Anonymous
10/14/2021 12:16
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:I get why there are leash laws! Read the original post again - I'm looking for a place where people can avoid me/my dog when she is off-leash and where I can be a little relaxed knowing other people and dog owners all understand that's a possibility at this park.
So far, it appears the answer is, formally no, and people don;t think anyone will change the rules anywhere to allow for this.
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.
np It looks like you found a place. Why can't you go back? If it is so great and your dog had the best time than an hour's drive is worth it, right?
Anonymous
10/14/2021 12:16
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:Having just moved to the DC/MD area from the Bay Area in California, I am also looking for similar off-leash hiking trails. In the Bay area, many fire trails within a number of regional parks allowed well-trained dogs to be off-leash. Obviously they were not allowed in areas where they could pose danger to wildlife or damage native plants, etc. But it was so wonderful to have so many networks of trails and parks that assumed the best of dogs and people. I think most people (there were always annoying dog owners too) were respectful if they came across people who were less comfortable with dogs and leashed them temporarily, or ask to make sure the upcoming dog was also friendly, but in the six years I lived in that area, I didn't hear of any dog fights or injuries. Most of the fights and injuries came from dog parks.
WTH is wrong with you? This a 6 yr old thread. There was no need for you to chime in here with your West Coast experience, adding nothing.
Anonymous
10/14/2021 12:07
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Having just moved to the DC/MD area from the Bay Area in California, I am also looking for similar off-leash hiking trails. In the Bay area, many fire trails within a number of regional parks allowed well-trained dogs to be off-leash. Obviously they were not allowed in areas where they could pose danger to wildlife or damage native plants, etc. But it was so wonderful to have so many networks of trails and parks that assumed the best of dogs and people. I think most people (there were always annoying dog owners too) were respectful if they came across people who were less comfortable with dogs and leashed them temporarily, or ask to make sure the upcoming dog was also friendly, but in the six years I lived in that area, I didn't hear of any dog fights or injuries. Most of the fights and injuries came from dog parks.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 20:22
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Where I live (Colorado) there is a lot of hiking and several off leash dog hiking areas (as well as a large fenced dog park that is about 8 acres). Only one "trail" does not allow dogs (Manitou Incline - not safe for dogs to be on anyway!) and the rest allow dogs on leashes or have areas where dogs are allowed off leash.
From what I remember when I was in DC/MD parks will have leash laws. If you can find a hiking area that is not a park, it's possible they allow dogs to be off leash.
I have a very mild mannered 2 year old rescue that I hope to hike off leash with, but for now we've been practicing at the dog park instead (she responds well to come here and this way). Speaking from personal experience hiking while having a dog on a leash is a pain, especially if it is a very physical hike.
Anyway - here's what a quick Google search came up with, maybe these will help?
http://www.meetup.com/activedogs-237/
http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/pets/dog-friendly-hikes-in-washington-dc/ (some are on leash, some are off leash)
From what I remember when I was in DC/MD parks will have leash laws. If you can find a hiking area that is not a park, it's possible they allow dogs to be off leash.
I have a very mild mannered 2 year old rescue that I hope to hike off leash with, but for now we've been practicing at the dog park instead (she responds well to come here and this way). Speaking from personal experience hiking while having a dog on a leash is a pain, especially if it is a very physical hike.
Anyway - here's what a quick Google search came up with, maybe these will help?
http://www.meetup.com/activedogs-237/
http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/pets/dog-friendly-hikes-in-washington-dc/ (some are on leash, some are off leash)
Anonymous
03/23/2015 16:14
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:Sorry, OP, this just won't happen in this area. I spent some time in Portland, OR and they have a great area like this where dogs can roam without a leash on over 1,000 acres. http://www.portlandpooch.com/dogparks/delta.htm
It was really fantastic and only a 20 minute drive from our house in Portland. I wish we could move back, but alas.
Why don't you think this could happen here? There are clearly plenty of dog owners who would utilize it, and Central Park even allows it according to PP! Will people just general flip out if they thing they're "losing space" that would otherwise require dogs to be leashed? I know I can go renegade but I honestly don't want to. I want to allow her off leash where others will know to expect it, not to get pissed if they see it.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 16:00
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Sorry, OP, this just won't happen in this area. I spent some time in Portland, OR and they have a great area like this where dogs can roam without a leash on over 1,000 acres. http://www.portlandpooch.com/dogparks/delta.htm
It was really fantastic and only a 20 minute drive from our house in Portland. I wish we could move back, but alas.
It was really fantastic and only a 20 minute drive from our house in Portland. I wish we could move back, but alas.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 15:13
Subject: Re:Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Sorry OP, looks like you aren't getting helpful feedback by the friendly pet forum folks. I'm sure they do exist, but not by the uptight DCUM crowd. Good luck!
