How NOT to trigger negative behavior in someone else's dog...

[August W.]

(Moderator: please let me know if this thread should be moved. My intent is not to start a debate but to simply encourage folks to list some straightforward tips and advice as to how we should all behave around dogs on the trail.)

I think this thread will be of benefit to both dog owners and non dog owners alike. I have hiked and backpacked with many dogs over the years; both my own dogs and friend's dogs. Just like every one of you reading this I don't know all there is to know about k9 behavior and how best to interact and hike with them. Let's see if we can give each other some helpful suggestions.
Here's a few to get things started.....

1. When you see a breed of dog that is commonly known to be friendly do not assume that the dog is friendly or cares to be touched.

2. Trail runners: If you are running up behind a hiker with a dog please announce your presence to us as early as possible. I will be more than happy to remove myself and my pup from the trail so you can pass without breaking stride or freaking out my dog.

3. ASK ME if you can pet my dog before you begin to reach for him.

4. When hiking with your super friendly, completely loving dog do not forget that there are people on the trail that have deep-seated fear of dogs and even just having to pass within feet of your leashed pet will freak these people out. I had a nice, short conversation with a couple on the A.T. about this fear and as a result I now put myself between the trail and my dog when we step off to let others pass. Obviously this isn't always possible due to thick vegetation, cliffs, etc..

5. Irregardless if you are with or without a dog, when you find yourself about to cross paths with someone who is hiking with a dog and that person doesn't seem to be aware of you go ahead and speak out or make some noise to alert the dog owner of your presence.

6. If you think your dog shouldn't be on a leash while hiking a public trail you should find private land to take your dog hiking on. That is my opinion but above all know that leash laws are in place for a good reason and they do apply to you. There are situations in which the dog can need to be unleashed for safety reasons (like when a sketchy scramble can't be avoided) but to hike public trails with your dog off leash is just an open invitation for negative interactions with other dogs and humans. Leashes do a lot to prevent both dog and human confrontations.

[tiptoe]

I pretty much agree with your guidelines, August W. I've had dogs all my life and am very comfortable around animals. Here's what works for me. First rule, be calm (this helps with difficult people and situations, too). Animals can sense fear and often react aggressively to it. Second, don't approach a strange dog; let the dog come to you, and if it does, don't reach out to it. Instead, offer your hand, palm down, and let it sniff first before attempting to pet its head. I have to do this with my own husky, which has lived with me since 2003. Third, never offer food or treats to somebody else's dog, and never offer suggestions to the dog's owner unless asked or unless you feel the dog is being severely mistreated (and then, be very tactful).

[Rain Man]

Indeed, those are some helpful suggestions.

[August W.]

I pretty much agree with your guidelines, August W. I've had dogs all my life and am very comfortable around animals. Here's what works for me. First rule, be calm (this helps with difficult people and situations, too). Animals can sense fear and often react aggressively to it. Second, don't approach a strange dog; let the dog come to you, and if it does, don't reach out to it. Instead, offer your hand, palm down, and let it sniff first before attempting to pet its head. I have to do this with my own husky, which has lived with me since 2003. Third, never offer food or treats to somebody else's dog, and never offer suggestions to the dog's owner unless asked or unless you feel the dog is being severely mistreated (and then, be very tactful).

Thanks for the reply. Just another option here... rather than offering your hand with your palm down, offer your hand in a balled fist. If the dog bites you may be less injured if your hand is in a fist position.

[August W.]

Thanks for the reply. Just another option here... rather than offering your hand with your palm down, offer your hand in a balled fist. If the dog bites you may be less injured if your hand is in a fist position.

Additionally, a small dog may not be able to open it's mouth wide enough to get a good bite on your fist.

[tiptoe]

Okay, I'm heading to the park now with my dog and will try the fist (relaxed, not clenched), if the opportunity presents itself.

[BirdBrain]

Awesome thread. Especially point 4. I love dogs. I seek permission from the owner to say hi to them when I am allowed. My wife is terrified of them. She was attacked by one as a child. I have wanted to mention this on other dog threads, but people were arguing. I did not want to appear to be piling on with an unconstructive thought. Hopefully this becomes an informative guide to peaceful and proper relations on the trail as it pertains to dogs. It really should. If not, I wanted to get this in early in case it goes south. I will be checking back on this thread. I am certain I will be gaining knowledge.

