Take the pooch, or leave it home?

hikinboot · 03-07-2011, 05:33 PM

How do you stand on this subject? Do you take the pooch camping and hiking with you, or opt to leave it home? Why do you make that decision?

mccallum · 03-07-2011, 07:33 PM

Dog(s) go along. It will be fun this summer as we added a pup to the family last October and that pup is now 50 plus pounds so we need to figure a place for him and the 12 pounder to sleep. As for why; cheaper than the vet; they are family; and they are just plan fun to have around! Bear the 50 pounder walks with me or take me on walks daily. The 12 pounder is a home body and is really not sure what to make of the weekend in the woods.

Judy Ann · 03-07-2011, 08:02 PM

Something about watching kids and their dogs play in the water at the foot of a waterfall, or perhaps the four-legged one sitting proudly keeping any eye out for their family while they enjoy a picnic somewhere off the beaten path, or observing an old dog and an old man hiking the AT together, both maybe a little less spry than a decade before that just makes one smile. They are loyal and take in everything in that goes on around the camp. An extra set of eyes to watch over the small ones and all those you love and care about. They have your back too.

As already mentioned they are fun to have around and the money saved by not boarding is a plus too. Please leave them at home if they are not well behaved, dangerous to others especially little children, or if you are not planning on picking up after them.

steves · 03-07-2011, 08:12 PM

He always goes,why? Because I haven't figured out how to get my pack out of the house without him seeing me.

Judy Ann · 03-07-2011, 08:18 PM

Good one steves!

steves · 03-07-2011, 08:29 PM

Spencer on the trails

Judy Ann · 03-07-2011, 08:36 PM

He probably sleeps with one foot on it cause he looks like he's not about to miss a minute of fun!

IndianaHiker · 03-07-2011, 10:11 PM

Don't have any dogs at the moment but would say by all means take them with you. IF the dog is well behaved and socialized they are a joy to have with you and they also enjoy the outdoors. Gives them a chance to be a "dog" again.

hikinboot · 03-08-2011, 08:19 PM

I agree. I think it is second nature for a dog to be in the woods, in the wild. I always take mine with me too, he loves it. He sees me with a backpack and he is right there.

HikingGuy · 03-08-2011, 09:52 PM

I don't go anywhere without my dogs, all 3 of them. They get very angry at me if I leave them home. I think, like other's have said, my pooches sleep with my hiking gear, they know when it is home or not.