Boondocking pet dangers

Over the years, I've had one dog that would find and catch rattlesnakes. I didn't dare let him off leash because of this tendency. My current dog is a German sheppard mix that likes to chase things that run so I also always keep her on a leash. While hiking in Escalante a few years back a lizard ran across the trail right in front of us and the dog went after it like a flash, right over the edge of the 30 foot or so cliff. Luckily, I'm a big guy and was able to pull her back out of mid air onto the trail without the leash breaking her neck. Had the wife been on the other end of the leash they would have probably both gone over.

Myself, even the well behaved dogs I keep restrained as they're dogs, and sometimes act instinctively no matter how well trained.

MainerBob wrote:
We have a very well trained and behaved standard poodle we are very fond of and don't want to put in harm's way.

Then keep him on a leash at all times. It is your responsibility to keep your dog safe.

we rarely let our Lhasa off his leash anywhere. once in a great while, if the campground is pretty empty, we let him off and throw his toy for him to fetch..he loves doing that.
but there is always the danger of a wild animal threatening or distracting him or enticing him to a chase.

When folks camp out west in dispersed areas or primitive campsites what are the realities of interactions with things like poisonous snakes and insects when walking the dog.

Real and often.

Do you ever let the dog off leash. We have a very well trained and behaved standard poodle we are very fond of and don't want to put in harm's way. Thanks for your advice.Bob (and Chloe)

No. IMHO It is up to the 'owner' to keep their pet safe. And it doesn't matter how well mannered the dog is when it meets up with a bear, mountain lion or any large animal 100 feet away from you. State and Federal Parks require you keep you dog on a leash so it's a moot point! Go and have fun just keep your eyes peeled for the snakes in the grass!

Happy Camping!