[O-H-10 Lil Ohio]

Great thread, I agree with many of the comments made about dogs on the trail. As a person definitely afraid of dogs but always trying o conquer my fears , I rely on the dog owner to tell me what I can and cannot do while in the presence of their dog. Recently while doing trail magic at woodys gap we had a group of hikers and two young ladies with two dogs, one of them was off the leash when another hiker came upon us and the dog not on the lease started biting him around the ankles, the owner was able to get the dog back and skin wasn't broken, the hiker was dog lover , I wonder what would have happened what if he was not a dog lover. The group stopping for food at woodys gab made comments to the dog owner about keeping her dog on the leash. I see trouble moving forward with these particular two dogs. Many of the hikers that came throug with dogs while we were at Woody' Gap had wonderful dogs and I ask the owners if they could have hot dogs , if the dog owner said yes, dogs got a treat. I have to rely on the owners of these dogs while I'm out hiking or doing trail magic and so far 95% have been a pleasure to be around. ARFH!!

[August W.]

Awesome thread. Especially point 4. I love dogs. I seek permission from the owner to say hi to them when I am allowed. My wife is terrified of them. She was attacked by one as a child. I have wanted to mention this on other dog threads, but people were arguing. I did not want to appear to be piling on with an unconstructive thought. Hopefully this becomes an informative guide to peaceful and proper relations on the trail as it pertains to dogs. It really should. If not, I wanted to get this in early in case it goes south. I will be checking back on this thread. I am certain I will be gaining knowledge.

Thanks for chiming in. I too hope this thread doesn't turn into a mass arguing match. I originally deleted #6 as not to provoke those who have strong opinions and short tempers about the whole leash deal but I have seen and experienced too many lousy scenarios that could have been totally avoided by a leash. Here's to common courtesy and calm discussion (I would insert a pic of my raised glass but I'm feeling lazy).
l think I will learn from this thread as well, and since my dog is my favorite hiking companion I believe I owe him this much.

[Damn Yankee]

One thing I have trouble with are people petting my Service Dog. Mostly children as they walk by but, also some adults. My dog loves people and loves to be pet which is fine when her vest is off but, when the vest is on, it's all work. I just wanted to point this out as most people don't realize that when you see a Service Dog you aren't suppose to pet it.

[BirdBrain]

Is it okay to ask for advice in this thread? We will fine out. Please be gentle. I may be ignorant, but I am not evil.

I have seen some friendly dogs on the trail that come right up to me. Most of the time I am not the first one to say hi and the owner has set the proper stage. Once in a while a happy dog arrives before the owner. My question does not have anything to do with if that is proper. I don't need help with that.

Somewhere in Maine (I don't recall where), I was climbing down a hill. I was tired. As I sat down, I heard a deep echoing "wooooof". I thought 'that thing is big'. Just then an enormous black lab appeared around a corner, loping right at me. His tail was wagging so hard, I thought it might break. It ran straight at me. I put my arms out to catch him hoping not to be knocked over. Soon, the out of breath owner appeared. He was apologizing as I was enjoying the best companionship I had in days.

I am certain there are opinions. I told you what I did. What should I have done? I am not interested in what he should have done. I can't control him. He is not here to tell his side. Any advice for me?

[Bluegrass]

As a runner, I definitely appreciate your including #6. You might know that your dog can be trusted off leash, but I might be coming around a corner onto an unleashed dog. I have to make a split second decision what I should do, and obviously I am going to side on being as careful and cautious as possible. This can mean coming to a complete stop, but will always include some bit of fear.

I am not normally afraid of dogs (indeed, I live with one currently and dog-sit for others on a regular basis) but I think it is human/animal instinct to be startled and have a flight/fight response in an instance like that.

[ChrisJackson]

Great idea for a thread, August! Really appreciated! It'll make trips even more enjoyable all 'round. Best!