My dog (leashed) and I were walking in a park and my poor dog was attached by a dog off leash.
There are posters up at Lake Frank and Needwood about deer killed and/or mauled by dogs that were off leash.
We're not uptight. Just have common sense.
4
OP here - exact things I want to avoid! I think better-prepared hikers/cyclists and wild animals staying clear of a well-known dog area would be valuable. And, as well-behaved as my dog is, I wouldn't put anything out of the realm of possibility (full-disclosure, I've been attacked by a dog as well!) To that end, I actually feel like this unleashed romp probably brought me days of a better-behaved and a less-dangerous animal to everyone else because she was allowed that freedom for an afternoon and the mental health associated with it. I'm encouraged that it sounds like there is a spot in VA (thanks pp) and that even non dog-owners might be supportive of this idea.
Where to start possibly getting this approval at just a couple of other parks? Lobby the state park people? I'm still thinking they may not care because of the liability"?
I do stay clear of Turkey Run and other areas. We have taken our dogs ON LEASH on a busy weekend to Great falls Park but NEVER venture further than the busy areas where hopefully staff could help us. I learned my lesson. If you live in DC why not lobby for fencing off some of Rock creek park which is a national park and located in DC?
FYI there are people riding horses on trails and in parks. Off leash dogs unaccustomed to horses? http://www.nps.gov/rocr/faqs.htm#CP_JUMP_69520 And what is meant by the section I bolded on how your dog was less dangerous after an off leash romp?
It's a national park. All national parks require dogs to be on a leash.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 15:08
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
I would just like to thank the dog owners who are trying to do the right thing by not letting their dogs off-leash except in places where this is actually allowed, and for being cognizant that many people (and animals) do not want to encounter your off-leash dog.
I live near Rock Creek Park and unfortunately it seems like the majority of people who bring their dogs to walk in the trails near our house let their dogs off-leash even though this is not allowed. It means I basically cannot bring my toddlers to those trails b/c I am afraid they will get bitten (and they inevitably step in dog poop from the unleashed dogs and get it all over themselves).
I live near Rock Creek Park and unfortunately it seems like the majority of people who bring their dogs to walk in the trails near our house let their dogs off-leash even though this is not allowed. It means I basically cannot bring my toddlers to those trails b/c I am afraid they will get bitten (and they inevitably step in dog poop from the unleashed dogs and get it all over themselves).
Anonymous
03/23/2015 14:24
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Central Park in New York City
http://www.centralparknyc.org/about/park-information/dogs.html
Quote from the website:
Dogs are allowed off-leash when the Park is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am when the Park closes. Dogs must be on-leash at all times from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm.
Even during off-leash hours, dogs must always be on-leash in the following areas:
• All Lawns posted as 9:00 am areas
• Arthur Ross Pinetum
• The Bridle Path
• Cedar Hill
• Children's Glade (Great Hill area)
• Conservatory Garden
• East Green
• East Meadow Oval
• Kerbs Boathouse Plaza
• The North Woods and The Ravine
• The Ramble
• Shakespeare Garden
• Strawberry Fields
• Turtle Pond Lawn
http://www.centralparknyc.org/about/park-information/dogs.html
Quote from the website:
Dogs are allowed off-leash when the Park is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am when the Park closes. Dogs must be on-leash at all times from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm.
Even during off-leash hours, dogs must always be on-leash in the following areas:
• All Lawns posted as 9:00 am areas
• Arthur Ross Pinetum
• The Bridle Path
• Cedar Hill
• Children's Glade (Great Hill area)
• Conservatory Garden
• East Green
• East Meadow Oval
• Kerbs Boathouse Plaza
• The North Woods and The Ravine
• The Ramble
• Shakespeare Garden
• Strawberry Fields
• Turtle Pond Lawn
Anonymous
03/23/2015 14:08
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:4Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Sorry OP, looks like you aren't getting helpful feedback by the friendly pet forum folks. I'm sure they do exist, but not by the uptight DCUM crowd. Good luck!
My dog (leashed) and I were walking in a park and my poor dog was attached by a dog off leash.
There are posters up at Lake Frank and Needwood about deer killed and/or mauled by dogs that were off leash.
We're not uptight. Just have common sense.
OP here - exact things I want to avoid! I think better-prepared hikers/cyclists and wild animals staying clear of a well-known dog area would be valuable. And, as well-behaved as my dog is, I wouldn't put anything out of the realm of possibility (full-disclosure, I've been attacked by a dog as well!) To that end, I actually feel like this unleashed romp probably brought me days of a better-behaved and a less-dangerous animal to everyone else because she was allowed that freedom for an afternoon and the mental health associated with it. I'm encouraged that it sounds like there is a spot in VA (thanks pp) and that even non dog-owners might be supportive of this idea.
