View Full Version : Dog leashed at night?
toemaetoe
04-20-2012, 12:01
I've only ever taken my dog on day hikes, and I'd like to start doing some weekend hikes with her this year. I tarp/bivy, and I'm concerned about my dog wandering off in the night, as she's far too curious/independent for her own good. I know some people do tents with their dogs, but I'd prefer to avoid that for several reasons (including condensation and nails on the tent's floor. Do any of you have similar problems, and how do you deal with them? Do you keep your dog leashed at night? If so, what do you attach the leash to? A tree? This seems problematic. But I can't be the only hiker with an independent dog, right? Right? Help me out, guys. :-?
Studlintsean
04-20-2012, 12:33
I use 30-40 ft of Paracord for my dog while sleeping if we are not sleeping in the tent.
yes always leash dogs at night, mine hikes behind me and isn't always on a leash, but at night I strap the leash to my pack, so if she does anything stupid she will make a lot of noise and most certainly wake me up...
Hobbling is a technique that has been used with horses for century's, and although I never "hobbled" my dog, or much less used a leash, there are people who do in fact use this technique on dogs.
kayak karl
04-20-2012, 21:00
if your taking the dog let it in the tent or on a short leach (6') in vestibule. my 75# lab sleeps in hammock or under it. leach is hooked to my wrist all night. hobbling is cruel. even on horses and junkyard dogs.
in some parks leaching is a law. no more then 6'
Wise Old Owl
04-20-2012, 21:05
This is a tough call - Rugby doesn't take to being tied down - he will chew threw the cord - chain etc and yank the corkscrew out in campgrounds. Unleashed he parks his but directly under the hammock and with each "hoot" his head hits head on my butt.
Smooth & Wasabi
04-20-2012, 21:36
Of my two dogs one needs to be leashed at night and he will chew through most materials. I found a six foot wire lead for small dogs at wal mart which he cannot chew. It is very light, holds my 50 pound dog well and was super cheap. I have tied him to a tree near my tarp so he can shelter if needed as well as to my pack successfully. I have also used it to make an impromtu run with some para-cord.
Wise Old Owl
04-21-2012, 17:29
Ok I think I know what you are talking about its a six steel cable with loops right?
Occasionally, I meet a dog that is really benefiting from a backpacking trail - really enjoying him/herself as much as the dog owner - - more often than not, dogs on the trail are akin to extra pack weight - - brought out of fear for safety, being lonely, whatever. I am a dog lover and run with my dog all the time .. tonight as a matter of fact but I think that problems arise in about 90% of backpacking trips with dogs - - these include safety and health of the dog, safety and comfort (including noise pollution) for other hikers, threat and scaring-off of wildlife, and getting lost. I have recovered many a hiker's dog for them (because, as I said, I like dogs and don't blame them). I just wish people would think long and hard about why they must bring their dog.
Now, before he says something, my bet is that WOO's dog does fall in the 10% of well behaved, non-barking, polite, fun trail dogs. :)
Wise Old Owl
04-21-2012, 20:20
A huge source of pride as Rugby continues to surprise even me Papa D. Actually we should take a moment as both you and others in Georgia have had "owner problems" but by the time they arrive past Shenandoah I don't see it. Should be a seperate thread. PM.
A huge source of pride as Rugby continues to surprise even me Papa D. Actually we should take a moment as both you and others in Georgia have had "owner problems" but by the time they arrive past Shenandoah I don't see it. Should be a seperate thread. PM.
Yes - - I have no intention of turning this into another "dogs on the trail" rant and debate - - and my dog, Tallulah feels the same way, I'm sure.
shelterbuilder
04-21-2012, 21:31
When I used to take my first Siberian Husky with me, he was ALWAYS either leashed to my wrist or tied (usually to a nearby tree). On wintertime trips, Bandit slept tethered to my wrist on the end of an extra-long leash - the leash would snake out of the sleeping bag by my cheek and down to his collar! He would sleep in the tent, on a square of heavy wollen fabric (doubled over into "his" sleeping pad). While he was a really friendly dog, and loved "people-attention", he also knew the command "GUARD", and would watch my pack (tied off to a nearby tree) when I would go down for water. He would also hike at the end of an extra-long leash, and learned to jump over blow-downs, then stop and wait for me to scramble over! (Those of you who have ever had any dealings with Huskies know that you CAN'T let a Husky off-lead and expect it to stay with you!)
