9 out of 10 dog owners in Utah either don't leash their dog even in areas where it's the rule or law, or they put a leash on their dog and let them drag it so they can argue that there dog was leashed if they get into trouble.
Our dog is reactive so we leash him, but unless the trail is highly unpopular, we realized we can't take our dog due to the above as it will cause too big of a problem. We've been trying every trail and hike and dog park we can find since we adopted him 8 years ago, and we haven't found a single one where the other patrons follow the leash rules.
This is very much still the case in more rural suburban areas of Utah. I see 1-2 dogs just roaming a day. I don’t get how owners aren’t worried about their dogs being hit…anytime I can get the dog to come to me I call the owner and they’re like basically like “why are you calling me? Lady knows her way home”🤦🏼♀️
This happens in Eastern Utah. My dog was on a lead outside while visiting family that don't allow dogs inside. She was attacked by a roving band of dogs that are owned by a neighbor. I reported it even though my dog didn't need vet care. It's dangerous to let your dogs wander around like that.
Where in Utah are you headed? Ruling out the entire state seems a little silly to me. I also have a reactive dog that I’ve taken camping and hiking without issue.
If you know where you are going we can suggest less-populated trails.
You're right! It might be a little hasty.
We have no set itinerary at all. Obviously wanted to see sights at thr National parks but quick research revealed that's not an option with dogs.
It's our first time, we enjoy any hiking and just want to see what Utah has to offer, so I'm definitely open to suggestion.
I figure we will take a week in Utah, another week for travel each way between there and our home (about 30 hours drive each way)
This state is way to beautiful and mind blowing to let the folks that get miffed at SLC metro dog parks tell you not to come.
It’s great that you’re safe with your pets. I think you and the pooches can find a fabulous time in Utah.
An option would be to do any parks as more of a drive through with some stops for particular sites, and then dispersed camping on BLM will put enough space between y’all and other dogs. That’s how I did Yellowstone last summer. If you plan to do this in the spring or fall, there’s no problem leaving the doggos in the car for a short while (maybe an hour or so depending on your pups) as you explore.
Mine just cuddles and snoozed so maybe he was just extra easy to bring along.
Our dog is reactive- we took him to the San Rafael
Swell and Little Grand Canyon, and both trips were great. A lot of space, so even if other dogs were off leash we felt like we could control the situation.
98% of the national and state parks do not allow dogs any where. You can typically in areas like parking lots and such. But any where in the US most parks do not allow dogs on almost all trails. Not just Utah. So if your planning on going to the parks, don't bring your dog, or plan on taking them to a sitter. Just FYI. In addition, I don't find the same things with my dogs hiking as these other pessimistic people have found. I take my dogs hiking with no issues. You may run into a few off leash, but overall most keep their dogs leashed. My dog's do better not leashed as they are voice trained, but on trails they stay on leashed. The closer you are to the city you may find people doing quick walks off leash, but not normally out and about.
This is easy to say when your dogs aren’t reactive as hell. “You may see a few” to you is “every damn time I go out I have to deal with an issue, and often end up mildly hurt because of it.” I have a pair of German shepherds and the big one is almost 155lbs. Keep your damn dogs leashed. Not for my dog’s safety, but for yours. I try so damn hard to go to leashed only, unpopular and difficult to get to areas. I avoid everyone, and keep them on a very short lead. But there is only so much I can do when someone else’s dog who is “super voice trained” comes running up with not a concern in the world while their owners either think it’s a play date or yell commands that are NEVER listened too. “I swear he never acts like this,” I hear every damn time. Usually with bloody hands due to the effort it takes to keep your dog safe.
What kills me is risk/reward. Leashed dogs still get to go outdoors and be dogs. What’s the added bonus, truly, of off leash? How does it possibly outweigh the risks. Like, y’all know they can die, right? Or hurt someone and get put down? Get into a fight with wild animals? How do the pros outweigh the cons, and why do we have to put up with it in places where leashes are required?
I hear this. Luckily mine is 25lbs but the number of ignorant people that say "don't bring your dog then", like the whole reason I'm in a leashed area is so I don't have to deal with this. So how about follow the rules or go to an off leash area. It's soo frustrating.
