Ruby and I headed to Spooner Summit today for a nice short hike. Godiva couldn’t come since she’s recovering from dental surgery yesterday, and has a torn cranial cruciate ligament. Don’t worry she’s getting a TPLO August 9th at Sierra Veterinary Specialists, but that’s a whole other story!
I knew we needed to get out to beat the heat and the traffic. Owning an aggressive dog has its many downfalls, but the unconditional love she shows is worth all the work.
We went to Spooner Lake Trail knowing dogs had to be leashed; I hoped everyone with dogs respected that. They did. Although Ruby is aggressive, I still believe she deserves to live life to the fullest. I never hike busy trails with Ruby unless she’s wearing her muzzle and leash. Trust me, we learned the hard way. We respect the right of all others on the trail, and ALWAYS yield the trail as well.
It was refreshing to find every dog owner strolling along had their dog on a leash! We had a great walk. It was calm and peaceful. We stopped several time for Ruby to soak in Spooner Lake and cool down.
It was one of the best walks I’ve had with Ruby on a busy trail in a LONG TIME! I was relaxed; she was relaxed. You know why? Respect. Every dog owner had their dog on a leash. It’s the rules. It’s posted a million times on the trail and every time the trail splits.
As we yielded the trail, today a group of Boy Scouts asked why Ruby was wearing “that thing on her face.” I said it’s to protect her because sometimes she not a very nice dog. No judgement was passed, and they kept on strolling. It felt so good.
My blog is always finished up with my Tech Tips, and this will be no different. I stated some of this in my Pet Summer Hiking Series – Part One, but why not reiterate.
Tech Tips
- Respect trail signage.
- If it says, Keep Dogs On A Leash, DO IT! There’s a reason, and usually its to protect wildlife and delicate botanical species.
- Try a Flexi Leash.
- Ruby LOVES her Flexi leash. It allows her the freedom to explore more, and allows me to reign her in before encountering dogs or people.
- Ruby LOVES her Flexi leash. It allows her the freedom to explore more, and allows me to reign her in before encountering dogs or people.
- Add a Yellow Ribbon.
- If you dog isn’t good with other dogs, people, or just needs a little space, tie a yellow ribbon on his or her leash to warn others.
- Always yield the trail.
- Step far enough off the trail so others can pass you safely.
- Give respect, get respect.
- Treat your dog and others the way you would want to be treated to avoid unwanted altercations.
Thank you to all the people out today that respected the trail and respected the rules. We started our weekend out in a very positive way.
Do you have an aggressive dog? What do you do to respect others on the trail?
Ask Aubrie...LVT, Executive MBA 
I had an American Bulldog (Stella) who was a little aggressive and unpredictable. As a result I wasn’t able to take her to dog parks. However, I could walk her on a leash. I was successful with her walks,other than the times when other owners failed to leash their dogs. They would occasionally approach Stella and she would give a very convincing warning bark/growl/snarl/”bite”. It always freaked the owners out; they were frequently quick to blame us for the behavior (although it was their lack of control over their animal that directly resulted in the incidents). Her behavior did result in fewer excursions than I would have preferred.
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Anthony, This is exactly what Ruby and I encounter when we hit the trails. I agree 100% that it was the lack of control that creates confrontation. Owners always yell from 50 yards away, “It’s OK, he’s good.” Unfortunately, mine is not. Do you think you would be willing to muzzle her when hiking? How do you feel about the Yellow Dog Project?
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Unfortunately, Stella is no longer with the family. Although we loved her dearly, she wasn’t a good fit four our growing family (she was very rough with small children, and we had twins on the way). Fortunately, we encountered a family who had recently lost their American Bulldog and was looking for a new one to join their family. Their daughter was about 10 years old and able to handle Stella’s rough play. Stella became the princess of that home and “lived happily ever after”.
The Yellow Dog Project looks like a good program. I think you should have your name added to the list for Nevada as a representative!
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Oh, I’m sorry Anthony. I should have noticed…”had” an American Bulldog. I’m happy to hear she lived her life to the fullest after she left your home. As for the Yellow Dog Project, I will most certainly contact them! Thank you for the idea! Aubrie
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