Oh, yeah, he also had his own little raincoat...which was as much to keep my sleeping bag dry as it was to keep him dry - he LOVED to dry off by rolling on my sleeping bag!
Tether your buddy - for his own good. If he tends to chew the lead, then measure out from his collar to the normal chew-points, and get a steel cable that's a bit longer than this length - it's likely that he will continue to chew at that same spot...and will get NOWHERE with the cable. The rest of the tether can be nylon.
Enjoy the trip.
The Solemates
04-23-2012, 10:10
never leashed my dogs while hiking - never had any problems. but the places I hike I rarely see people and I would also never take my dogs on the "social" AT
toemaetoe
04-23-2012, 16:00
Thanks to everyone. Lots of good stuff here to think about.
shelterbuilder
04-23-2012, 19:30
Depends on the dog.
Depends on the human, too.
Whenever I took my dog on a hike, the dog was always a primary focus, and not an afterthought.
C Seeker
04-24-2012, 08:31
My dog -Heavy- come out and finished my AT hike with me,as he was rescued off the trail in the winter time during a different segmentof my hike.
I was lucky that I was hiking Virginia south because of the flex of people,being low at the start then growing to annoying amount at the end (being ranover every 30 mins by a NoBo.) The first week on the trail I had Heavy leashedto a post in the shelter as I didn't know if he would try to run while I wasasleep, or try to join someone else in their sleeping bag. I also enjoyed thatat the start I only had one if anyone in the shelter with me, as the wholeoutdoors ting for him was something new.
After a week I realized only thing he wanted to do was sleep once we got to theshelter and leashing him at night was not needed. He did get up a couple oftimes at night just to get in a better position and closer for my body heat,and almost every time I woke up. Only once did he leave the shelter, he went tothe bathroom then came right back...I never had to give him a command oranything. He was woke up one night by a flock of turkeys out front of theshelter, all he did was stand there and watch them...he didn't try to take offafter them or bark.
Heavy is a very calm and well behaved trained dog which is why I didn't haveany problems with him taking off; night or day.
I have set up a journal about Heavy's travel on the trail, feel free to flipthrough the post that is already up (tons more to come.) My goal is to provide informationabout those planning hiking with a dog. Trailjournals.com/aheavyhike
Gray Blazer
04-24-2012, 08:39
leach is hooked to my wrist all night.
in some parks leaching is a law.
Leaches suck!
Wise Old Owl
04-24-2012, 19:49
C Seeker thanks for the post.
BerryJes
04-24-2012, 20:59
I guess you need leash or collars for your pet. I purchase one on this site http://www.hotdogcollars.com/ ...
Wise Old Owl
04-24-2012, 21:02
15796 Rastafairian????
Sarcasm the elf
04-24-2012, 21:08
15796 Rastafairian????
Does that count as animal abuse?
Wise Old Owl
04-24-2012, 21:11
No but its demand's being moved to the humor forum. It's kind of up there with tickle me Elmo..
FarmerChef
05-07-2012, 11:47
Our family hikes with our Alaskan Husky, Sara, and, as Shelterbuilder pointed out, we always leash her in camp too. As a breed Huskies are nomadic and will often go chasing after the first thing that goes "peep" (gotta love all the AT chipmunks). After a full day of hiking, she just usually wants to eat her dinner, have a drink and hit the sack. Unless, of course, there are other people nearby. Then she wants to wag her tail and get some attention, which most are willing to provide. Could we take her off leash in camp? Probably. But a couple of times chasing a Husky through the woods quickly teaches you that an ounce of prevention is worth miles of cure.
As to our particular approach, Sara is not a chewer so we don't have the same problems others have described with regard to night time tie outs. And we've found through experimentation that the right combo for her/us is her leash extended by about 10 feet (total of 15 or more) with whatever extra cordage we have on hand and clipped to a tree, our packs, the center pole of the tent, whatever. She won't pull on it except if she gets tangled up and runs out of cord (rarely an issue). With that length she can get up and move about freely and can come in and out of our tarp as she feels comfortable. She usually likes to sleep in between the kids on top of their bags. They get warm feet/heads and she gets a soft bed. Everybody wins!
