DOG PUBLIC SAFETY INFO

PETTING: THE UNWELCOME GREETING? - When meeting a new dog, do you assume the dog wants to be petted right away and reach out to touch its head? While some dogs have been socialized well and readily accept petting from new people, not all dogs are comfortable with this, as petting is a personal action, kind of like a hug. Not all people want to be hugged by someone they just met, and some people do not really like to be hugged at all, so why assume dogs are different? There are all types of dog personalities as well, so think about it the next time you assume a dog wants you to pet him/her. How outgoing is that dog? Is that dog an introvert or extrovert? Is the dog's hyper nature really excitement or is it actually anxiety? These are good things to observe when meeting a new dog.

APPROPRIATE MEETING SKILLS - Many people lean over and thrust their hand over the top of the dog's head to pet right away and this can be intimidating for some dogs. Alternatively, hold out your hand with the palm up and let the dog approach you first, instead of you approach the dog. Let the dog smell your hand when they are ready. Shy dogs may even benefit if you squat down to their level and turn to the side instead of facing them straight on. Keep your hand still, and better yet, have a treat in your hand. After a few minutes, the dog may welcome your touching and petting under their chin or on the side of the face, but petting on top of the head is not the best greeting when you have just met, kind of like we prefer a handshake to a hug when meeting someone we have just met or don't know well.

OFF-LEAD DOGS - Having an off-lead dog that is not 100% under your verbal control is an unspoken, rude gesture to everyone else. While we want dogs to have freedoms, especially in wilderness settings, that freedom should not impinge upon others. So, while recreating with your dog in the back-country, always carry a lead and be able to call your dog to you quickly and lead your dog up as a sign of good control and respect for others. Remember, some people are allergic, others are afraid of dogs, and others may have a dog on lead that is not as friendly as your dog. Do not assume your dog should run up and meet all other dogs and people on the trial. An off-lead dog charging toward you, even with tail wagging, can be highly stressful for some people and for some other dogs. Let's keep the wilderness fun for everyone!

DOGS SAVE LIVES! - Besides the obvious search dog reference here, we are really talking about your own pet dog. Having your dog with you in the wilderness could help save your life. Your dog is a virtual heater and can help you retain warmth and prevent hypothermia from setting in. A dog has better hearing than you and may be able to hear from a greater distance when help is approaching. Dogs have been known to even actively seek out help for their person and lead that help back to them. Dogs can keep your spirits higher and provide comfort if you are lost or injured, as a positive attitude is regarded as one of the foremost survival tools.

Make sure that you not only have all the supplies you need before heading out on the trail, but all the needed supplies for your furry friend too! Dogs need food and water, just like humans. While you are carrying your own pack, your dog can carry their own pack too, even for a short day excursion, including the 10 essentials. Make sure the dog's pack fits well, doesn't rub and is not too heavy for your dog's weight and size. If you are going into a deep or swift water situation, remember your best furry friend's life vest too! While dogs generally swim very well, undercurrents, river entrapment obstacles, and other water dangers remain the same for humans and dogs. Short and long leads, a well as a well-fitting collar, ID tags, and even a GPS tracker helps keep your dog safe.

It is always good to have some first aid knowledge and first aid supplies for not only yourself, but also for your dog while recreating in the wilderness. Knowing how to recognize certain symptoms and injuries dogs and having a basic plan of action in case of emergency is a wise measure before venturing into any wilderness setting. For example, do you have a way to evacuate your dog? Or to keep your dog still and safe until help arrives? If your dog is in pain, do you have a way to keep your dog from biting you or another out of pain? These are important questions to ask yourself and to answer, even when going on a small excursion.