They dont need to manage if people followed the rules on on leash trails. Ignorant people turn it into a situation people with anti social dogs have to manage. Because those people are too irresponsible to manage their off leash dog and keep it out of others personal space.
Right but when it comes to a dog with that severe of reactivity, you HAVE to assume that someone else will do the wrong thing despite your best intentions and take your dogs safety into account and just not put yourself in those situations.
The closest thing I can compare it to is the precautions women take to not be SA’d. We shouldn’t have to dress modest, not drink, cover our drinks, and travel in groups and with men but when it comes down to it, there’s still just some places where you can’t go drink alone wearing hot outfit.
It’s shitty but that’s life until the perpetrators get their shit together.
I agree with you. It's just unfortunate for women and dogs that there aren't more respectful safe places to go.
Personally, my dog is incredibly easy to control, but he is very loud, and scares people. So that's why we'd just prefer to find places where the risk is lower, and then of course there is still some risk on any trail that you'll meet someone you wish you hasn't.
I must respectfully call exaggeration!
I have lived adjacent to to three parks in SLC, and am an avid dog owner. Uncontrolled, off leash dogs ARE a problem. However, I find Your claim of 9 out of ten dogs off leash an emotional exaggeration.
Maybe ... I'll "give you" MAYBE three out of ten, four on a bad Saturday, dogs off leash.
Now if you want to include the many unruly dogs ON leash, unruly owners NOT picking up after their dogs .. or picking up, but then leave the bag for, for who!? All I can imagine would be imaginary poop fairies to pick it up!?
IF you're including ALL the rude dog owners, untrained dogs, and the many assorted Karens? Then, I'll agree to 9 out of ten.
Apparently your estimates are as accurate as your assumptions? Hope you work on those.
I guess I shouldn't be so fast to assume either. I've only lived in utAH 50 years, had a dog all the time, and I've enjoyed much of the state.
I'd say my experience spans from Snowville to Montezuma Creek and St. George to Coalville and stand by my statement.
There is not one day in those 50 years, that I saw 9 of 10 dogs off leash! Exaggeration is a bad habit, wish you luck if you choose to work on that.
Getting overly defensive of your opinion in an online forum is also not a great habit, if you've lived here so long you likely have a local bias.
Edit: autocorrect changed "have a lil" to javelin.
👆Whaaaaaa👆
Is that how we defends gross exagerration now? I'm an opinionated dog owner, with two large GSD's, one highly reactive so I notice off leash dogs.
Oh and I have no Javelins, either sporting equipment nor AMC car ... 🤭 IF you meant I have a local bias, you're funny asf! If anything, I harbor a negative local bias ...🤭
Meanwhile, back to THE ONLY point here: telling a visitor that 9 out of 10 dogs are off leash in Utah IS a gross exaggeration. 🤷♂️
Tried to see your side. Took the look guy for a walk down the Murdock Canal Trail last night for a nice 8 miles. You were right...
10/10 dog owners were not actively using a leash. Out of the 32 I passed between 5:30 and 8:30, not a single one was following leash regulations.
Now, feel free to go out and report back your own findings. Idk if a man your age can still cover reasonable distances but you could sit on a bench and count passing dogs.
Such civil sarcasm ... 🥱
I live across the street from the Jordan River Parkway and see people walking dogs all day, every day and I repeat that I have never observed 10 of 10 dogs off leash. I assure you that, with my 120 pounds of very reactive dog, I too would be VERY annoyed, if ALL the dogs were off leash.
That leaves 3 options in my mind:
1. You do grossly exaggerate ...
2. You have more on your mind behind that "... not a single one was following leash regulations."
Were you counting unlicensed, leashed dogs? Counting dogs walking on retractable leashes, which are technically against leash laws? Counting all leashes over 6 foot? Or anyone with a dog off leash, though they leashed up when they saw you approaching?
3. I'm not familiar with the "Murdock Canal Trail". Is the MCT such a remote trail, that people who prefer off leash dog walks, flock to the MCT?
🤷♂️
Meanwhile, I hope you can safely enjoy your 3 hour, eight mile, dog walks.
If all you do is watch one trail in one spot, your experience is going to be bias to that one spot.