FarmerChef
05-07-2012, 11:57
Our family hikes with our Alaskan Husky, Sara, and, as Shelterbuilder pointed out, we always leash her in camp too. As a breed Huskies are nomadic and will often go chasing after the first thing that goes "peep" (gotta love all the AT chipmunks). After a full day of hiking, she just usually wants to eat her dinner, have a drink and hit the sack. Unless, of course, there are other people nearby. Then she wants to wag her tail and get some attention, which most are willing to provide. Could we take her off leash in camp? Probably. But a couple of times chasing a Husky through the woods quickly teaches you that an ounce of prevention is worth miles of cure.
As to our particular approach, Sara is not a chewer so we don't have the same problems others have described with regard to night time tie outs. And we've found through experimentation that the right combo for her/us is her leash extended by about 10 feet (total of 15 or more) with whatever extra cordage we have on hand and clipped to a tree, our packs, the center pole of the tent, whatever. She won't pull on it except if she gets tangled up and runs out of cord (rarely an issue). With that length she can get up and move about freely and can come in and out of our tarp as she feels comfortable. She usually likes to sleep in between the kids on top of their bags. They get warm feet/heads and she gets a soft bed. Everybody wins!
Wise Old Owl
05-19-2012, 21:50
I had to revisit this - it just occurred to me that leashing a dog with a hammock is not going to work. the cords and guys would get tangled so quick.... Has anyone had experience with this?
rocketsocks
05-19-2012, 22:55
Our family hikes with our Alaskan Husky, Sara, and, as Shelterbuilder pointed out, we always leash her in camp too. As a breed Huskies are nomadic and will often go chasing after the first thing that goes "peep" (gotta love all the AT chipmunks). After a full day of hiking, she just usually wants to eat her dinner, have a drink and hit the sack. Unless, of course, there are other people nearby. Then she wants to wag her tail and get some attention, which most are willing to provide. Could we take her off leash in camp? Probably. But a couple of times chasing a Husky through the woods quickly teaches you that an ounce of prevention is worth miles of cure.
As to our particular approach, Sara is not a chewer so we don't have the same problems others have described with regard to night time tie outs. And we've found through experimentation that the right combo for her/us is her leash extended by about 10 feet (total of 15 or more) with whatever extra cordage we have on hand and clipped to a tree, our packs, the center pole of the tent, whatever. She won't pull on it except if she gets tangled up and runs out of cord (rarely an issue). With that length she can get up and move about freely and can come in and out of our tarp as she feels comfortable. She usually likes to sleep in between the kids on top of their bags. They get warm feet/heads and she gets a soft bed. Everybody wins!I too had a Husky,and yes they are a little nomadic,and stuborn,hard headed,and awfully snugable.bandit was a true husky in every sence,he pulled like no other I ever had,his lungs were large and he rarly tired,cool breed,strong as all.Use to use some 3/16 air craft cable for his tie-out,and he aventully broke it and I don't know how.Spectra may be the way to go.thanks for posting,I had all but forgotten that.cheers
kayak karl
05-19-2012, 22:55
I had to revisit this - it just occurred to me that leashing a dog with a hammock is not going to work. the cords and guys would get tangled so quick.... Has anyone had experience with this? hi WOO :) my dog Kaia sleeps in the hammock (12'by 60" DIY of 1.9 coated nylon) or under it when it gets above freezing. her choice. she's hooked to me with a 4' leach. i hang 12 off ground so she can jump in and out. when we hike she sleeps all night and wakes at 5 am for her walk, same as at home. i've only had her out about 50 nites, but now that she is 2 1/2 she has calmed down. as a pup it was a tangled up mess in the hammock :) PS i don't hang during bug season so NO bugnet for her to claw.
KK&K
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/47382/2855670910104593866S425x425Q85.jpg
Wise Old Owl
05-19-2012, 23:03
oh wow - Im 229 now and hes 77 thats 306! i will give it a try tonight,
KySheltowee
05-20-2012, 09:23
Always tie your lead to your toe...
