On a narrow trail, the people hiking uphill have the right of way. Unless they step aside for a breather for themselves, it is proper etiquette for you to give way and allow them to proceed up hill.

Always be vigilant about paying attention to your surroundings. What and who are around you. Listen and watch for wildlife and for other people.

If you are hiking with your dog ON leash, it is proper etiquette to keep your dog BY your side when approaching another party. Not in front, not behind. Position yourself so that YOU are between your dog and the other party. Especially if the other party is also with a dog.

If you are hiking with a dog OFF leash & you see that you will be passing people, it is proper etiquette for you to leash your dog, keeping him by your side until you are well clear of the other party.

If you do not have solid recall and control over your dog, then you should keep your dog on leash. Unless you are a hunter on track, you should really keep your hound dog on leash. After all, he is genetically engineered to take off on a good track. So….keep that in mind.

If the trail is too narrow to allow parties to pass one another, it is ok to step aside to allow the other party to pass. Step well off the pathway so that the other party can pass safely. Stepping away from the trail, putting your dogs in a sit, tells them that the passing party is of no threat to their “space” and is of no concern to them.

Your hike with your dogs should be just that – YOUR hike with YOUR dogs… not other people’s hike with your dogs. Other people may not want your dogs in their space. Other dogs’ may not want your dogs in their face. So be considerate, keep control of your pack.

Leave NO trace. This means, don’t leave any trash, including items such as apple cores, banana peels, nutshells. It also means picking up after your dog and taking it with you. It doesn’t mean putting it in a bag and then leaving the bag. And it certainly doesn’t mean to just leave the poop in the middle of the trail. If you can’t carry it off, then at least get it off the trail. You know what works great? Leaves and sticks. Yes, plenty of those in the woods. Be creative – use whatever you can to get that crap (literally) out of the way.

And you know what else? For the ladies – if you use TP or tissue, don’t leave that! Pack it out. But here’s a hiking secret, you don’t even need the TP. They make “special” rags you can buy BUT, you actually don’t even need that. You can use a washable bandana or some other type of light towel. Shake it off, use your towel, and hang it on the outside of your pack to dry. Simple as that. And we really don’t want to see your nasty feminine products. Come on…..show some class. Take it with you or don’t go.

And for goodness’ sake, NO graffiti. Save that for the inner city if you must, but leave nature as is. No painting, no marking, no carving. No one cares if you love Jimmy or were in the woods in 2024.

Finally, not etiquette but safety-wise, always go out with the proper footwear and attire. Wearing flip flops and only carrying a cell phone are NOT appropriate. Make sure you have a first aid kit, plenty of water and adequate food, for yourself and your dog. Pay attention to the temperatures, both air temps, the humidity, and the surface temperatures. Dogs can overheat quicker than you will and they can get burned paws more easily than you’d think. Educate yourself on the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Pay attention to your dogs’ body language and know your dogs’ limits. Cold weather has its own hazards to consider, frost bite (for humans or dogs) or compacted snow in paws, for example. Paying attention to the ground surface in any condition is important, watching for sharp edges, rocks or glass.

There are several great dog harnesses on the market that are a great addition to your pack. These are great for larger dogs, of course, but regardless of your dog’s size, if they need to be packed out because of an injury, snake or animal bite, etc., it is much easier for us, more comfortable for them, less likely to cause further pain or injury to carry them out in a harness over trying to carry them in your arms.

Take extra layers in your pack, regardless of the season. Be prepared for the unexpected. Have a plan and a map and always let someone know where you are going to be.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the trails whether you are a solo hiker, in a group or hiking with your dogs. Enjoy the journey.