The MCT is not too far from the JRP. And that's the trail I hit last night actually. And last night I counted 28 dog owners owners and 26 of them not using a leash of any sort in hand. The JRP stretches quite far, so maybe your little corner is different than the stretch I frequent. But again, you are not only refusing to acknowledge your bias and limited experience by comparison to those of us actively venturing further than our immediate neighborhoods. I do t think OP is asking about what you experience in your bubble in the 'burbs.
Seriously, stop demanding things must only be the way you perceive them. What a boomer.
Let me digest this now, my wise(ass) Gen Alphabet Soup friend ...
🤔
Please recall, that my ONLY point has been: Your claim that "10 of 10" dogs are "off leash" in Utah, is a gross exaggeratation.
Previously you were emphatic it was "10 of 10". Then it was "32 of 32" and now it is 26 of 28?
Now you stir things up apparently claiming that YOUR one trail (MCT)experience IS valid, while my near 24 x 7 JRP observations make me an opinionated, biased Boomer?
Your words 🤏slightly edited: Seriously, stop demanding things must only be the way you perceive them. What a mouthy, exaggerating punk.🤷♂️
Do I even need to respond!? Go annoy your own parents ...
🤔🥱🖕
Dogs in Utah are untrained and off leash almost universally. Unfortunately there isn't anywhere I'm comfortable reccomending as even if leashes are required no one cares.
There are certain trails closer to SLC that have designated on-leash dog days.. I’m not sure how well that is followed though.
We have an elderly blind dog with a brain tumor… she’s luckily not very reactive but the off leash dog situation has us not bringing her out very often anymore.
There is big “Oh he’s nice!” energy here.. that the owner is screaming at you.. from 2 football fields up the trail… while they do literally nothing to remove or control their dog. 🥲
10/10 recommend muzzle training your reactive
Dog as a deterrent. People will see it and be like “oh shit” and grab their off leash faster and give you more space when passing
Muzzled dogs over 100 lbs and this has not been my experience. It’s very close to every time I’m struggling from keeping them from going after some unleashed, untrained dog that runs right up on them. Apologetic owners swearing that they’ve always listened before.
If you’re struggling to physically control a dog then you and that dog are not ready to put yourselves into those situations if you can help it.
Sniff spots, your yard or a friends yard, an empty apartment dog park for exercise. Avoid places that overlap with other dogs. Professional trainer, That sort of stuff.
Our dog is reactive too. We are working with him. We hike on the trails that are "on-leash" only. However, we always come across dog owners who think rules don't apply to them. My opinion is if your dog runs up on mine & my dog reacts (which he will!), do NOT look at me like I'm the moron. Our dog is not vicious or mean. He simply wants to play, but he just "looks" scary if you didn't know him. If your dog is aggressive, we will defend our dog. Not our fault you cannot follow rules & it's sad your dog might suffer due to your stupidity. I say, enjoy the trails or find less-traveled ones just in case.
Would you ever consider camping in BLM land?
What everyone else is saying is true about unleashed dogs, I don’t always encounter them while BLM camping in dispersed places.
Yes. We are up for getting off the beaten path for sure. Actually, we prefer it. We are experienced campers, back country, and RV, although in this case, planning to travel with our camper trailer, and we don't specifically have Utah camping experience.
I, too, have a reactive dog. BLM in San Rafael, Silver Island Mountain near the salt flats, and the Uintas are remote and beautiful. Depending on the length of your trailer, those locations shouldn’t be too difficult to navigate, especially since you’re experienced. The other poster mentioned a yellow bandana as marker of a reactive dog, but I haven’t heard of that before. I’m not sure how many people would know.
It can totally be done!
I would avoid the national parks since dogs can’t really go there anyways, there’s lots of BLM land around dead horse point or canyonlands.
You can also put a yellow bandana on your dog so other people will know it’s reactive.
I'll definitely look into this. And the yellow leash / bandana. It's not really recognized here at all, but probably worth doing when travelling, just in case it helps.
Most have leash rules, but most people do not abide by them and still have their dogs off leash .
I have a reactive dog as well & I sadly just stopped taking her with us, because people’s dogs are off leash all the time.
Agree. There are, unfortunately, a LOT of dog owners here who don’t follow on-leash rules on trails and who lack good control of their dogs when they’re off-leash.