I have a new pup and I'm reading this thread with interest as I've never taken a dog with me before on a hike. I figure I'll start bringing her on day hikes to see if she likes it and then move on to overnites if so.
One thing strikes me here... lot of folks tethering to their wrists (and toe?). Maybe it just doesn't happen at night, but what if the dog is spooked or sees something to go after and does so full speed? Um, ouch!?! That's a bit of a rude awakening I could do without. I would think simply having a long leash to loop around a tree (I hammock) would be the best method - I can't imagine a reason to be personally tethered to your pooch, but if others disagree, let me know your reasons for doing so. Thx.
kayak karl
05-20-2012, 13:01
as WOO mentioned the problem is getting tangled in tie-outs of tarp or wrapping around tree. tarp won't be in porch mode every nite (i ALWAYS set up in storm mode). i have hooked to ridge line with prusik knot, but Kaia would get out one side and jump in other :)
i assume this is about backpacking (not car camping). car camping she can be a handful as she hears other people talking into the wee hours. when i'm tired, she's tired also. she is trained not to chase. she will bark till i get up.
SunnyWalker
05-20-2012, 23:30
Leash until your dog begins to settle dwn to trail life. You'll need a leash to tie dog up when you enter restaurants stores, etc. Mnay people hike w/a dog and really enjoy the experience.
Wise Old Owl
05-20-2012, 23:41
Yea well I am here to report Rugby will never make it inside a Hennessy (http://www.hennessyhammock.com/) - he did park directly under the HH and nothing happened. Its all good, he was happy.
rocketsocks
05-20-2012, 23:51
I am reminded of a comic my wife cliped out of the news paper.A couple is lying in there very large XL King size bed,with about 5 feet between them,one kid is all elbows on the fathers side,and the mother has the other kid and a dog lying all over her.No matter what the sleeping arangements are,in the dogs mind,they are right there in it.Awesome!:D
Velvet Gooch
05-20-2012, 23:55
Leash your dog. See it as a liability issue. I just gave you the solution
Velvet Gooch
05-22-2012, 04:34
Leash your dog. See it as a liability issue. I just gave you the solution
Backing down here.
The OP seemed unsure of her animal's behavior in the given scenario. Since she had to ask, I immediately questioned her mastery of the animal.
I'm neutral on the topic despite my reply. If handler and dog are well disciplined, hike/sleep with it off-leash (where legal). However, if in doubt, err on the side of caution.
I still consider it a liability issue; one can't put a dog through every scenario it might face while it's off-leash. Know your animal
Wise Old Owl
05-22-2012, 19:23
Uh well the test is in my back yard, lets move on.
CanaryBandit
05-25-2012, 12:15
My lab Mouse Hunter (aka Bandit) and I sleep in a two man tent. He was taught tent manners and is not allowed in the tent until his bedding is down. Then he is only allowed on his bedding or mine so his nails don't rip the floor of the tent. My pack covers the remaining 1/4 open space so he pretty much can't get to the ten floor anyway. I always sleep in the tent and avoid sleeping in the shelter as I don't believe a dog should be up on the shelter flooring. So, no reason to leash at night. I do however leash prior to entering the shelter area and tie him to either a tree or my pack while doing chores. He doesn't pull while on leash so there is no danger for the tree. If I had a leash puller, I'd stick to just tying him to my pack. When in hostel's, if the dog is allow inside the hostel, I tie his leash to my wrist while I sleep. That way if he gets up I'll know it, especially if he is getting up because someone else is getting up. We don't need any 'dog noises' at 2 a.m. right? Unless of course it is a bear, right!
BTW, my dog has the name Mouse Hunter because he loves to hunt mice at the shelters. Now there's an added benefit.
toemaetoe
05-25-2012, 14:40
Backing down here.
The OP seemed unsure of her animal's behavior in the given scenario. Since she had to ask, I immediately questioned her mastery of the animal.
I'm neutral on the topic despite my reply. If handler and dog are well disciplined, hike/sleep with it off-leash (where legal). However, if in doubt, err on the side of caution.