[perdidochas]

Awesome thread. Especially point 4. I love dogs. I seek permission from the owner to say hi to them when I am allowed. My wife is terrified of them. She was attacked by one as a child. I have wanted to mention this on other dog threads, but people were arguing. I did not want to appear to be piling on with an unconstructive thought. Hopefully this becomes an informative guide to peaceful and proper relations on the trail as it pertains to dogs. It really should. If not, I wanted to get this in early in case it goes south. I will be checking back on this thread. I am certain I will be gaining knowledge.

I'm in the same boat. My wife was mauled by a dog when she was about 10. When we first met she was extremely afraid of dogs. It's lessened to just very afraid. As her husband, I usually put myself between her and any new dog we meet. It seems to help (but suggestion #4 would also help).

[tim.hiker]

That's good info, just a point I want to make is a person should never take a unfriendly dog on any trails around people you are responsible for you dogs actions. when I come in contact with a dog I always speak to the dog 1st and that gives me a good response to a dog, if the hair comes up and it show its teeth more likely I will back away if the dog come towards me it will be pepper sprayed. I love to hike with my dog and he has made many doggy friends on the trail also....

[LoneStranger]

#6 really is more an item for a list of how not to trigger negative behavior in someone else with your dog, but I'm glad you included it :)

Everyone thinks their dog is voice trained because it comes for dinner when called. Getting a dog to respond when he wants to chase a rabbit or growl at strangers is when you find out. Even if your dog is fully voice trained if he's running fifty yards ahead of you down trail you aren't really there to control it.

I am a dog lover who hates to run into poorly controlled animals on trail. It makes me think less of the owner and makes me feel sad for the dog whose owner let him down. On the other hand well controlled dogs earn their owners a hearty thanks and a compliment on their efforts.

[Fredt4]

Clouseau (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000634): Does your dog bite?
Hotel Clerk (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0073539): No.
Clouseau (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000634): [bowing down to pet the dog] Nice doggie.
[Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand]
Clouseau (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000634): I thought you said your dog did not bite!
Hotel Clerk (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0073539): That is not my dog.

[Pedaling Fool]

2. Trail runners: If you are running up behind a hiker with a dog please announce your presence to us as early as possible. I will be more than happy to remove myself and my pup from the trail so you can pass without breaking stride or freaking out my dog.
But, but...I love when I'm out running and I sneak up on a dog and then slam my foot on the ground and the dog tucks its tail in between its legs and is so fraught with fear it doesn't know whether to run or fall down in a submissive position

[tim.hiker]

#17 that's a good one..

[Rain Man]

But, but...I love when I'm out running and I sneak up on a dog and then slam my foot on the ground and the dog tucks its tail in between its legs and is so fraught with fear it doesn't know whether to run or fall down in a submissive position

Dogs have the same infirmities as people, especially elderly ones can be hard of hearing or deaf.

So, you are proud for bullying the handicapped?

[SouthMark]

So, you are proud for bullying the handicapped?

Ditto.........

[4eyedbuzzard]

But, but...I love when I'm out running and I sneak up on a dog and then slam my foot on the ground and the dog tucks its tail in between its legs and is so fraught with fear it doesn't know whether to run or fall down in a submissive position


Dogs have the same infirmities as people, especially elderly ones can be hard of hearing or deaf.

So, you are proud for bullying the handicapped?


Ditto.........
I'm thinking [hoping], Pedaling Fool's post was sarcasm.

[adamkrz]

Clouseau (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000634): Does your dog bite?
Hotel Clerk (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0073539): No.
Clouseau (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000634): [bowing down to pet the dog] Nice doggie.
[Dog barks and bites Clouseau in the hand]
Clouseau (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0000634): I thought you said your dog did not bite!
Hotel Clerk (http://m.imdb.com/name/nm0073539): That is not my dog.

Love this, Thanks for the laugh.

[BirdBrain]

Is it okay to ask for advice in this thread? We will fine out. Please be gentle. I may be ignorant, but I am not evil.

I have seen some friendly dogs on the trail that come right up to me. Most of the time I am not the first one to say hi and the owner has set the proper stage. Once in a while a happy dog arrives before the owner. My question does not have anything to do with if that is proper. I don't need help with that.

