My return trip to Asheville, North Carolina was one to remember. A short 45 minute drive from my house led me to Catawba Falls, a place that I would frequent with my friends back when we were AmeriCorps members traversing nearby trails on the weekends. Ten minutes into the hike, I spotted a massive Great Dane running towards me. It stopped just short of a footbridge that separated us. My eyes immediately scanned the trail in search of a loose leash or owner nearby….nothing. 

 “Ruff!” The dog and I locked eyes, but I looked away as tried to decide what to next. “Ruff!” The dog was on the move again, trotting across the bridge towards where I stood, doing my best to show no fear. “Ruff!” This time, it stopped just a few feet away. We locked eyes again…then it bounded off, back to the start of the trail.

Another hiker came into view. He was a large man walking with a tiny dog. When he spotted the Great Dane, he immediately brought his dog between his legs. The Great Dane ran past the pair. As the man caught up to me he asked, “Do you know whose dog that is?”

“No, but I hope the owner is nearby,” I replied.  

 I know I’m not the only one who has felt their safety was at risk when walking around parks and trails.

 Every hiking trail will have signs that seasoned hikers and newcomers alike should look out for. Many of them include the following statements:

“All dogs must be on a leash” or “Leash law strictly enforced.”

You might say to yourself, “my dog wouldn’t hurt a fly,” but we’ve seen all too many unfortunate incidents that could have been avoided if dog owners had followed these simple laws. Leash rules don’t just keep you and your doggo safe, they are a courtesy and a reminder that—on public land—you share the trails with other people. When you are out on a trail with your dog, you are also being mindful of other hikers, cyclists, joggers, and horses and even the wildlife that surrounds you. It’s important to share the trail. That can look like several things.

Not convinced? Let’s talk about three reasons why you should leash your dog!

Leashing your dog keeps you and others safe

Leashing your dog creates a more welcoming environment for others on the trail. This is especially true for people who are not comfortable around dogs, or who may not be comfortable around your dog. Even if you think your pup is a joy to be around, or well behaved, or the best boy. That can be true and the following can also be true: we come from different backgrounds and have different life experiences. People who rightfully associate dogs with human rights abuses and police violence or with violence against Black and Brown people in white rural areas also deserve to feel safe on public land. Leashing your dog can help with that.

And let’s be honest. We’ve all met the person who is constantly apologizing to strangers for their dog’s bad behavior which may include barking at strangers in public, or jumping on them excitedly in hope of head scratches or treats. Some of us are that person. One way around that is to simply follow the law and leash your dog on the trail. Even if your dog is super well behaved, leashing your dog is your responsibility and an important part of sharing the trail with others.

The simple act of leashing your dog enables people with past trauma associated with dogs to feel safe on public land. It’s such an easy thing to do and it helps others to feel like they also belong outside. It also makes it easier to share the trail with other pet owners who are also hiking with their leashed dogs. It also helps keep you safe!

If you’ve hiked in bear country, you’ve no doubt seen the signs warning hikers to keep their dog leashed at all times in order to reduce the risk of negative encounters with bears. Recent data suggests that in the majority of cases, it seemed as though the dog or dogs had been running loose at the time of the attack and drew the bear to their owner. 

What about off trail? Remember that you’re sharing public land with other people (and their pets). Even if leash laws don’t apply to parking lots or facilities, you’re still sharing those spaces with others. Remember to be courteous and to keep your dog on a leash.

How your dog can remain your “best friend”

Your “best friend” is one the most engaging animals on the planet. Fun, loyal, protective, and adventurous—sometimes to a fault. Hiking trails in your neighborhood or on BLM land, or in state or national parks are full of fun distractions for your pet!

Dogs are likely to get into physical altercations with other dogs if not held back by a harness or leash. Teaching your dog good etiquette when they’re a pup is a great way to manage their behavior as they get older. Without this training and listening to command, your dog can nip, bite, chew, and cause serious harm to yourself and others when out in the world. 

 Imagine you’re walking on your favorite trail with your dog and out of nowhere another dog comes running towards you, provoking your “best friend.” You see the owner running towards you, but your dog is already in a tussle. I’d imagine the words “grab your dog!” and “where’s your leash?” don’t seem too farfetched in this situation. While treating your dog and getting information to bring to your vet, the words “it’s not like him to do this,” don’t do any good. The damage is already done. Sympathizing with a hiker and their dog is a method worth considering when stepping out into nature.

How you and your dog can be environmentally friendly

Protecting the environment from your dog’s natural curiosity is also important. Unleashed dogs can run off trail and negatively impact plants and fauna. It can also disturb wildlife. When your dog’s not in sight, it’s hard to know what your dog’s sniffing, licking, or eating or chasing.

 Pet waste is a continuous problem for trails around the country. You are legally responsible to pick up after your dog. By picking up after your dog, you are doing a small courtesy that goes a long way.

Letting your dog roam the trails without a leash can seem like a fun experience until a hiker, animal, or the environment is harmed in a way you didn’t expect. Then that this wholesome experience can become embarrassing or even tragic. Leashing your dog is an important step in making hiking trails accessible to all. Your actions shape how hikers determine the safety and accessibility of your local trails.