Dogs gather around.  We need to talk.  We’ve all been there.  You’re enjoying a great day at the beach or on a trail, when all of a sudden that dog shows up and ruins it for everyone.  Maybe he’s running with reckless abandon off-leash, or perhaps she’s a bit too friendly when greeting fellow weekend warriors, or worst yet they looked the other way when their owner didn’t pick up their poop!  Well as the saying goes, it only takes one bad apple to ruin the whole bunch.  So it is up to us to work together to help keep our favorite places open to dogs!  I know it’s hard to believe, but not all people like dogs, and want us there.  Now that we’ve reached the midpoint of summer, I can’t help but notice on various news sites and chatrooms the grumblings have begun once again about banning us from some of our favorite places because of that dog.  So here are a few reminders on how not to be that dog!

Rules are meant to be…followed!  If there’s one thing I know about humans is they like to make rules, lots and lots of rules.  Although some seem a bit nit-picky, rules are there for a reason, and are meant to keep both us and our humans safe.  So if the rules call for a leash, make sure your human is tethered to you and not wandering off to cause trouble.  There could be a hidden ledge around that bend on the trail.  Also if the rules state you’re not suppose to go near the cute nesting beach birds, stay away!  I know they look and act just like squeaky toys, but in reality they’re skittish little creatures who don’t appreciate being trod upon by big floppy paws and covered in slobber.  And most importantly, obey the times when dogs are allowed on beaches!  I know sometimes dogs think the rules don’t apply when they’re on vacation.  But they do!

Pick up the poop!  And not just your poop, if you notice someone forgot their poop, be a good sport and carry it away with yours.  I know what you’re thinking, “that’s gross!”  I whole heartedly agree!  But poop is the number one reason why dogs are banned from places.  So is it really asking too much to lend a helping paw and clean up the mess, so that we can continue to enjoy going to these beaches and trails?  Besides, dog owners take pride in the weirdest things, so perhaps carrying an extra big bag of poop will give them more joy?

It’s NOT ok to say “It’s Ok!”  I have to admit this is my biggest pet peeve.  I can’t count how many times I’ve been enjoying a hike, in my own little world reciting existential poetry in my head, when all of a sudden a dog comes charging out of nowhere into my face.  While in the distance her owner yells, “It’s ok! She’s friendly!”  It’s not ok.  Especially if the rules call for being leashed, and the offending dog is off-leash.  Now I totally understand your enthusiasm wanting to greet everyone you meet.  There have been times we’ve been hiking forever with no signs of other dogs or humans.  So when one suddenly appears it is an exciting moment!  And who doesn’t like to make new friends?  But you need to remember to be respectful.  After all even cat people like to hike and they really don’t appreciate the enthusiasm of off-leash dogs.

Overall I guess what I’m trying to say here is it makes my tail droop when long after the summer crowds are gone, local dogs find themselves suddenly banned because of a visitor’s bad behavior.  Please dogs, if we all work together not only will we be able to continue going on awesome adventures, perhaps more places will take down those annoying No Dogs Allowed signs and welcome us to come and play!  Oh and if you’re not sure of the rules, try checking our Dog Friendly Places page where we have posted the rules for all sorts of fun places to visit!