Somewhere in Maine (I don't recall where), I was climbing down a hill. I was tired. As I sat down, I heard a deep echoing "wooooof". I thought 'that thing is big'. Just then an enormous black lab appeared around a corner, loping right at me. His tail was wagging so hard, I thought it might break. It ran straight at me. I put my arms out to catch him hoping not to be knocked over. Soon, the out of breath owner appeared. He was apologizing as I was enjoying the best companionship I had in days.

I am certain there are opinions. I told you what I did. What should I have done? I am not interested in what he should have done. I can't control him. He is not here to tell his side. Any advice for me?

No advice or comments on my question? It would be easy to say the owner should have done this or that... But that is what this thread title deals with. My situation happens. I was happy for it. Did I do anything wrong? Any experts out there?

[tiptoe]

I'm not an expert, BirdBrain, but I probably would have done the same thing, or something similar to establish my presence. A wagging tail is usually a sign that the dog isn't out to tear you to bits, and an apologetic owner is also a good thing.

[BirdBrain]

I presented a scenario that appears to have no real problem. I love labs. The problem is that not every person would be as receptive. My wife is terrified by dogs. If she was in my place, I am not sure what would have happened. She might have screamed and ran. She might have curled into a ball and screamed. She might have tried to defend herself and screamed. Regardless, screaming would have been involved. What should she do? Blaming the owner won't help stop the occurrence. Blaming her and telling her to stay home is not reasonable. Dog experts, is there an answer for those that fear dogs? How do they defuse that scenario?

[Sarcasm the elf]

Birdbrain, when I encounter a friendly but poorly behaved dog there are a couple of different things I've found work, I use one or both depending on the situation.

1) I take my trekkingpoles and cross them in front of me, this stops the dogs from being able to come right up to me and prevents them from jumping on me. It also stops them running up to my leashed dog before I get the chance to assess their temperment.

2) Almost all dogs know the commands "sit" and "no" and if I give one of these commands, the approaching dog responds surprisingly often.

What you did was also perfectly fine, it just depends on how much contact you want with the dog.

[BirdBrain]

Love the trekking pole suggestion. Defensive and non aggressive barrier.

[tiptoe]

Interesting that you mention trekking poles. Once a dog approach me somewhat aggressively, and the dog owner mentioned that the dog was very wary of the poles, which at the time were in front of me in normal hiking position. Once I put them next to me, or slightly behind me, the dog relaxed. So now I do that whenever a dog rushes up, unless I see a need to take a more defensive stance.

[Ground Control]

6. If you think your dog shouldn't be on a leash while hiking a public trail you should find private land to take your dog hiking on.

AMEN. I turned to see a 100LB+ bulldog charging uphill towards me on a hike last week. He was allowed to run loose once his master was away from the parking lot. Nice adrenaline shot for my hike! Later, another woman asked, "You don't mind, do you?" about her unleashed dog.

I always choose to bite my tongue about pointing out the leash laws (yes, this trail has one and it is well posted.)

Thanks for including this reminder for dog owners.

[Traveler]

Birdbrain, when I encounter a friendly but poorly behaved dog there are a couple of different things I've found work, I use one or both depending on the situation.

1) I take my trekkingpoles and cross them in front of me, this stops the dogs from being able to come right up to me and prevents them from jumping on me. It also stops them running up to my leashed dog before I get the chance to assess their temperment.

2) Almost all dogs know the commands "sit" and "no" and if I give one of these commands, the approaching dog responds surprisingly often.

What you did was also perfectly fine, it just depends on how much contact you want with the dog.

Perfect!

I do not pat or otherwise bother dogs on the trail, I rather expect the same. I have no idea whats on the dogs mind, but know whats on mine, so the poles maintain the distance the dog may not have any training to provide you without them. Its gentle, firm, and likely to end without any problems.

[Sarcasm the elf]

AMEN. I turned to see a 100LB+ bulldog charging uphill towards me on a hike last week. He was allowed to run loose once his master was away from the parking lot. Nice adrenaline shot for my hike! Later, another woman asked, "You don't mind, do you?" about her unleashed dog.

I always choose to bite my tongue about pointing out the leash laws (yes, this trail has one and it is well posted.)

Thanks for including this reminder for dog owners.

