Think twice about taking them on the trail

Story and photo by Tracy Albrecht, BLM Interpretive Specialist

It seems natural—you and your dog in the great outdoors. Your pet is very well behaved and stays by your side. You are a responsible pet owner, you clean up after your pets and dispose of the waste properly. So, it can be especially frustrating when you find a trail access closed or limited to leash-only hiking, or even signs saying pets are not allowed at all. Why does this happen?

There are number of factors that can contribute to trail restrictions. Primarily though, when endangered and threatened species are at risk, the land managers must reflect the conservation goals to restore healthy populations of those species.

Dogs are domesticated animals that have natural instincts and similarities to their wild canine cousins. Even a small dog has a scent and appearance of a predator (eyes on the front of its skull like a wolf as opposed to the side, like a rabbit) to an herbivore such as a bighorn sheep. A dog’s presence alone adds an impact to wild animals that may be as serious as causing a mother deer to leave her offspring, where they then become vulnerable to predators.

Dogs off leash can chase wild animals, risking injury to both animals. Even without physical contact this can cause harm to wild animals by using their limited calories to escape, adding stress to a wild animal’s foraging behaviors. Domesticated animals can also bring diseases that affect the health of wild animals.

Although responsible owners clean up after their dogs, the “scent of a predator” is left behind. This can keep sensitive animals out of their habitat, or habituate them to the scent, which in turn makes them more vulnerable to natural predators. Dog feces and urine adds excessive nutrients to an environment that would not occur naturally, altering the way plants grow.

Everyone has a right to access public lands, and that includes people who might not feel comfortable around dogs. Trails are often narrower than sidewalks, passing by can be difficult. Having a dog off leash can be intimidating and scary to other trail users.

While most of the reasons for pet free trails have to do with the health of the land, the safety of our furry friends is also considered. There are many diseases in the wild that can affect your dog. And wild animals will defend themselves - dogs are often targets of rattlesnake bites and coyote predation.

As an alternative, there are many city and county parks that are great to experience public lands with your furry companion. They often welcome dogs with large, fenced areas of grass, watering stations, even water tubs for splashing. A leash free frolic in a grassy open space can be a highly rewarding visit where both owner and pet get exercise, use their senses, and can observe wildlife. Remember that the early morning hours avoids the heat and the crowds and you may get to enjoy a morning chorus of birdsongs.

If you decide to bring Fido with you on your next hike, check local leash laws, be sure to bring enough water for the both of you and think about what other supplies you may need if there is an unfortunate encounter with wildlife. And as summer continues to provide long days and warm temperatures, remember to respect the rules of the trails; they are carefully designed as much to protect your pet as to protect the land’s wildness.