Hiking Safety with Dogs
Vermont is full of beautiful hiking trails, walking paths, parks, and outdoor adventures that many of us love sharing with our dogs. Whether you’re taking a casual neighborhood walk or heading into the mountains for a weekend hike, practicing good dog etiquette helps keep everyone safe, including other people, pets, and wildlife.
Not every person or dog you meet will be comfortable with interactions, even if your dog is friendly. Responsible trail behavior helps create positive experiences for everyone enjoying the outdoors.
Keep Your Dog Leashed Where Required
Many hiking areas and public spaces throughout Vermont have leash laws or posted leash requirements. Even in off-leash areas, having reliable recall is essential.
A leash helps:
Prevent dogs from running into roads
Protect wildlife
Avoid unwanted dog interactions
Keep reactive or nervous dogs safe
Prevent dogs from getting lost
Note, Retractable leashes may not be ideal on busy trails because they can create tripping hazards or allow dogs too much distance around others.
What is reliable recall?
Reliable recall in dogs means the dog consistently and enthusiastically returns to the owner immediately upon being called, even in the presence of high-level distractions like squirrels or other dogs or people. It acts as a safety mechanism, ensuring a 99.99% obedience rate for emergency situations and off-leash freedom. If your dog does not have this, a leash is best!
Instant Response: The dog immediately stops what they are doing and runs to the owner.
High-Value Motivation: The recall is built on classical conditioning, where the dog believes "Come" means an amazing, high-value treat or reward is arriving, rather than just a simple command.
Consistency: The command works regardless of the environment or distractions.
Single Cue Obedience: The dog responds the first time the cue is given, rather than needing it repeated.
How to Build a Reliable Recall
Never Call for Negative Reasons: Never call your dog to you to scold them, as this teaches them that coming to you is bad.
Use High-Value Rewards: Use special, high-value treats (e.g., freeze dried treats, chicken) that are only given for recall.
Practice with Distractions: Gradually train in more distracting environments, starting on a long leash for safety.
Ensure "Reinforced Repetitions" (RR): Consistently reward the behavior to make it a durable habit.
Practice Often: Conduct multiple short, fun sessions throughout the day.
Training Matters Outdoors
Even well-behaved dogs can become overstimulated in exciting outdoor environments filled with smells, wildlife, and other dogs. Reliable basic commands make outdoor adventures safer and less stressful. Helpful commands include:
Sit
Stay
Leave it
Come
Heel
Always Ask Before Approaching Other Dogs or People
One of the most important rules of dog etiquette: “My dog is friendly” does not mean every dog or person wants interaction. Do not assume others with a dog will want to interact with your dog! Just as you as a person may not greet everyone in a grocery store, another dog may not want to greet everyone either. Some people may also be afraid of dogs or simply prefer space.
Some dogs may be:
In training
Recovering from surgery or illness
Fearful or reactive
Elderly
Unsocialized
Overstimulated easily
Before allowing greetings:
Ask permission
Keep leashes loose and controlled
Respect a “no” without taking offense
Always read the dogs body language; if they are too over excited, nervous, or appear over stimulated, no interaction is best.
Respect Your Surroundings
Leaving dog waste behind on trails, sidewalks, or parks impacts, Wildlife, Water quality, Other hikers and Community spaces. Always carry waste bags and dispose of them properly. Please don’t leave filled poop bags on the side of trails. Even if you plan to pick them up later, they often get forgotten and create litter.
Vermont’s trails are home to, Deer, Porcupines, Bears, Ground nesting birds, and Small wildlife. Allowing dogs to chase wildlife can be dangerous for both animals and pets. Help protect natural spaces by Staying on marked trails, Preventing digging or destruction, Keeping dogs from disturbing wildlife habitats and Avoiding fragile ecosystems and muddy trail edges.
Be Mindful of Trail Crowding when passing others on narrow trails move your dog to the side and shorten their leash to allow for others to have room to pass and avoid your dog, but also avoid blocking the path as you walk so others can move around you freely. Not everyone enjoys being jumped on by an excited unknown dog, always look for their permission before greeting.
Know Your Dog’s Limits
Dogs can overheat quickly during hikes and long walks, especially short-nosed dog breeds (such as the french bulldog), senior dogs, puppies, and thick coated dogs. Always bring a collapsible bowl for fresh water, some treats or snacks and if walking on pavement, paw protection. Watch for any signs of overheating such as:
Excessive panting
Drooling
Weakness
Bright red gums
Vomiting
Good Etiquette Helps Keep Dogs Welcome
Many parks and trails remain dog-friendly because responsible owners help create positive experiences for everyone. Respectful behavior helps prevent complaints, conflicts, injuries, and stricter restrictions for dog owners in the future.
At Paws of Promise, we believe being a responsible dog owner means caring not only for your pet, but also for your community, local wildlife, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