Please don't bite your tongue. The people who are clueless need to hear that their behavior is not acceptable and it needs to be said to their face, not on the internet.

You need to say something when someone is allowing their dog to be out of control. Stay civil, but make it clear that they are doing is a problem. I usually just say "Do you mind controling your dog?" it's simple and clear and avoids the whole leash argument all together.

I can admit to you that there are a couple of mistakes I made when I was first began hiking with my dogs, nothing serious, but things that were probably annoying other hikers. I was well intentioned, but didn't have the experience to realize that I was doing things that were rude. I got criticized once or twice by other hikers, took what they said into consideration and the changed my behavior accordingly.

[Ground Control]

Please don't bite your tongue. The people who are clueless need to hear that their behavior is not acceptable and it needs to be said to their face, not on the internet.

You need to say something when someone is allowing their dog to be out of control. Stay civil, but make it clear that they are doing is a problem. I usually just say "Do you mind controling your dog?" it's simple and clear and avoids the whole leash argument all together.

I can admit to you that there are a couple of mistakes I made when I was first began hiking with my dogs, nothing serious, but things that were probably annoying other hikers. I was well intentioned, but didn't have the experience to realize that I was doing things that were rude. I got criticized once or twice by other hikers, took what they said into consideration and the changed my behavior accordingly.

Thanks, but I'll pass. Too many positions of authority in years past, and I sorta relish in my trail time being my time to not be in charge.

Plus, you often end up passing and being passed by the same people over and over on the hills. Why hike in a bubble of tension or confrontation? As a younger man, I would have welcomed the opportunity to tell people what was what. Now, only the most egregious dog-owner fouls earn a scolding from me. Otherwise, I might spend time scolding my fellow hikers more than once a mile.

My path of least resistance for this park (North Table Mountain Park in Golden, CO) is to mention it to a ranger when I see him. If the rule is widely broken, then it needs to be better enforced.

[Grampie]

It's always the responsibility of the dog owner to control the dog. The hiker has no responsibility to control someone elses dog. No excuses should be made for a dog that does something to upset others.
during my thru-hike I experienced someone being bitten. The owners excuse was "You frightened him when you were removing your pack." I have been awakened in the middle of the night by a hikers barking dog. His excuse was, "he was protecting us all." The best one was when I was at Partnership shelter and a hikers dog began to pee on several backpacks. The owners excuse was, " He was just marking his teritory. "
If you can't totaly control your dog he and you should not be on the trail.

[Sarcasm the elf]

Thanks, but I'll pass. Too many positions of authority in years past, and I sorta relish in my trail time being my time to not be in charge.

Plus, you often end up passing and being passed by the same people over and over on the hills. Why hike in a bubble of tension or confrontation? As a younger man, I would have welcomed the opportunity to tell people what was what. Now, only the most egregious dog-owner fouls earn a scolding from me. Otherwise, I might spend time scolding my fellow hikers more than once a mile.

My path of least resistance for this park (North Table Mountain Park in Golden, CO) is to mention it to a ranger when I see him. If the rule is widely broken, then it needs to be better enforced.

You hadn't mentioned that you were dealing with the hippies out in Golden, CO. They're largely a lost cause. Both my siblings just moved out of Golden and my Sister had constant problems with people's untrained and unleashed dogs in the Boulder and Jefferson County Open space lands.

That said, while it's your decision what you decide to do, I still recommend saying something. It doesn't need to be a lecture and it doesn't even need to cause tension, but if someone's dog is out of control, I will ask them to control it.

[Sarcasm the elf]

It's always the responsibility of the dog owner to control the dog. The hiker has no responsibility to control someone elses dog. No excuses should be made for a dog that does something to upset others.
during my thru-hike I experienced someone being bitten. The owners excuse was "You frightened him when you were removing your pack." I have been awakened in the middle of the night by a hikers barking dog. His excuse was, "he was protecting us all." The best one was when I was at Partnership shelter and a hikers dog began to pee on several backpacks. The owners excuse was, " He was just marking his teritory. "
If you can't totaly control your dog he and you should not be on the trail.

Don't get me started on dog owners that give excuses instead of taking responsibility, especially in camp. Nobody's dog is perfect, not even mine, but if something happens because of my dog, it's my job is to apologize and the fix the situation.

