Ked Man --- On the trail I have seen most thru hikers using a web leash attached to the waist.
I prefer a retractable attached to the waist by a carbiner.
There was an Old Man with a owl,
Who continued to bother and howl;
He sat on a rail, And imbibed bitter ale,
Which refreshed that Old Man and his owl. . WOO <Audio
NPS - Visiting Parks with Your Pets
http://www.nps.gov/pub_aff/e-mail/pets.htm
In general, pets are permitted but must be restrained either on a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length, caged or crated at all times. Park Superintendents and Managers have the discretion to further restrict areas open to pets (i.e., trails, buildings, campgrounds may be off limits).
Restrictions on pets in parks are as much to protect your pet as to protect park resources. Following are some of the reasons parks give for regulating the presence of pets:
--When a loose pet chases a squirrel or raccoon, the wild animal's ability to survive is threatened, and when it is threatened, it may react aggressively.
--There is a strong possibility in parks such as Yellowstone that your pet could become prey for bear, coyote, owl, or other predators.
--There is a possibility of exchange of diseases between domestic animals and wildlife. --Dogs, the most common traveling companion, are natural predators that may harass or even kill native wildlife that is protected within the park's boundaries.
--The "scent of a predator" that dogs leave behind can disrupt or alter the behavior of native animals. --Pets may be hard to control, even on a leash, within confines of often narrow park trails and may trample or dig up fragile vegetation.
--Dog and cat feces add excessive nutrients and bacterial pollution to water, which decreases water quality and can also cause human health problems.
--Finally, lost domestic animals sometimes turn to preying on park wildlife and must be destroyed.
Some park webpages have lists of nearby kennels where you can leave your pet during your stay in the park. You can access information on the parks you plan to visit by going to the "Visit Your National Parks" website at http://www.nps.gov/parks.html. It is always best to check with the park(s) you are planning to visit for specific information and restrictions for pets.
Most of the AT is not a National Park
If you find yourself in a fair fight; your tactics suck.
The management unit where the incident I mentioned occurred isn't either, but many of the same principles mentioned as NPS's rationale apply elsewhere.
Clearly-worded regulations regarding domesticated animals are posted at every point of entry, one of which requires all dogs be on a 6-foot leash at all times. The incident was a direct result of at least two and arguably four violations of Federal regulations designed to protect natural and recreational resources.
I happened to be walking with a group including an ACE ranger at the time, but had gotten ahead of the group when some lagged behind. By the time the dog's owner and the rest of the group caught up with me, what could have been a bad scene had passed.
There is a serious problem at the location with visitors disrespecting the regulations which are meant to create an environment where everyone can enjoy themselves.
Last edited by emerald; 11-25-2010 at 23:22.
Hiking with Dogs
http://www.appalachiantrail.org/site/c.mqLTIYOwGlF/b.4805495/k.9C34/Hiking_with_Dogs.htm
Leashes ARE REQUIRED on more than 40 percent of the Trail, including:
In practice, it can be difficult to tell when you are on NPS-administered A.T. lands. We recommend dogs be leashed at all times, as a matter of courtesy to other hikers and to minimize stress to wildlife.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania and New Jersey
- Maryland (entire state)
- Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, West Virginia
- Shenandoah National Park, Virginia
- Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
- 500+ miles of A.T. land administered by the National Park Service
Last edited by emerald; 11-25-2010 at 21:59.
Give up Emerald. Any dog owner who thinks their dog should not be leashed will not change their mind. Just carry pepper spray and a stick and be prepared to defend yourself if required, and remember it is not the dog's fault that they were selected by an inconsiderate owner.
And yes, I own a dog.
The older I get, the faster I hiked.
I'm not sure I'm even trying to convince anyone anymore. Maybe I'm just venting or trying to do what ATC does by posting the regulations.
It's gotten old and I no longer enjoy many of the places I once did. Maybe I should be glad for those I still can enjoy. Fortunately, I still know of some.
