Trail Etiquette for Dogs

Do you research before you head out. While most hiking trails are dog-friendly, there are some ecologically sensitive areas that do not allow dogs even if they are leashed up. Respect the rules and choose trails that allow you and your canine-companion to hike. Be a good dog owner on the trail by practicing good trail etiquette.

• Practice your dog’s commands - sit, down, recall, etc. - on a regular basis. You most likely will come into contact with other people and dogs while hiking. It’s critical that your dog has a strong grasp of commands for your and its safety while out on the trails. Reinforce good behaviour with tasty treats.

• Leave no trace. Always pick up after your dog and bring the trash out of the park with you. Avoid letting your dog pee or poo near water ways like streams, creeks, lakes, etc. to avoid contaminating the water. If you are on a multi-day hike, bring a shovel so you can dig a hole to bury the poop.

• Be aware of your surroundings and let cyclist pass safely. Do you share the trail with cyclist? Make sure you have control of your dog to avoid your dog getting in the way of cyclists and potentially causing accidents. Cyclists can travel at high speeds making it difficult for them to stop on a dime. It is best to pull your pup aside and let the bikes pass before continuing with your hike.

• Follow trail rules. Don’t go off trail if you are not allowed to. Many conversation areas have defined trails. Going off trail risks damaging sensitive ecological areas. For dog-friendly trails, check whether leashes are required. If so, always have them leashed. If off-leash is an option, only do so if your dog has strong recall.

• Don’t let your dog chew on plants. Just like going off trail can be damaging, chewing on plants can also wreak havoc on the environment. It can also be dangerous for your dog. Many common plants contain toxins that can make your dog sick.