[Pedaling Fool]

Dogs have the same infirmities as people, especially elderly ones can be hard of hearing or deaf.

So, you are proud for bullying the handicapped?
Proud? No. Entertaining, yes. I'm just getting back at them for all the times they scared the hell out of me riding my bike.

I got one hell of a story involving a wolf (that was sarcasm...I think it was a German Shepard) that use to chase me on a deserted country road when I had to travel a different route (for about a year) while going to work. I never saw that thing, but I felt its warm breath as it was nipping at my heels. It's one hell of a scary feeling hearing a growling, barking dog as it chases you, but you can't see it.

FWIW, I get along with dogs nowadays and am no longer scared of them. A little fear is good for all of us.

[Spirit Walker]

I walk my dog every day and am also a runner, and from time to time a loose dog will come running at us/me. If the owner is not around to call the dog back, usually I can stop the approach by yelling "STAY!" If there's more than one dog, stooping down to pick up a rock or a stick will also generally make them back off. Dogs usually know what that means. If your wife is worried about being attacked, she can either try that, or just work at standing still, with her side to the dog, not staring directly at the dog. He's more likely to back off or circle around.

As both a runner and a dog owner, I really wish that runners and trail bikers would learn to stop when approaching a dog and either walk past slowly or allow us to get off the trail out of the way so they can go by safely. Some people seem to think that if they go really fast, they'll minimize problems, and instead they cause problems because they either scare the dog or trigger his chase instincts. When we first adopted our dog, he had no problem with bikes, but a few encounters with bikes that tried to pass too close and fast scared him badly. It has taken us years to get him less reactive. As a runner, whenever I see a dog, I slow down and speak to him or his owners in a friendly tone. They see there is nothing to fear and don't try to chase me.

[Traveler]

As both a runner and a dog owner, I really wish that runners and trail bikers would learn to stop when approaching a dog and either walk past slowly or allow us to get off the trail out of the way so they can go by safely. Some people seem to think that if they go really fast, they'll minimize problems, and instead they cause problems because they either scare the dog or trigger his chase instincts. When we first adopted our dog, he had no problem with bikes, but a few encounters with bikes that tried to pass too close and fast scared him badly. It has taken us years to get him less reactive. As a runner, whenever I see a dog, I slow down and speak to him or his owners in a friendly tone. They see there is nothing to fear and don't try to chase me.

I see this as more of a right of way issue that follows some generalized rules and depends where you are when the encounter is made. Bikes are supposed to always yield to hikers/runners though in my experience they seldom do, which is why I try to avoid multi-use trails and bikes altogether. Runners/hikers moving uphill typically have the ROW when approached by downhill runners/hikers (downhillers typically have the ROW if they are ahead of a runner/hiker who is faster). However a dog can change the dynamics and may cause the owner to yield ROW to anyone passing by, especially if the dog will chase or be defensive.

I don't think its reasonable to ask others to stop or slow down to accommodate a nervous dog, though I understand the thought. For example, when I am hiking up grades, once I have hit my pace I am loath to slow down or even say much to people other than nod or a quick thanks if they yield so I can keep climbing. A lot of times I will see people with dogs place themselves between the animal and passers by, which is a great method of mitigation. That puts everyone more at ease, does not interrupt the other persons activity, and should curb the animals urge to bark/bite/chase.

[August W.]

But, but...I love when I'm out running and I sneak up on a dog and then slam my foot on the ground and the dog tucks its tail in between its legs and is so fraught with fear it doesn't know whether to run or fall down in a submissive position

Good luck with that tough guy. You should keep a basic first aid kit handy.

[Rain Man]

Proud? No. Entertaining, yes. I'm just getting back at them for all the times they scared the hell out of me riding my bike. ... A little fear is good for all of us.


I'm thinking [hoping], Pedaling Fool's post was sarcasm.

Looks like we're both disappointed, 4eyed.

Sigh.

[Vthiker77]

I'm a dog lover and run my own dog camp. All good advice. Dogs feed off your emotions more than you probably know. Remaining calm will undoubtedly lead to a much more positive experience for both of you. Besides.......it's the SPIDERS you have to watch out for! http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/03/29/db5501194360c3c5996497d4056284e0.jpg

[Pedaling Fool]

Looks like we're both disappointed, 4eyed.