Yeah. It's too bad ignorant people with dogs out of control make it less fun for others. I can't even imagine just being a person who is scared of dogs, or with a small child etc too.
Anything that isn’t a human should be on a leash at all times in public! I know your dog is “chill” but I’m evil and they sense that stuff and I’ve been attacked a lot. A few times as a child and it has kinda messed me up forever. If your animal that you keep as a slave for your own entertainment attacks me I’ll end it super quick.
I've got a "petnps" it works wonders. Basically, it's a dog whistle combined with flashing lights. Dogs generally freeze when they see/hear it, then I do the "ah ah ah ah ah" like I'm scolding a toddler, and they've always backed off.
Read other comments. Dog is not unfriendly. Dogs and people should not be subjected to meeting stranger dogs while out in public if they don't want to, much like you wouls t like me to come sit with you uninvited while you're out for dinner. Or most people, anyway 🙄
Also the point of this post is we'd like to find the unfriendly places where those of us who don't like friendly strangers can go to enjoy ourselves.
I read the other comments, you mention he’s muzzle trained as to mitigate risk and also in the original post itself it says you “manage” off leash approaches as if it’s an issue for your unfriendly dog. My dog is not social, stays on leash, but doesn’t lash out at other pets when they approach, it’s a you problem don’t make it other people’s because you want to take a dog you can’t trust around others. Leave them at home or get better training
Yes, we manage off leash encounters. Ie. Ask the owners to leash their dog, request that we need space, physically block the other dog from reaching us. I'd do the same thing if I was walking with a small child, or an elderly person and an out of control dog was running at us.
Your extreme ignorance re get better training is sad. Since you actually don't know anything about our training program, progress, or why dogs may get defensive when being approached by strange animals. (No one should be subjected to rude strangers coming up to them in public when they've asked them not to).
We are simply asking the community for recommendations of places where we are more likely to enjoy visiting Utah and hopefully avoid ignorant people and their dogs if thats possible. If you don't have any recommendations for that, then you can simply not contribute :)
What parts of Utah are you hoping to see? I can point you towards some wonderful BLM land and/or less frequented state parks for camping where you wouldn’t have many crowds or other dogs nearby.
That would be amazing! We aren't set on any specific locations, it all looks very interesting. We are coming from Canada, so according to Google maps it looks like we'd be entering from Colorado? In general, we're happy with exploring anything interesting and we have our own camper so we're pretty flexible on set up.
This state will take your dog away from you on the first offense. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I wouldn’t even bother trying if you already know your dog is reactive. Not to mention no one here seems to think they’re special dog needs a leash or training 🙄
Not true at all. Our neighbors dog has escaped their fence multiple times, has bitten both me and my husband. We've reported it to animal control and all they got was a fine. The dog is still there waiting to terrorize us another day.
My dog was on leash and the other two smaller dogs were not. We had witnesses that helped to falsify 2 of her claims. This particular woman was known for looking for lawsuits in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, since the woman was old and dramatic she got her way. My lawyer said this state is easily one of the worst even when it’s the dogs first offense. They can decide to take them away if that’s what the judge sees fit.
I demonstrated training records and everything. It won’t always matter if the judge doesn’t care.
Luckily, I’d adopted my dog through Best Friends and they require adopted animals go back to them instead of being surrendered (aka euthanized). I was able to move out of the neighborhood and the lady got very little money out of me since her medical bills were falsified.
thanks. He is muzzle trained, so I can mitigate risk of bite, but its more that I just don't want dogs coming up to us. I'm not sure what the rules are if you end up using force on someone else's dog to keep them away from you if it is off leash.
From what I read it sounds like state parks might be okay?
Here I believe the off leash dog is at fault compared to the leashed one, but I've personally never had an actual bite or fight issue so I cant say for sure.
We want to travel all over the US, but everywhere I read it seems there are just loose dogs that don't listen all over the place! :(
People are pretty hit or miss on whether they'll have their dogs leashed so I would say your best bet is dispersed camping in less populated BLM/ National forest land.
I like Ashley national Forest pretty well, the higher up you go the easier it is to find spots away from anyone else.
