Dogs at glaicer and Yellowstone
does anyone have experience with dogs at Glacier and Yellowstone and how friendly is it for them we have two small dogs that we would like to take with us
Forum Discussion
28 Replies
- Read the Park's Policy. The rangers WILL enforce it and, no, your dog is not a "special case."
Anywhere we can take Jack, he goes with us. He has barked to protect us (at long range) from bears and mountain goats. He was, however, silent when confronted by bison.
If we want to go someplace that he is not permitted (inside buildingd or on trails, for instance)he sleeps in the trailer in his crate (which he considers to be his "house"). We have been known to leave him in the truck with the engine running (diesels will idle comfortably all day) and the air conditioning on while we BRIEFLY used the rest room or got something to eat and bring back.
He travels on the back seat behind the driver with a safety harness clipped th the child seat restraint with just enough line so he can lie down comfortably. Wherever the trailer goes, he goes. - The fact is that bringing dogs into a National Park puts a lot of limits on what you can do while you're there.
When I'm in a National Park I spend a lot of time well away from the road - hiking, fishing, wildlife watching, boating, taking a horseback ride, geyser gazing, etc. I couldn't do these things if I had my dogs along.
On the other hand, if what you want to do is auto tour and sight-see near the roads, having a dog along is not going to be a big handicap. - I wonder if the short, seemingly curt answeres about pets being "a dumb idea" or "a bear snack" are pet lovers/owners. Most people, like us, have their pets along because they are part of the family. We follow the rules, keep her leashed, clean up after her, and make adjustments with travel plans. We take her when we can, if not, she sleeps happily crated in the RV for an afternoon, or we take her with us if practical. Sadly, the few who are not considerate effect opinions in a negative way.
- No kidding. I've day multi day hikes in the backcountry of Colorado with my Blue Heeler. It was great. Of course I wouldn't take her on a trail where dogs weren't allowed. Never worried about my dog becoming dinner for another animal, ever.
- While others may try to scare the &^$% out of you about taking your dog; ignore them. They think they're being funny. We always take our Pug with us and won't stay anywhere that doesn't allow pets. You can check the pet rules for each place you want to stay before you go.:C
- One of our favorite things at Yellowstone is to park at Mammoth Hot Springs. Set up the lawn chairs in the back of the truck, and watch the rangers keep the "dumb" tourists away from the bull elk in rut. Rangers probably hate that duty, but it is fun to watch. We took the dog with us, but like others have said, follow the rules and use common sense. You won't have any trouble.
- Good info here to be sure.
Having lived in Estes Park, CO for 8 years I could write a book about stupid people and elk!
One chapter would be about the guy - against all warnings - got between a bull and his harem during rut. This is, trust me, NOT a good plan. Well, the bull took off after him and he ran around a car parked in the lot. Bull came right over the hood after him. Probably do not have to tell you what about 1200# or so of not too happy bull elk does to a car hood and windshield! And it was not the guy's car; belonged to someone else. The "discussion" between the guy and the car owner would be the next chapter in the book! :-)
Be respective of wildlife and your personal animals. We love our dog very much and would not take a chance with here on posted "No dogs" trails.
Be safe. crabbin cabin wrote:
Nobody yet mentioned cougars!! And one couple mentioned taking turns while the other walked close (to a herd of elk) -- Dumb, dumb idea!!
We were not close to the herd of elk. The elk were on an island in the river. Others were right on the bank opposite, whereas we were viewing with our binoculars from the road, but we had to park way back due to the traffic congestion created by everyone stopping. We are very careful in viewing wildlife. We are not those tourists that get up close. We either view from our vehicle or from a safe distance. That's ok, I'm sure you misunderstood my explanation.- Nobody yet mentioned cougars!! And one couple mentioned taking turns while the other walked close (to a herd of elk) -- Dumb, dumb idea!!