I still consider it a liability issue; one can't put a dog through every scenario it might face while it's off-leash. Know your animal
LOL, you guys- because I "know my animal," I know that I need to have her contained/leashed - not just at night, but all the time- which is why I asked the question in the first place. My "mastery" over her is pretty limited; she's the most human-like dog I've ever encountered, but she's sweet and silent and a very agreeable companion, once I stopped expecting her to listen to me. :) (If you think that makes me a bad dog owner, that's okay.) In any case, she's always leashed, both because she's a runner and because it's the law practically everywhere and, even if my dog doesn't obey commands, I do.
Also, I have an update. I took her on a weekend trip earlier this month, and everything worked out fine. I hooked her leash around a tree while I was doing camp chores, which she didn't mind as long as she was close to me, and she happily settled into the tent (half on my pad and half on hers) when it was time to read/sleep. So, everything worked out, and I'll definitely be taking her out on the trail again. If you see a curly-tailed red dog on a green leash, make sure to say hello; her name's Sarah.
Thanks again to everyone for all the input!
Kinda in shock on this end hobbling was even mentioned.
Sarcasm the elf
05-25-2012, 20:36
Kinda in shock on this end hobbling was even mentioned.
Yeah...I was just gonna let that one go. I'm fairly laid back, but if I ever saw someone on the trail do that to their dog, there would be a problem...
rocketsocks
05-25-2012, 20:54
Yeah...I was just gonna let that one go. I'm fairly laid back, but if I ever saw someone on the trail do that to their dog, there would be a problem...kinda reminds me of the movie,when Capt.Quint throws a rope to Dryfus and says...."tie me a sheap shank" "let me see them hands....ya got money hands" and yes that would be grounds for thee ol' #6 w/a sleep over.
rocketsocks
05-25-2012, 21:04
but not today cause nobodys fall in for that crap again...let it die.
Sarcasm the elf
05-25-2012, 21:09
but not today cause nobodys fall in for that crap again...let it die.
Doh! When it comes to baited comments on this site I bite like a sunfish! Please, please don't say anything about Kent, it will only serve to reel me in!
Wardy has been over 400 miles (2 years old) and after a long day of hiking he is so tired he ussually sleeps the rest of the afternoon and night. So. if I am tarp/bivy camping I just leash him to a tree and he sleeps beside me, and if I am in the tent, I LEASH him to a tree and he sleeps in the vestibule with me. Dont over think it, there are only so many options...and not that I am an animal activist, but hobbling a dog is just plain stupid, I know mine wouldnt go for it and if a horse could reach his feet with his teeth he would go for it either!
To the OP, if your dog is restless I wouldn't trust him on a leash at night. When you do a simple overnight with a good hike you'll know the answer to that. I always took this with me because I was a hammock hiker. It gives enough room for a sense of freedom but not enough to piss everyone in camp off. If it doesn't describe it, it has a 3ft diameter loop that attatches around a tree and then a 10 foot runner. It helps prevent the dog from getting wrapped up and is IMO the perfect length. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=tree+trolley&hl=en&gbv=2&prmd=ivns&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=12101925498674609504#
Highpointbound
06-26-2012, 11:52
Yes - - I have no intention of turning this into another "dogs on the trail" rant and debate - - and my dog, Tallulah feels the same way, I'm sure.
If people KNOW that lots of others dont like UNLEASHED dogs on trails..trails where the PUBLIC has rights to..why do they continue to do this? If the topic causes rants, obviously people dont like it. The woods/trails dont belong to just you(meaning people with unleashed dogs). Others have the right to enjoy it also without a pain in the butt dog afoot. WHY..WHY..is it so hard to leash your dog? Why is it okay at night..BUT FOR SOME REASON YOU FEEL THE DOG IS ALWAYS AN ANGEL DURING THE DAY AND DOESNT NEED TO BE LEASHED????? Just did a hike last weekend in the whites of NH. Guy with two unleashed dogs, comes to a scenic area where other hikers are resting. First thing one of the dogs does is walk over and stick his nose in a hikers bag. Good thing she had not opened her sandwich yet. Owner said nothing to the dog. Little stuff like this is common, and irritating. Yet, no one gets it. Im a huge dog lover..but my dog are always leashed.
