Leash Law in the Adirondacks.

[crazymama]

So far I've been lucky...all the other dogs I have encountered off-leash have been well behaved. My usual reaction is envy, as I have one of those dogs which I don't dare take off the leash because he doesn't listen when he's off.

He would definitely be the one to happily jump up on folks with his muddy paws, or accidentally knock over someone's stove, if he had the opportunity.

But I know he would rather be on the trail on a leash, than sitting at home while I hike. So I take him when I can, on-leash.

 

[shadowcat]

hiking w/dogs

one thing that kind of bothered me this winter was the number of people i saw who had their dogs out in the frigid cold hiking. i mean i was cold even with insulated boots and these people had their dogs out - only 1 had any protection on their paws. don't their pads get frostbiten - these weren't huskies or other dogs bred for winter conditions either - what's with that?
and if you read the trail review about poop on the trail - don't they have to pick up the dog poop like they do in the city? just curious.

 

[crazymama]

I always pick up my dog's poop whether I'm in town or on the trail. To me, its just common courtesy. I wish everyone felt this way.

I can't think of anything more disgusting than stepping in dog poop.

 

[truepatriot09]

most dogs do fine in the winter as long as they keep moving. my pups prefer that snow than warm weather hikes. however if it were dangerously cold out i'd probably invest in some bark n' booties.

i used to hike with my dogs off leash but have since realized the havoc they can create even though neither of them would ever hurt anyone. in particular one of the pooches beat me to the summit of lafayette in the whites and proceeded to beg for food from those having their lunch. i've since kept them leashed and i find we have a few moments of privacy i'll let them off for a scamper in the woods (unless it's a particularly busy day on the trail) so they can stretch their legs. but like crazymama said, i'm sure they'd rather be hiking on leash than laying at home on the couch. it's a small price to pay.

 

[KZKlimber]

Getting Dog Poop on Crampons

At the base of an ice route the melting snow uncovered some dog poop which we noticed after my partner stepped in it with his crampons. Fortunately, the rope was several feet away. It would be pretty bad to get it on your climbing rope.


I must add this was a local place where non-climbers frequently walk with their dogs and probably don't realize the impact.

 

[Pete_Hickey]

Re: Getting Dog Poop on Crampons

At the base of an ice route the melting snow uncovered some dog poop .....

Similarly, when skiers talk of springtime conditions and brown klister, they are not talking about wax.

 

[ecc]

Here's a new twist on the familiar dog off a leash story. I was skiing back from Pine Orchard in the southern Adk's with my dog attached to my padded pack belt by a retractable leash, when 2 unleashed dogs came bounding down the trail ahead of their snow shoeing owners. My dog being leashed felt threatened and as the other 2 approached, started to growl and bark. Undeterred, the other 2 kept coming until my guy started snarling, then they got the message. Their owners, in the meantime, could not persuade them to come back or heal and had no control over them.
Here' s funny part. They told me I should keep my dog off the leash so he wouldn't be so intimidated when unleashed dogs approach! What can I say? I just had to shake my head.
ecc

 

[rondak46]

Now thats funny....

.... And points out the impossibiity of the situation; although this thread seems to be staying civil.

Mike

 

[Jake]

Stupidity

ecc's story justy proves the fact that you can't legislate against stupidity. I beleive the rules are that even in areas where you aren't required to keep your dog on a leash you are responsible to control your dog. I've too been subject to the encounter between a leashed dog and un-leashed uncontrolled dogs.

I most always keep my dog on a lead, and she's a small terrier. On the rare occasion that we've had an unpleasant encounter between my dog and unleashed agressive one, I'll tell the owner straight off, unless you want your dog whacked on the snout with a ski pole or hiking staff, get your dog under control. I can't count the number of times I've seen the owners try the "stop Fido, comer here Fluffy" routine to no effect. And then offer the tried and true, gee he/ she never does that....

I've never abused an animal, but I'm damn sure going to protect my little one. You just can't reason with a moron.

 

[dug]

I keep my dog unleashed unless I'm nearing a known lunch spot, summit, trail intersection, etc.

That won't change, so please don't think you will change me.

Yes, I pick up her crap if near the trail. No, she won't go specifically in the trail, but if it's visible from the trail I'll pick it up. No, I don't pick up all the human crap and toilet paper I see.


I hike almost exclusively in the Whites.

Yes, I will return any pain inflicted upon my dog ten-fold.

 

[rondak46]

here we go....

thanks dug....

 

[maineguy]

Wow, we got one guy promising to inflict pain on others and another who quotes a Nazi.

