Dog on a thru hike

imported
#1

I will be hiking the trail in 2009 and bringing my black lab. I wanted to make sure that he’s going to be safe in shelters and free from harassment. It is my understanding that these shelters are first come first serve, so if my dog and I show up first, we should be able to secure enough room for the both of us to sleep. Is this correct?

I would imagine that just about everyone on the trail likes dogs (how could you not?), so I’m sure he won’t be harassed or yelled at if he occasionally slobbers or pees a little on someone’s sleeping bag, right?

I would appreciate everyone’s input. Thanks.

The Nookster

#2

u should stay in a tent

dogless

#3

Can you say TROLLLLLLLLLL?

The De-Nookseter

#4

After several miles the other hikers also get extremely hungry and Dog tastes mighty good cooked over a camp fire

huff & puff

#5

I for one would not mind a dog being on the trail ,how ever i do have a problem with one’s dog peeing on my things which to me is gross and shows a total lack of respect for one’s personal things. I agree with dogless you should stay in a tent away from other hikers.

Tigger

#6

Bring the dog if you want! :slight_smile:

It is really important to respect others’ belongings. However, my dog kept the mice at bay (mostly)in the shelters and apparently they keep bears at a distance, too. Dogs can also provide a bit of “home fires” for the owner and others. As long as they are friendly and well-behaved, dogs are an asset.

As a warning, if your dog is older it might be better to leave him at home. It is harder to find hotel rooms on town days sometimes. If your dog likes to hunt or track animals that is a problem, so keep him on a leash. That might be best anyway. His health concerns are important and more difficult to treat on the trail. I kept my dog on a leash until we reached the shelter or campsite for the night. Then the biggest problem I had was when he started eating garbage left in fire rings and next to water sources by inconsiderate hikers who did not bury their garbage according to leave no trace guidelines. My dog got sick and stayed sick for more than 10 days.

Good Luck and Have Fun

jlou

#7

I love dogs, I have two labs. That said, the shelters are for humans. For sure, their is no room in a shelter for wet dog on a rainey night.

Be prepared to take a tent and spend most nights in it with fido…

Bob

Rocky65

#8

I say bring your dog on the trail. I love seeing well behaved dogs on trails. Labs are especially silly and sweet natured. (Well most labs I’ve met on the trail are.) I would probably not stay in the shelters, unless its not crowded and others don’t mind the dogs.

Thruhike-soon

#9

I took my Border Collie on my 2002 thru hike. Sometimes a hassle in town to find a place to stay that accomadates dogs. Take your tent, leave the shelters for human hikers.

loggerhead

#10

Willk…
I hope you got bit. BOTH times. :evil :smiley: :evil

dogzRULE

#11

Dogs are nice. Everyman should own one. We have one, too. However, if you bring it on the trail, you had better realize that people come first. Keep your dog out of shelters. Feed him away from the shelter. If he goes near anyone, call him away, get him away. Your dog may be the friendliest animal in the world, but I don’t want him near me with his fleas, tics, dirts, etc. If he like to chase wildlife, leeave him home.

swamp fox

#12

Don’t take the dog. If you really want to do a full thru your odds of finishing will be greatly reduced if you hike with a dog. Most folks who recommend that you take your dog have never did a thru.

Grampie

#13

Personally, I love it when dogs slobber and pee all over people’s stuff (as long as it’s not mine!). It’s cute and funny. I love seeing the look on someone’s face when a dog lifts it’s leg right on their pack! I mean, what can you say???

Lookie Lou

#14

NOOKSTER:sounds like your a kind hearted soul for wanting to take your dog with you on your tru hike.Most hikers love having a dog in the shelters, even if the dog is wet, or may have ticks.Most will just laugh when your dog runs over their sleeping bag or grabs food from their hands.What a laugh I had one rainy night at Stratton pond,Vermont when a hiker brought his wet dog into the shelter and let the dog run loose over my $300 sleeping bag !! what a laugh.
But,I,am an easy going guy,ask the other hikers for their advise.cheers:boy

old&intheway

#15

Pretty tollerant bunch aren’t we? I hike a lot in Ca. With my two yellow labs. They do nother cause any damage or harrass anyone the do not revert to wild animals. They enjoy the wilderness every bit as much as I do. We have cows destroying trails and meadows. I can’t belive how militant some hikers are regarding dogs on the trails. I would stay in a tent and keep your dog close to you to protect him.

No Trace

#16

Dogs rule!..I have a greyhound that could probably finish a thru-hike in one week…(his top speed is 45 mph). I wouldn’t recommend brining a dog on a AP thu-hike though there’s just to much potential for problems.
Woof!
Skipper

skipper

#17

I’m sorry this whole thing is funny. First of all if your dog takes a piss on me or my stuff. I will eat it, no joke. Second, I hate walking down the trail and getting jumped by a dog. However, there is nothing wrong with a well trained dog, on a leash, hiking the trail or chillen at the fire. I have no problem with that. But this thread is pointless because if you want to bring your dog then your going to bring it. We can’t stop you. My suggestion, don’t bring it.

super scout

#18

it’s really hard to believe ypu are serious with your entry! of course, get a tent - your life and doggie’s will be much more likely:oh

frogcaller

#19

leave the dog with people to care for it. On my AT thru I brought “the dingo” on trail for a week. That was enough for both of us, and she’s a great dog. Have sympathy for your pet. You on the other hand will have made a choice to be out there.

fishngame

#20

First be ready to “Hike Your Dogs Hike” instead of Hiking Your Own Hike. Second, if someone is going to try to have their Dog sleep in a shelter next to me and that Dog takes a leak on Me or my stuff I will get up right there and piss on there sleeping bag. That is no joke!

Dan