Posted October 25, 2022
We love our canine friends, and we love the outdoors. So, it’s no surprise that dog walking is one of the most popular activities on Wareham Land Trust properties and trails. But, at the same time, it’s important to make sure your dog, as well as other people and other canines on the trail, are safe while you’re out walking.
To ensure a pleasant and safe experience, follow these helpful tips:
1. Maintain Control of Your Dog – This means that your dog listens to you and obeys your commands every time or is restrained with a leash. A dog that is under your control will not run off chasing other animals (wild or domestic), will not run up to or jump on other people on the trail, and will never be out of your sight.
2. Stay Alert – Be constantly aware of your surroundings. This helps to keep your dog safe, especially on multi-use trails.
3. Always Ask Permission – Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may be nervous or defensive around other dogs. Always ask if your dog can say “hi” to other dogs and people and be respectful if the answer is “no”. Always ask if you can pet another dog; not all dogs are comfortable being pet by strangers.
4. Be Respectful of Others – If you see another trail user (with or without another dog) walking your way, always call your dog back to you and step to the side and let them pass.
5. Pick Up the Poop – Always pick up, bag, and take home your dog’s waste to throw away. Just because a plastic bag claims to be “biodegradable”, they will not decompose in the woods or fields; they need the high heat of an industrial compost system to break down.
6. Put your Orange On – During hunting season (mainly Oct 1 – Dec 31), make sure that both you and your dog are wearing blaze orange for safety when walking in the woods.
With these tips in mind, get out and explore the outdoors with your pooch! Following these guidelines, you can keep your dog safe, and make sure our properties and other conservation areas are safe and welcoming to all who use them. Happy dog walking!
Note: Article inspired by Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust’s (DNRT) “Safe Dog Walking” pamphlet, and ideas shared with DNRT permission.
Written by Mack Phinney, Board Member, and Elise Leduc-Fleming, Executive Director