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[quote=Anonymous]Hi All -

I apologize right out of the gate if this is well-covered territory here. I'm not a pet-forum frequenter.  I started this thread on the "Sports and Fitness" forum but realize this is a better forum for it.

I woke this morning thinking it would be great if I could take my two very-active children and very-active but well-trained dog on a hike.  I asked if there was a place I could go to possibly take  the leash off the dog.  I want to preface this by saying I know this is a huge imposition for others if they aren't EXPECTING a dog on the trail to be off-leash.  Cyclists, hikers without dogs, or hikers with dogs on leash.  I know this puts many that are either fearful of dogs, or dealing with dogs that have a difficult temperament or history in a tough position and I don't want to do that.

That stated, I was hoping there was at least a park or two where my dog could roam freely -- see the response to my original post here:

Pretty much every park I've ever been to has signs that you can't have your dog off leash. If park rangers catch you, they ma"y fine you. Even the best trained dogs have attacked other animals in the park--both wild and other dogs.

If you want your dog off leash, go to a dog park.

And then my follow-up:

OP here. I definitely understand this sentiment and know that I put other dog owners at a disadvantage if my dog is off leash. It's not fair of me. But, I'm wondering if there isn't a single non-dog-park or trail in the entire DC/MD/VA area where other hikers and dog owners can go and know there will be unleashed dogs?

I managed to find a place today (off the beaten part and had to drive almost an hour) where I unleashed her and she romped in glory with my kids. It was truly so much fun! Rolling in mud and running into the stream - and staying with her family and listening to every command we gave. She deserved it! When another dog appeared an hour in she immediately "came" and allowed me to leash her. But I do think this is something we should be able to enjoy while not putting others in a position of surprise. Dog owners or not.

There's nothing like that around?

I was still met with "keep your dog on a leash"- which I concur with if that's the rule of the park.   But, I have to say, she is happier this afternoon than I've seen her in months, and LOVED that unleashed hike.  I think it's honestly a mental-health need for her.  Am I crazy to ask that there be a state park or two that allows, and advertises to other people, that dogs may be off-leash?  Cyclists and other hikers should know this is a park where dogs may be off-leash and steer awat accordingly if they are uncomfortable with it?  A fenced -in dog park just doesn't scratch this itch.  Am I nuts to think people should allow dogs a park or two in the entire state where this is allowed, and know as much so that is is not ab issue when you run into each other on the trail?

Thans for your thoughts - and again, newbie here - I've got my armor on but take it easy?

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