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 humans didn’t pick up their poop! Well as the saying goes, it only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole barrel. 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. Sadly some places that my brother Lemmy enjoyed just five years ago no longer allow dogs. Worst yet, in recent months there has been serious debate about banning dogs from a couple of my favorite places! Therefore we all need to put our best paw forward and set a good example for dog friendly adventures. Here are a few reminders on dog etiquette.
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. This includes hiking trails! There could be a hidden hazard around the bend that requires keeping your humans close, or a restricted area where you and your human can’t explore. Also it’s very important to 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!
Poop bags are nonnegotiable! Now I know what you’re thinking, if bears can poop in the woods, why can’t I? Well just like you wouldn’t like it if bears pooped in your yard, they don’t like you pooping in theirs. Besides, without realizing it you may be introducing a disease that the wildlife isn’t immune to and could make them sick. Also some animals are highly sensitive to dog waste, and if they smell it will leave the area and not return. I even know of a few humans who won’t return to a place if there’s dog poop. Not to mention, neither you nor your humans want to step in it! So this is nonnegotiable. Always 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 that’s gross picking up another dog’s poop! However, poop is the number one reason why dogs are banned from places. Is it really asking too much to 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. Perhaps carrying an extra big bag of poop will give them more prestige?
It’s NOT ok to say “It’s Ok!” The impolite greeting of strangers is another reason dogs get banned from places. 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 I’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 go out and they really don’t appreciate the enthusiasm of off-leash dogs. So when your human tells you to “come,” you come! Otherwise keep yourself leashed!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Respect also applies to the wildlife you encounter. Think of it this way. What if you were sitting in your living room and deer suddenly came running through? You’d be pretty unnerved, right? Well that’s exactly how it is for the animals who live along these trails and beaches. One minute they are enjoying a quiet morning, and the next there’s some dog bursting in on their privacy. They may even be caring for their babies, grouchy after waking up from hibernation, or aggressive as they search for a new mate. In all these situations, and many more, you are an intruder. Please show wildlife the respect they deserve by playing it cool, and don’t even think of barking or chasing them. Also stay away from the endangered nesting beach birds. I know they look and sound 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 whatever you do, NEVER try to take a dog selfie with wildlife! This includes the adorable seals sunning themselves on the beach. If you do see the local wildlife, just politely nod and keep on walking. We are guests in their homes, so please behave that way.
I know I’m probably preaching to the choir here. But 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!