Where to start possibly getting this approval at just a couple of other parks? Lobby the state park people? I'm still thinking they may not care because of the liability"?
I do stay clear of Turkey Run and other areas. We have taken our dogs ON LEASH on a busy weekend to Great falls Park but NEVER venture further than the busy areas where hopefully staff could help us. I learned my lesson. If you live in DC why not lobby for fencing off some of Rock creek park which is a national park and located in DC?
FYI there are people riding horses on trails and in parks. Off leash dogs unaccustomed to horses? http://www.nps.gov/rocr/faqs.htm#CP_JUMP_69520 And what is meant by the section I bolded on how your dog was less dangerous after an off leash romp?
I don't know, I might not be articulating it well, but I just feel like any dog had the capacity to get aggressive - as per PPs, but I think a lot of aggression city-dogs exhibit is due to their non-stop confinement, and while I trust my dog, it isn't implicitly, and never will be (she's a rescue) - but I have to admit that I feel a lot better about her if she can sort of "own herself" for a couple of hours every week. She's just, clearly happier and rests better when she gets to romp unleashed. However, and this is what's important, the dog parks don't really seem to satisfy that need. there seems to be a territorial stand-off in these enclosed spaces that doesn't apply when we have forward momentum and she's a part of her family "pack." She's never been anything but submissive and sweet to other people, it's just that I notice this "journey" of hiking really seems to suit her better.
Maybe her personality is unique here though, as it doesn't seem many of you would find this type of park to be substantially better for their dogs. This isn't a problem, I just think it probably means I'll be driving to Frederick a lot of weekends
Anonymous
03/23/2015 11:14
Subject: Re:Hiking with dog off-leash?
I would let your dog romp in the dog park, then go for a hike with the dog leashed with your kid.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 11:07
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:4Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Sorry OP, looks like you aren't getting helpful feedback by the friendly pet forum folks. I'm sure they do exist, but not by the uptight DCUM crowd. Good luck!
My dog (leashed) and I were walking in a park and my poor dog was attached by a dog off leash.
There are posters up at Lake Frank and Needwood about deer killed and/or mauled by dogs that were off leash.
We're not uptight. Just have common sense.
OP here - exact things I want to avoid! I think better-prepared hikers/cyclists and wild animals staying clear of a well-known dog area would be valuable. And, as well-behaved as my dog is, I wouldn't put anything out of the realm of possibility (full-disclosure, I've been attacked by a dog as well!) To that end, I actually feel like this unleashed romp probably brought me days of a better-behaved and a less-dangerous animal to everyone else because she was allowed that freedom for an afternoon and the mental health associated with it. I'm encouraged that it sounds like there is a spot in VA (thanks pp) and that even non dog-owners might be supportive of this idea.
Where to start possibly getting this approval at just a couple of other parks? Lobby the state park people? I'm still thinking they may not care because of the liability"?
I do stay clear of Turkey Run and other areas. We have taken our dogs ON LEASH on a busy weekend to Great falls Park but NEVER venture further than the busy areas where hopefully staff could help us. I learned my lesson. If you live in DC why not lobby for fencing off some of Rock creek park which is a national park and located in DC?
FYI there are people riding horses on trails and in parks. Off leash dogs unaccustomed to horses? http://www.nps.gov/rocr/faqs.htm#CP_JUMP_69520 And what is meant by the section I bolded on how your dog was less dangerous after an off leash romp?
Anonymous
03/23/2015 07:59
Subject: Re:Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:I just hate it when I am walking along in a public park and someone's dog bursts out and comes running up. It is always a large dog, usually a shepherd or other guard type dog. 15 minutes later here comes the owner. Dog was having so much fun and he's harmless! yeah. And then yak yak yak about how the dog is really having a great time pawing us, while we do our best to protect our small dog who is on the leash. Its always some kind of rough neck who would own that kind of dog in the first place -- so happy with their big over powering dog. What a fun meet up.Good times!
Yep, and they often say, "It could be any breed." Although any dog can be aggressive, I've walked with/without dogs for over 30 years in parks, wooded trails, neighborhoods, and beaches. I've yet to have a golden retriever, lab, beagle, poodle, etc. growl at me or try to bite.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 07:54
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
Anonymous wrote:Try the dog park in Glen Carlyn park - Arlington.
^ this is an unfenced dog park next to a stream and wooded area. Many people take their dog on a short hike through the wooded area on the dog park side of the stream. I haven't been in a few years though so no recent experience. But it was great when we had a dog that loved to run through the woods. He has great recall.
Anonymous
03/23/2015 07:47
Subject: Hiking with dog off-leash?
I know - and you shouldn't have to deal with that. So would you support s designated large park where "rough neck" can go and not be a bother to you?