Dog Etiquette in the Backcountry

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Many people go into the backcountry with their Dogs, but the rules for Dog Etiquette in the Backcountry seem to be dependent on the person you talk with and can vary wildly. This wiki page is intended to eventually become a comprehensive guide for dog owners and non-dog owners alike.

Dogs in General

  • Pick up after your dog. When your dog goes to the bathroom, use a poop bag and pick up after them.
  • Maintain control of your dog at all times. Dogs must be on leash or be trained for strict voice control. Strict voice command means the dog immediately heels when told, stays at heel and refrains from barking.
  • On a VOC trip, inform the trip organizer in advance if you want to bring your dog. This is to ensure that there are no concerns with factors that may prevent you from being able to bring your dog, such as: other trip participants with dog allergies or phobias, the space in a vehicle to bring a dog, the rules and guidelines for the area or hut being visited.
  • Respect area guidelines, rules, and regulations. Determine if the area you are visiting (for example a provincial park) has any guidelines, rules, or regulations concerning dogs - such as requirements to keep dogs on-leash, or a ban on dogs in an area altogether. Respect these guidelines, rules, and regulations, as they are usually put in effect to preserve habitats or protect wildlife, as well as to keep both you and your dog safe.

Dogs at Huts

  • Bring a tent, and be prepared to use it if not everyone is comfortable with dogs in the hut. Some individuals may not be comfortable with having a dog in a hut with them (allergies, phobias, or any other reason). We ask that people bringing their dogs also bring a tent, so other hut users don't feel pressured into allowing a dog into the hut if it makes them uncomfortable.
  • Respect the rules of the Hut. If dogs are not allowed at a specific hut, don't bring them there.
  • Obtain permission from other users. Before registering to visit a Hut, check to see who has signed up to be there before you and contact them. Make sure they are okay with you bringing your pup.
  • List the number of Dogs in your public registration. This allows other users to decide if they feel comfortable joining you if they register after you.
  • Keep your dog clean. Carry a dog towel and clean your dog before going into any hut. This helps to reduce smell and keep the Hut clean. If any future visitors have dog allergies, keeping your dog clean will ensure that those visitors are not negatively impacted.
  • No dogs in the loft. As a human you will have clothes on that can come off - the dog likely will not. The loft is a place for human sleeping and to keep it as clean as possible dogs should not be brought up to the loft.
  • Drinking water and dogs don't mix. Know where water is obtained for the Hut and DO NOT allow your dog to go in that area.
  • Outhouses are not garbage pits. Do not dispose of poop bags in outhouses. Alpine environments are not conducive to composting and even bio-degradable bags will not break down in an alpine outhouse. Pack out all of your poop bags.

Dogs in Winter

  • On a glacier the same rules that apply to you in regards to pooping apply to your dog. Pick up after your dog. Feces on glaciers do not decompose.
  • Keep dogs away from snow areas that are used for drinking water.

Dogs in Summer

  • Dogs Yield. When hiking with a dog, always yield to other hikers or equestrians. When encountering horses make sure the dog is calm, is not barking and stays visible. Talk normally as to not startle the horse through quiet surprise.
  • Stay on Trail. This minimizes impact on the environment. Do not cut switchbacks or take shortcuts.
  • Avoid disturbing wildlife.

Gallery


External Links

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