Dont know why people feel their dog just cant 'enjoy' the hike if he is leashed. Really? My dogs seem to love it. I have them on a long leash, and rein them in when others approach or other UNLEASHED dogs come running up to them with their owner yellng 'no fluffy..no'. I have been a dog person all my life. I just never realized how selfish dog people are. I hate to say it, but just the negative responses or feelings to this post will show that. All because of just wanting a dog on a leash.
wornoutboots
06-26-2012, 14:15
Not a dog owner but it sounds like the responsible thing to do is to lease the dog at all times?
http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=381272
Wise Old Owl
07-06-2012, 21:44
Not a dog owner but it sounds like the responsible thing to do is to lease the dog at all times?
http://trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=381272
16479 Take a moment,,,, click on the The Dog Forum - read first sticky... please.
clickchik
07-07-2012, 22:48
In the past I have looped an attached leash around my arm while camping with my dog. That particular dog was a bit nervous and I wanted to make sure if he tried to move too far I would know about it. Most of my camping has been for dog sport events granted and if worse came to worse I could always crate them in the car.
Wise Old Owl
07-07-2012, 23:09
....................
Wise Old Owl
07-07-2012, 23:13
Highpoint... has been notified - per my PM///Just so I do not do it twice...
We have only tent camped. Bear sleeps with me in tent. Infact we car camped last summer with both dogs; take their crates for times we go where they can not. First night the little dog slept in crate;Bear slept between me ad wife; second night little on slept near/with wife & Bear slept between us. If I and Bear go solo we will have the two person dome tent and he can sleep with me in that. Both dogs run camp site and do not leave us; we know where the food is; we do take tieouts for both of them just in case.
Drybones
01-06-2013, 19:38
Leaches suck!
I'll take this opportunity to grose everyone out...just came into Hot Springs, went into a privy in a cafe and pulled the pants down, underneath the boxers on my thigh was a 3" something or other that I'm assuming was a leach wiggling around, grabbed him quickly and thew in the trash. Dont know where I got him, do remember stepping into some dark leachy looking water as I stepped onto the road to town.
Sarcasm the elf
01-06-2013, 19:47
I'll take this opportunity to grose everyone out...just came into Hot Springs, went into a privy in a cafe and pulled the pants down, underneath the boxers on my thigh was a 3" something or other that I'm assuming was a leach wiggling around, grabbed him quickly and thew in the trash. Dont know where I got him, do remember stepping into some dark leachy looking water as I stepped onto the road to town.
Drybones, that was an obvious typo, he didn't mean leeches, he meant Lychees!
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/health-benefits-lychee.jpg
Wise Old Owl
01-06-2013, 20:05
nuts.....................Still looking for a good answer on how to leash a dog when hanging in a hammock - he gets twisted around the tarp stakes.... everytime... anyone?
Hey; WOO; how many lick does it take to get to the center of a tootsiepop?
Wise Old Owl
01-06-2013, 20:40
3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qYTxMFQBj8 some kids are still trying to discover
onecamper
01-06-2013, 21:54
I've only hammock camped a couple of nights with my new trail dog. I used a short mule tape lead a little more than 2', staked it just about under my head and put a pad on the ground directly under my quilt. (not touching it ;)) Make sure your dog has something to chew on and already peed for the night. Worked well and when she stood up I could feel her touch the underquilt. When it started raining hard, she understood.
Wise Old Owl
01-06-2013, 21:56
Saw Sgt Rocks video last night where did you buy the Mule tape?
onecamper
01-06-2013, 22:03
I got a bunch of it from John Sawyer on Hammock forum... You could just use your leash and tie it around the stake. I staked the pad down too. FWIW
Wise Old Owl
01-06-2013, 22:05
Good to know thanks!
bennett254
01-24-2013, 13:38
I know this thread is old but I have something to add. I hike with 2 dogs. I carry one 50ft piece of bear bag line and another slightly shorter 40' or so line. I get to a busy shelter and tie both pieces up between 2 trees at my head height. I get em nice and tight then clip each leash to one with an extra biner. I use 2 separate runs so the younger dog doesn't annoy the older one. When I get ready for bed and the dogs are settling down I take the longer one down and clip both to the same run. If I'm using a tarp I tie one end to the same tree I use for my ridgeline. At night trey can get up and go to the bathroom without getting tangled. They just walk out the end and come back in without excess line to get tangled on. I usually use a tent and neither wanders off really but this trick is still applicable.