Sigh.Sorry....sarcasm???

[RED-DOG]

How about feeding your dog away from people, i know that some dogs while eating gets really terittorial, and how about keeping your dog leashed i know that i have had some really bad interactions with unleashed dogs and unleashed dogs that torn my gear up.

[BirdBrain]

"How NOT to trigger negative behavior in someone else's dog"

I am hoping for more tips on the original topic. There are many great tips being listed for dog owners. I can't do anything about the other guy. I can only do something about me. There are many threads that advise dog owners on how to handle their dog. Here is hoping we get more tips on the OP.

[tiptoe]

Here's a pretty obvious tip, BirdBrain: don't startle the dog. I once did this inadvertently. It was dark, and I was hammocking close enough to the trail that my headlamp was visible to hikers. Someone who started a conversation with me. He was looking for a certain person, someone I had met earlier in the day. As the conversation continued, it seemed like a good idea to get out of the hammock and talk to the man. Well, I didn't know he had a dog off leash. As I descended from the hammock a howling doberman leaped at me, his eyes an unearthly yellow in the headlamp. The man was shouting "He's friendly," and I was thinking "Yeah, right" as I started to fend the dog off. Well, the dog was friendly as soon as he saw that I wasn't a threat. In a couple of minutes, I was petting him, as we continued to chat.

[Offshore]

Couple of tips I found. If wearing a head net, I remove it before getting too close to the dog so it can see my face and recognize me as a human. If I'm using trekking poles, I hold them in one hand along my side opposite of the dog in the hopes that it doesn't misinterpret my use of the poles as a threat to them or their owner. So far so good on both. (Not being a fan of animal cruelty, I don't try to startle them by sneaking up on them and stomping my feet.)

[Traveler]

"How NOT to trigger negative behavior in someone else's dog"

I am hoping for more tips on the original topic. There are many great tips being listed for dog owners. I can't do anything about the other guy. I can only do something about me. There are many threads that advise dog owners on how to handle their dog. Here is hoping we get more tips on the OP.

I am not sure one can avoid triggering negative behavior in someone else's dog if you don't know the dog, person, or if the owner is oblivious. In reality, its incumbent on the owner to control the dog, not the passer by. Most of the time casual encounters with dogs are not an issue and pleasant. Unfortunately its the encounters that don't go well that we remember and apply to future encounters as a possibility.

[Sarcasm the elf]

I am not sure one can avoid triggering negative behavior in someone else's dog if you don't know the dog, person, or if the owner is oblivious. In reality, its incumbent on the owner to control the dog, not the passer by. Most of the time casual encounters with dogs are not an issue and pleasant. Unfortunately its the encounters that don't go well that we remember and apply to future encounters as a possibility.

I think we're all in agreement that should be the dog owner's responsibility, but i think that most of us have had encounters that prove that some dog owners are either irresponsible or well intentioned but ignorant. While it may be owner's responsibility on paper, that doesn't matter much to me when I am approached by a strange dog with no other human in site.

The good news is that there really is a lot a person can do to minimize having problems with an unfamiliar dog. The first and best thing is to learn about body language, dogs use these cues to communicate and I can usually size a dog up within a second or two based on how looks when it is approaching me. Likewise dogs read que's from your body language that heavily affect how they approach you.

The majority of dogs I encounter are either friendly or standoffish, and if the owner isn't around I greet the in a very friendly manner like I'm expecting to see them, they almost always warm right up and leave wth their tails wagging.

If a dog appears fearful, territorial, or fear agressive then I calmly plant my hiking poles in front of me (note, this is different from raising the up or swinging them around) the I turn to the side in a non dominant non aggressive pose and either speak to the softly and calmly, or say something like "get" depending on what the situation warrants.

While they are rare All of the problem dogs's I've met on the trail have been what I would classify as fear aggressive, likely from being out of their element and comfort zone. I have never encountered a full on aggressive dog on the trail, and while I have been snapped at and lunged at before, I realized in hindsite that I could have likely diffused those situations if I acted differently.

