What About Hiking With Dogs?

The Case Against Hiking With Dogs

People hiking with their dogs makes a lot of hikers and backpackers angry. Maybe you've heard the claims that it lowers the quality of the wilderness experience, that it is bad for the environment, and dangerous for other hikers. This is another one of those cases where both sides are partly right. People's pets do leave messes and chase wildlife, and sometimes even bite other hikers. They can be loud, as well. Honestly, while we love to hear the call of the loon, or the howl of coyotes, most of us don't much appreciate the incessant barking of a domestic pet in the wilderness.

The Case for Hiking With Dogs

On the other hand, some dogs are quiet, well trained, and don't bite other hikers, or chase wildlife. Also, it's worth noting that ten dogs probably don't do the damage that one cow does to the environment. There are compelling reasons for some to bring their pet, the most obvious being safety. A friend of mine tells me that she takes her German Shepherd not only for protection from bears and mountain lions, but also to protect her from the most dangerous animals out there: other humans. I don't blame her. It is easy to understand that a woman hiking alone feels more comfortable with a large and faithful dog at her side.

Hiking with dogs may be advantageous in other ways too. A Husky can carry its own food and some of your gear, if you are backpacking. It can also keep you warm at night. A dog is an early warning device for large predators too. A large enough dog can even defend you against large animals.

Why I Don't Hike With a Dog

I don't have a dog, I don't want one, and wouldn't take it hiking or backpacking if I had one. For myself, it would be just one more thing to worry about. Even the best dogs can get into it with a porcupine, or roll in dead fish. I don't want to have to deal with any of these problems at the end of the day. I want to relax and enjoy the view.

I can't see that it is a big problem if others want to go hiking with dogs, though. Even people can damage the environment, be loud, chase animals, and bite. It depends on the person, and it depends on the dog. Live and let live. That's my feeling at the moment, unless and until the evidence convinces me otherwise.

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