Dog Etiquette

[Juneboarder]

I have come across some MeetUp websites where they have posted of hikes that they take their dogs on up in the SB National Forest (Tahquitz Peak) area. I'm wondering how taboo it is to hike with your dog offleash, as these people advertise.

I will sometimes let my dog off leash when I'm hiking locally in San Diego, but that is because I KNOW the trail I'm on and the usual amount of traffic it gets. However, I hear how busy Devil's Slide Trail can get and how the park limits the amount of hikers, which leads me to believe it's probably not a good area to hike with your dog offleash.

Does anyone have thoughts or input on the matter?

[lipbiter]

After having been "mouthed" (I wouldn't say bitten) on my upper arm by a dog off leash on Devil's Slide trail hard enough to leave a hefty bruise, I am not a big fan of people letting their dog off leash unless they can absolutely control them. Based on the behavior of this dog, I think his owners must have known he was a jumper and they were pretty irresponsible for taking him off leash on such a narrow trail. As usual, a few careless people ruin it for the rest.

I'm pretty sure dogs are required to be on a leash. You should check with the Rangers re: the penalty so you know the chances you are taking.

[Juneboarder]

Busy, narrow trails are not a spot for a dog off leash. I'm just going to plan on keeping her on leash for the duration.

It's always funny how a dog owner can think their dog is perfect and can do no harm... I have had some experiences where I have my dog on leash and then there's some idiot approaching me with their dog off leash, which can be initimidating to the dog on leash.

Thank you for your insight

[bossco]

as far as I know, Pets are not allowed in SJ Wilderness unless they are a helper dog, so you should check.

[Juneboarder]

as far as I know, Pets are not allowed in SJ Wilderness unless they are a helper dog, so you should check.

I'm not venturing into the SJ Wilderness area, just staying within the SB National Forest. According to the ranger station, dogs are allowed in the SB National Forest as long as they are on a 6' leash (pretty standard).

[guest]

Hi,
It's nice to see those who do respect other trail users & take the time to learn the rules. I've also had my share of unfriendly encounters with dogs off-lease on trail, but have seen responsible owners with well behaved pets off lease as well, (if I was a dog, I'd want to roam too!).

Dogs are allowed in the San Bernardino Nat'l Forest, but not the San Jacinto State park, (these 2 areas join in about the middle of this mt. range.

This is taken from the San B Forest site:

[i]Can I take my dog into the Wilderness?

Yes, dogs are permitted. Your dog must on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under your control at all times.[/i]

Many times those with dogs off lease don't notice their animal relieving themselves or harassing wildlife.

Thanks for being considerate, I'm sure you & your dog will enjoy the wilderness.

ss

[Juneboarder]

I'm really excited!!

[l kelly]

have fun

[zippetydude]

If you take a dog on Mt. Whitney, does he need a wag bag?

[lilbitmo]

Dogs are never allowed to be off leash in the wilderness, they present a hazards to other hikers as well as animals, (no matter how much someone thinks there dog will not inflict injuries to others, some things trigger natural instincts in dogs, they are pack animals) including other dogs. San Bernardino National Forest does allow dogs(area surrounding San Jacinto State Park), but the state park does not, I have run into dogs off leash on the summit of San J. more than once, when you mention to the owner that it's not legal they pretend like they don't care.

I've hike extensively all over southern Cal, including 280 miles of the PCT (where it was legal to do so) with my deceaed dog Lucy on her leash and she was very protective of me with other dogs, loved humans but got real agressive with other dogs and when I would see other dog's coming up or down the trail loose I would kindly raise my voice to the other owner that my dog can get agressive - some even had the nerve to yell at me but I would always pick her up in my arms to keep her turned away from the other owners loose dog - it's not ok to let your dog run loose, I've seen rangers give tickets or written warnings on the trial (Devils Slide to be specific) when they came across dogs without leashes. The trail is supposed to be shared by everyone - dogs are hunters by nature and they will go after animals in the wild and if it becomes a problem then they may close off the availability to all dogs, so let's police ourselves - keep your dog on it's leash, please.