[RED-DOG]

be respectful to the dogs needs and ask the owner before doing anything around the dog, take a few minutes and let the dog settle down from the days hike and get used to the people around it and then ask the owner how well behaved it is, ask the owner if it's okay to pet.

[Slosteppin]

Additionally, a small dog may not be able to open it's mouth wide enough to get a good bite on your fist.

If the dog is big enough and grabs the whole fist then the best thing to do is PUSH. The first reaction is to pull away but the problem is their teeth are curved slightly to prevent this. pushing forces them to open wide instead of biting down.


I often meet dog running loose on local trails. I hold out the left hand, in a loose fist, for the dog to smell. At the same time I grip my hiking pole in my right hand ready to hit if needed. I have never had to hit a dog. Usually I've up dropping the pole so I could pet them instead.

[Jake2c]

I have had dogs most my life and love well trained and behaved dogs. It is the owners responsibility to control their dog, and I follow that personal rule by controlling mine. I view a trail as having been established for people to travers which means they get the right-of-way. Of course service dogs are a different subject. I leave other dogs alone unless invited by the owner to meet the dog. I expect owners to ensure their dog leaves me along.

[V Eight]

But, but...I love when I'm out running and I sneak up on a dog and then slam my foot on the ground and the dog tucks its tail in between its legs and is so fraught with fear it doesn't know whether to run or fall down in a submissive position

I read this ignorant comment a few days ago and held my tongue (fingers)
Upon revisiting this thread and seeing your replies to the comments made to you, I have speak up.

I don't care who you are, if my dog is sitting there, doing what I told him to do i.e. sit, stay etc and he was going as he was told. Then some A-hole comes and does as you have described. The problem would not be with the dog, it would be with the accompanying human(s). I know that I am not the only one here that thinks so either. Just something to keep in mind as you do your sneaking.

[BirdBrain]

I know that I am not the only one here that thinks so either.

I am with you. Great advice in this thread. I especially like the tips from Elf. The post you had issue with belongs in a thread on how to provoke a dog. In general, bad dog behavior lays at the feet of people. The dog either has a bad owner or someone has done something stupid like trying to jump a dog. I find dogs to be wonderful creatures by nature. Yes, there are always exceptions. Much more common when it comes to people.

[Sarcasm the elf]

Sorry....sarcasm???

It looks like Pedaling Fool was having a bit of fun with us, I don't think his comments were
meant to be taken sneriously.

[August W.]

It looks like Pedaling Fool was having a bit of fun with us, I don't think his comments were
meant to be taken sneriously.

Did you see post #41 above? More than having a bit of fun with us Mr. Fool finds it "entertaining" to scare other people's dogs.

[August W.]

If the dog is big enough and grabs the whole fist then the best thing to do is PUSH. The first reaction is to pull away but the problem is their teeth are curved slightly to prevent this. pushing forces them to open wide instead of biting down. .

Thanks for that tip! That hadn't occurred to me.

[baybedolls]

thank you for all the advice I have been reading on Dogs I currently have a 7month old Pitbull and we have been hiking our local trails, because of her breed I always keep her leashed and I want her to help get people unafraid of her (again Her breed issue) Most people I have come in contact ask me if the can greet her which I always say yes , other times I can tell a person is nervous so I get between them and then there was a time that a person saw her when she was 4 months old and said THAT'S A PITBULL and Ran in the other direction ,I am always aware of her when we are in public and she is still learning ....but as for Pedaling Foot LOOK if you came up to my Girl that way you best look out for me, I do not take it kindly someone purposely scaring my dog you are just asking for the animal to react badly to you and cause of your poor judgement could cost someone their beloved pet for no other reason than the animal was provoked , Some of us look at our pets as children would you do this to a child ? SMH

[toppins4god]

Thank you for the great info. I want to take my dog hiking on the AT in May and need some good, honest advice and info since this will be my first time taking my one-year old dog. He's super friendly and wrk -behaved. I honestly didn't think about keeping him on a leash the entire time because every time I've been in the trail I've ran into numerous hikers with dogs and I've never seen a leash on a single dog. I agree that it is the best thing to do. As I said, need some good, honest advice about hiking with a dog. Any info will be helpful!


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