It's nice to know there are some dog owners who understand.
ahhhhhOriginally Posted by emerald
the first of twelve steps
If you find yourself in a fair fight; your tactics suck.
Thin, light nylon leash clipped to my waist. Makes it easy to pull her up beside me when we yield the trail. I loop it around one of my limbs when we sleep, as we're usually in the open or under a tarp.
Removed partial post....
Although I have made it clear in the past my dog is leashed - people still hate me and my dog being on any trail. IDGAD. (I Dont Give a Damn)
Sheepdog - too funny with the 12 steps.
Last edited by Wise Old Owl; 11-26-2010 at 22:55.
There was an Old Man with a owl,
Who continued to bother and howl;
He sat on a rail, And imbibed bitter ale,
Which refreshed that Old Man and his owl. . WOO <Audio
I have no idea what half of what you wrote has to do with anything. Your friend isn't a hypocrite, but he isn't going to change what bothers him by complaining to you. If your friend used the space himself and he isn't handicapped, now that would be hypocritical!
You seem to assume everyone already has a fixed, unalterable position on leashes and no one comes to this website seeking information.
If that's the case, then Army Corps of Engineers shouldn't post their regulations at Blue Marsh Lake kiosks, ATC shouldn't bother to post what they do on their website and we all should go about doing whatever we damned well please and to hell with protecting natural and recreational resources.
I wasn't raised that way and I don't accept that people have the right to do whatever they please wherever they please. Pennsylvania isn't The Wild West anymore and hasn't been for some time.
As the world becomes more complex and population densities increase, it becomes even more important people show proper respect toward professional resource managers, the policies they create and others who use public lands.
It may please you to know I have nothing more to add to this thread.
Last edited by emerald; 11-26-2010 at 13:01. Reason: Fixed a vague pronoun reference.
Wait, you read that, and have no clue that I am discussing, you are preaching to the choir?
So you got on the dog thread and post rules about leashes? In spite of the sticky
and you don't have a dog.
Emerald - I really hope you are not that dense about folks social behavior.
There was an Old Man with a owl,
Who continued to bother and howl;
He sat on a rail, And imbibed bitter ale,
Which refreshed that Old Man and his owl. . WOO <Audio
My dog is leashed 100% of the time. We yield the trail 100% of the time. She's not a barker, and I don't go on trails where dogs aren't allowed.
People are still resentful, and occasionally have things to say about "dogs on the trail".
I just quit caring. I don't go backpacking without her. The people that are upset by seeing a dog, well, I think they have no trouble finding things that upset them generally.
I salute your approach, and hope others follow.
And I hope the negative comments toward you diminish. A dog under control of a considerate master is welcome by me.
The older I get, the faster I hiked.
Well Said AnkleBone.
There was an Old Man with a owl,
Who continued to bother and howl;
He sat on a rail, And imbibed bitter ale,
Which refreshed that Old Man and his owl. . WOO <Audio
lol Whats up here? I thought the question beginning this thread was asking what type of leash to use? Or the opinion on different types of leashes. Not whether or not leashes should BE used...
My local Tractor Supply has nylon leashes in blaze orange. Picked up a 6 ft one this weekend to replace my black one that was starting to go.
Thanks for all of the replies, I agree dogs should be leashed at all times in public areas, Dogs like to play and whether they mean it or not they play rough at times and in no way should a dog cause other people to not have a good time. I don't leash my dog on trails that I hike because I might only see 2 or three people a day and see or hear them coming far enough in advance to control my dog till they pass.
But concerning the leash clipped to the waist, I have a chocolate lab and he is still a pup but weighs 65lbs and I would be afraid of being pulled down or thrown off balance. Never tried it though. Anybody have any experiences with a big dog clipped off to the waist?
i just got the same in 4 ft
Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me, either, just leave me alone.
--unknown
i carry a 6 foot "standard" lease in my pocket for roads or when i run into other hikers. excpet in several locations, there is no "lease" law in virginia
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