirehair Pointer logs time on exposed granite,climbs moderate peaks crosses log bridges ,does it all. Having the right breed and the right training go a long way. If you are scared of running into mans best friend in the wilderness,how are you going to react to a predator encounter?
Posted: Jul 28, 2009 Anonymous

My German wirehair Pointer logs time on exposed granite,climbs moderate peaks crosses log bridges ,does it all. Having the right breed and the right training go a long way. If you are scared of running into mans best friend in the wilderness,how are you going to react to a predator encounter?
Posted: Jul 28, 2009 Anonymous

Hey, hey, hey. Dogs ARE animals. They belong in the woods just as much as any of you idiots above. Just like a human to think we own everything. If you step in poo, so what ?! Clean it off and keep on trucking. Oh yea, thanks for the science tutorial. Who cares. Trial and error will always win out .
Posted: Jul 27, 2009 "Either-one"

As with anything dog owners need to be responsible and follow trail etiquette. I recently took my lab Cooper on his 1st hiking trip and he LOVED IT!! There were other people on the trail..I was worried what he might do (he loves to meet people)but he was just so into the hike he ignored them and kept going. Please DOG OWNERS if your dog is not hospitable or you won't take care of your dogs issues please leave them home you will ruin it for the rest of us. A lot of state and national parks already don't allow dogs on the trails.
Posted: Jul 25, 2009 Tom

I will leave my dog at home if you do the same with your kids!!
Posted: Jul 24, 2009 patrick

Hey Mike is sounds like YOU have a problem with dogs. Shut up!
Posted: Jul 24, 2009 JDOG

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. Leave Your damnd dog at home. You won't clean up after it and I will step in it. Your loving baby is a snarling beast to other hikers/campers. The "Oh, he won't bite." doesn't ease my fears when rover comes at me on the trail with that I will protect my owner snarl and his million, sharp, gleaming teeth showing. Give us non-dog lovvers a break away from your pretty baby.
Posted: Jul 23, 2009 Mike

I have to express my disappointment in Backpacker for failing to apply the same light-weight backpacking concepts with dogs as it does with humans. It is the industry (dog pack retail and advice) standard to suggest dogs can carry up to 1/3rd of their body weight. Apply the same percentage to your own body weight.

The average athletic human male who may weigh about 170lbs could carry a pack at 33% of his body weight but if you've done the math in your head just now 50+lbs seems like a lot, doesn't it? Ability and comfort are two different things. Sure, a dog CAN carry up to 1/3rd his body weight, but why would you want him to when you would be so uncomfortable carrying an equal percentage of your own body weight?

Dogs shouldn't carry more than 15-20% of their body weight. This of course varies by breed, athletic ability, health concerns, age, terrain, etc... but the average trail mutt would never have a need to carry more than 1/4th of their body weight and most a lower percentage than that.
Posted: Jul 23, 2009 AlwaysHiking

I have to express my disappointment in Backpacker for failing to apply the same light-weight backpacking concepts with dogs as it does with humans. It is the industry (dog pack retail and advice) standard to suggest dogs can carry up to 1/3rd of their body weight. Apply the same percentage to your own body weight.

The average athletic human male who may weigh about 170lbs could carry a pack at 33% of his body weight but if you've done the math in your head just now 50+lbs seems like a lot, doesn't it? Ability and comfort are two different things. Sure, a dog CAN carry up to 1/3rd his body weight, but why would you want him to when you would be so uncomfortable carrying an equal percentage of your own body weight?

Dogs shouldn't carry more than 15-20% of their body weight. This of course varies by breed, athletic ability, health concerns, age, terrain, etc... but the average trail mutt would never have a need to carry more than 1/4th of their body weight and most a lower percentage than that.
Posted: Jul 23, 2009 AlwaysHiking

Thank you for such an informative blog. I have often thought of hiking with my dog, Sandi, but was unsure of what I would need to bring with us. I love Backpacker magazine and am definitely a loyal reader.
Posted: Jul 15, 2009 DEBORAH TAYLOR-JACKSON

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