Doggie thruhikers

imported
#1

I have a question about dogs on the AT. Do the dogs sleep in the shelters and huts/hostels along the way with their owners? What if other hikers are allergic to dogs and want to share a shelter/hostel? Is there a dog etiquette out there?

grapejelly

#2

Hello! My dog thru-hiked with me on the PCT where there were no shelters, so this was less of a problem. We always tented it. In hostels, we often camped out even if there were inside lodgings. The dog knew the tent was his spot and we all felt more comfortable. On the AT, I usually also camp out leaving the shelter for the thru-hikers and other folks that amy not be carrying a shelter. I think it is only fair to let others have first choice…but if I were a thru-hiker again on that trail it would depend on the situation. In a crowded shelter, a hiker with dog has to defer to the majority. If no one minds- no problem. If someone does, it’s probably better to let it go rather than have a showdown about it.

I never had a problem finding a hotel that took dogs, though often they took an extra deposit or charged additional fees. Dogs are usually not allowed in park huts in the Whites or in the 10th maountain division hut system in Colorado.

Cross Country

#3

Many people do not like dogs and do not want them in the shelter with them. A few irresponsible dog owners do not watch their dogs carefully and I’ve seen wet dogs lie on hikers bags or come into a shelter and shake off. This leaves a bad impression for people who do not like dogs. I love dogs and enjoy having them around but can see how some people wouldn’t. Please control them. I hike for a while with Otto and his dog Raven. Raven was the best behaved dog and Otto was very careful about making sure he did not bother anyone. I never saw them cause a problem or upset anyone.

Big B

#4

The more responsible dog owners usually tent with their dogs. There are a lot of dogs out there, and some of them really are badly behaved, as are some of their owners. I love dogs, and have known some really good trail companions. However, not everyone likes to be jumped on by a strange dog, or be greeted exuberantly by a loose dog, or licked, or have their food stolen by a hungry pup, or share their water source with a dog who pees in it, or have to watch where they step because of doggie droppings, or listen to a dog howl all night because it is tied up outside a hostel that doesn’t allow dogs . . .

Ginny