And the hiking with firearms thread was pulled?

Ted

 

[MrOysterhead]

Maineguy - I don't think rondak was trying to emulate the Nazi Party with his quote. It seems to be more of a satire of the current US Administration's road to war. Very chillingly similar if you ask me. I do agree that this thread has gotten a little out of hand.

Just my opinion though.

peace,
Oysterhead

 

[dug]

"we got one guy promising to inflict pain on others..."

Only because of some of these comments:

"...unless you want your dog whacked on the snout with a ski pole or hiking staff,"

and


"I've never abused an animal, but I'm damn sure going to protect my little one. You just can't reason with a moron."

Yes, if my dog is struck, I will defend her.

I actually agree with the concerns about overly-aggressive dogs, stepping in dogcrap, etc. I'm on that side. In reality, I am about the most-mild mannered person around. I just love the crap out of my dogs, and I do take them hiking when I can. My lab, god rest her soul, I took everywhere and in all seasons. It was a different time. My current dog (pictured at the left) is much too lazy to always go. Getting her out of bed in the mornings can be a chore. She is extremely gentle. However, I won't take her on certain peaks due to the crowds. It isn't as enjoyable for me if I have to keep an eye on something else.

This argument is tired. It crops up on here every 3 months, almost like clockwork. I only posted just to notify everyone that all the amount of complaining in the world really won't make me change my mind. As long as it's legal, I feel up to it, and Millie feels up to it, too, she will come hiking with me. If I am on the trail, she will be off-leash. Period.

I am not trying to be argumentative, controversial, or looking for a fight. Just stating the facts, ma'am.

 

[Peakbagr]

If your dog is off-leash in the Western Adirondack H.P.'s, it will have to be on a leash or someone like me will be sure to report you to the rangers for a ticket and the inconvienience.

 

[maineguy]

quote:

"Maineguy - I don't think rondak (and I may be wrong) was trying to emulate the Nazi Party with his quote. It seems to be more of a satire of the current US Administration's road to war"

Yes, I know. A nice touch. Mixing politics into every thread. And, anyone who compares ANY US administration with the National Socialists (NAZI) must have slept thru history class...or went to some "elite" university.

How about a thread about hiking with dogs AND firearms?

Ted

 

[dug]

Disturbing, maybe. True, definantly.

Years ago, after my lab was about 3/4 of a mile from finishing a marathon 22-mile hike in which she protected our entire group by alerting us to a bear, then keeping the bear out of our camp. While walking by a family, a young child began screaming hysterically about the dog. Her father, PROTECTING his daughter, raised his hand and made a motion to hit my dog.

My dog was so friggin' tired at that point, an aggressive act was completely out of the question. All she wanted was some sleep.; It wasn't in her nature anyway. Yet, because she was within site of this little girl, it was deemed an aggressive act and was almost struck. The whole thing was surreal. My dog was just slowly walking past with a look on her face like "what's your problem, where's the car? I just need some sleep!" I walked past them and ensured my dog kept with me...I left it to the others in my party to "discuss" the father's actions.

If my dog jumped up on you, you would have every right to give her a whack. That isn't the point. The point is how do we often define an aggressive act? Is it a phobia? I do not make light of the little girl and how scared she was. But I also know that my dog did nothing wrong (in this particular case), and any aggressive action toward her would be returned. That is defending my family. I don't have any children, so my dogs are my family and are treated as such.

If this thread has gotten out of hand, it is completely my fault and I do apologize for it. I just think that everyone should fully realize the consequences of their actions before they take them. Slapping or whacking a dog because of an "aggressive" act may not be taken lightly. Again, the problem is what is "aggressive"?

 

[rondak46]

arguing is ridiculous....

.... your dog should be on a leash....


..your threatening comments are unnecessary.

Mike

 

[Mark]

I like to see dogs out enjoying the outdoors with their owners, but on leash please.

If a dog is off leash and jumps up on me, I don't know if it is being playful or trying to bite me. Having been bitten once already by a dog that showed no indications that he was going to attack me, I'm probably going to err on the side of caution and defend myself with my hiking poles.

I don't want to see a dog get hurt on the trail, but I'll defend myself if necessary.

 

[dug]

Thump! Thump! Thump!

That is the sound of my pounding my head against me desk...

1) If a dog jumps up on you, of course you can defend yourself!

2) There is no leash law in the White Mountains, so if I do take my dog, she generally won't be leashed.

3) My threatening comments were in REPLY to threatening comments.

Folks, it ain't changing. Sorry.