(Commonwealth Union)_Hiking is a great kind of exercise and a great way to enjoy nature. It’s logical that you’d want your dog to accompany you on the route. Dogs make wonderful friends, and watching them enjoy the sights, sounds, and fragrances of nature is energising.
However, just as you wouldn’t go hiking in your dress shoes, there are some considerations to make for your dog. Do you have all of the necessary equipment for your dog? Have you mastered the art of hiking etiquette? You should also brush up on your dog training skills. Before you hit the trail with your dog, make sure you’re well prepared to have a memorable outdoor adventure for both of you.
To begin, don’t always assume your dog is welcome to accompany you on your hikes. For example, you may be wondering, “Are dogs permitted in National Parks?” Many National Parks, thankfully, welcome dogs, but many have restrictions on dogs on trails. Before going on a hike, be sure your dog is permitted to accompany you. If you don’t, you could face a hefty fine, not to mention the wrath of your fellow hikers. Dogs are not permitted in parks, which may appear arbitrary, but keep in mind that your dog might have an impact on the environment by endangering wild animals and entering delicate ecosystems.
Before you start the trail, it is your job to discover the rules of each location where you will take your dog. There are broad pet laws in National Parks, but each park may have its own set of additional rules. Other wilderness regions, such as State Parks and municipal forests, will have their own set of rules.
Wherever you hike with your dog, remember to follow the National Parks B.A.R.K. regulation. B.A.R.K. is an abbreviation for Bag pet waste, Always keep your pet on a leash, Respect wildlife and Know where you can go. The first B.A.R.K. rule is essential hiking etiquette: tidy up after your dog. You may believe that your dog’s excrement is a normal part of the cycle of life, particularly in more isolated areas. It can, however, pose problems for local wildlife and possibly have an impact on the water supply.
In practically every hiking situation, the second B.A.R.K. rule should apply. It is critical to keep your dog on a short leash for safety, courtesy, and control. Not every hiker is comfortable with dogs, and other dogs on the path may not be as friendly as yours. Finally, an off-leash dog can vanish from view, and if you can’t see what your dog is doing, you can’t keep them from getting into trouble, such as encountering a skunk or eating something poisonous. If you are hiking in off-leash areas, only allow your dog run free if you have vocal control of your dog, can see your dog at all times, and have worked on a dependable recall.
Keep your dog on the trail at all times, save when encountering others, to safeguard plant and animal life. Then, with your dog by your side, step off the trail to let others to pass safely. Finally, remember to meet others on the trail, as a cheerful greeting may indicate that your dog is friendly and informs your dog that there is no need to be concerned.
