By Jordan Bowman
Appalachian Mountain Club Outdoors Bulletin
August 2023
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Help ensure you, your dog, and everyone else has fun on the trails this summer by following these tips.
Choose trails matching your dog’s fitness. Monitor its condition and turn around before small issues become big problems.
Carry a leash and make sure your dog follows commands. Leave aggressive dogs at home.
Consider your dog’s age. Assess older dogs before attempting challenging routes. Taking younger dogs on rugged trails could negatively impact their development.
Choose easier activities on hot days. Furry friends are susceptible to heat exhaustion.
Canine Trail Etiquette:
- Keep your dog in sight and under control at all times.
- Leash your dog around others.
- Give dog-less hikers right-of-way. Move off trail until they pass.
- Say “hello” to other visitors to show your dog they are not a threat.
- Follow Leave No Trace principles. Bury waste 6-to-8 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. Pack out waste from above treeline.
- Do not allow your dog to disturb plants or wildlife.
- Keep the dog-to-human ratio at 1:1. Only two dogs total per hiking group.
Special Considerations:
- Fire towers. Tie your dog securely at the base away from the steps.
- Cliffs. Leash your dog. Keep it calm and close.
- Ladders. Walking around may be impossible. Carrying dogs up ladders is unsafe.
- Water. Guide dogs to clear, running water. Carry at least one quart per three miles.
Essential Items:
- Leash under 10 feet long. Check area leashing rules.
- Brush/comb to keep fur deburred.
- Snug collar with your contact info.
- Dog booties for sensitive paws.
- Water and water dish.
- Dog food/snacks.
- Rope for tying your dog to fixed objects.
- Poo collection bags.
- Dog first aid kit.