Trail etiquette to preserve your hiking habitats
Dogs tend to have the time of their lives while hiking—charging up the trail, sniffing lots of new scents and spotting exciting wildlife. But all that exuberant canine energy can sometimes wreak havoc on fragile habitats.
By following a few simple yet important trail etiquette rules, you and your dog can protect the environments you love so the two of you can keep enjoying them for many more hikes to come:
• Pick dog-friendly hikes. Dogs aren’t allowed on all trails, especially in national parks. Although this may seem overly restrictive to dog lovers, these rules are usually applied to habitats that would suffer greatly from the presence of dogs—even the most perfectly mannered ones.
• Stay on the trail. Tromping feet and paws can kill certain plants, damage ecosystems and contribute to erosion.
• Always keep your dog on leash. This will stop your excited pooch from chasing wildlife and running off trail, behaviors that are not just bad for natural habitats but are also dangerous for your dog, who may end up injured or lost.
• Never leave droppings behind. It’s not enough to bag your dog’s poop; carry it with you until you reach a trash can. Baggies left on the side of the trail to be collected on the way back are often forgotten, and since they don’t decompose, they will remain on the side of the trail for a very long time.
• Don’t disturb the wildlife. Your dog may be excited to see wildlife, but wild animals are less than enthused to see your dog, especially if it’s calving or nesting season. Even worse, larger species like moose or buffalo may charge if they feel threatened.
• Leave it like you found it. Keep environments pristine with this tenet of preserving green spaces. For example, keep an eye out for dropped treats and kibble, which make unhealthy snacks for wildlife.
