pills2619 wrote:Don't use a leash unless near roads. they ruin the fun for you and your dog. People who bitch about leashes have some fear of dogs which they should get over or they are not familiar with the mountains or they are just old and grumpy
As I posted on the previous page, I love hiking/climbing with my dog. He almost always wears a backpack, and on the backpack is clipped a retractable leash. When we come across others (which doesn't occur too often, as he's more of a "bushwhacking pup") I always grab the leash out of simple respect of the other people. I dont have a fear of dogs, and I'm not old and grumpy (Maybe grumpy...) even though I'm a part time leasher.
Being "familiar" with the mountains has nothing to do with dogs. Dogs are not a natural mountain item. There are people who go to the mountains to get away from things....like people and dogs. I don't think its too much to ask to be considerate to anyone that may feel this way. That way everyone is having a good day. (The 2 minutes Rufus spends on the leash when meeting someone on the trail isn't hurting his experience....maybe just his pride.
) And if Rufus runs up on someone when he is unleashed and I'm not paying attention, its not their fault for being "dog haters", and its not Rufus' fault for liking people, its
MY fault for not keeping track of my partner.
Just my opinion obviously.
--D