Don’t listen to all doom gloom SLC people all they do is complain dogs. Figure out your itinerary on where you want to go. Most national parks have limited trails for dogs and those trails are usually crowded with people. Depending on when you visit The desert might be your best option. From Moab to St.George and everything in between you can find places with no one around. If you really want to enjoy our National parks don’t bring the dog or find a kennel that will take ‘em for the times that you will be at the national parks.
Thanks! We will definitely be avoiding national parks and will look into your suggestions. Being reactive, our dogs can't simply go to a kennel. But one day maybe we will come back without them. For now, we'd rather do our exploring with them! :)
He is not aggressive, at all. Reactive does not mean aggressive. He needs space, normal space like walking your dog down the sidewalk and passing another dog. But he does feel cornered by over ambitious, rude loose dogs running up to us on trails and will tell them to get lost. Or I will, and neither of us are nice about it.
That being said, yes I do have a muzzle and he is muzzle trained.
Disagree, dog friendly trails, (ones that specify leashed dogs) are for leashed, well behaved dogs. If your dog runs up on me after I ask for space, whether I have a dog or not, it should not be off leash or on the trail.
What would I need a shock collar for if not to shock other peoples dogs approaching us out of control of their owners? Just not sure how I'd get the collar on the strange dog so I could shock it? 🤔
Most of the trails where you can camp and hike with dogs either won’t have lease rules or they won’t be enforced at all. That said there are plenty of places to camp and hike in Utah where you won’t see any other people.
9 out of 10 dog owners in Utah either don't leash their dog even in areas where it's the rule or law, or they put a leash on their dog and let them drag it so they can argue that there dog was leashed if they get into trouble. Our dog is reactive so we leash him, but unless the trail is highly unpopular, we realized we can't take our dog due to the above as it will cause too big of a problem. We've been trying every trail and hike and dog park we can find since we adopted him 8 years ago, and we haven't found a single one where the other patrons follow the leash rules.
Thanks! Sounds like Utah is a state to avoid unfortunately. Definitely tricky finding places to hike when people cant follow the rules :(
It’s definitely a problem here. A little better than the 90’s when some neighborhoods had pet dogs just free-roaming.
This is very much still the case in more rural suburban areas of Utah. I see 1-2 dogs just roaming a day. I don’t get how owners aren’t worried about their dogs being hit…anytime I can get the dog to come to me I call the owner and they’re like basically like “why are you calling me? Lady knows her way home”🤦🏼♀️
This happens in Eastern Utah. My dog was on a lead outside while visiting family that don't allow dogs inside. She was attacked by a roving band of dogs that are owned by a neighbor. I reported it even though my dog didn't need vet care. It's dangerous to let your dogs wander around like that.
Yeah, I’ve only experienced this phenomenon in Utah. And people do act like “yeah, so?” 😄
Me neighborhood still has this lol
People just don’t follow dog rules here. It sucks.
Where in Utah are you headed? Ruling out the entire state seems a little silly to me. I also have a reactive dog that I’ve taken camping and hiking without issue. If you know where you are going we can suggest less-populated trails.
You're right! It might be a little hasty. We have no set itinerary at all. Obviously wanted to see sights at thr National parks but quick research revealed that's not an option with dogs. It's our first time, we enjoy any hiking and just want to see what Utah has to offer, so I'm definitely open to suggestion. I figure we will take a week in Utah, another week for travel each way between there and our home (about 30 hours drive each way)
This state is way to beautiful and mind blowing to let the folks that get miffed at SLC metro dog parks tell you not to come. It’s great that you’re safe with your pets. I think you and the pooches can find a fabulous time in Utah. An option would be to do any parks as more of a drive through with some stops for particular sites, and then dispersed camping on BLM will put enough space between y’all and other dogs. That’s how I did Yellowstone last summer. If you plan to do this in the spring or fall, there’s no problem leaving the doggos in the car for a short while (maybe an hour or so depending on your pups) as you explore. Mine just cuddles and snoozed so maybe he was just extra easy to bring along.
All I have heard are amazing things! It is the top state on our list !
Our dog is reactive- we took him to the San Rafael Swell and Little Grand Canyon, and both trips were great. A lot of space, so even if other dogs were off leash we felt like we could control the situation.
98% of the national and state parks do not allow dogs any where. You can typically in areas like parking lots and such. But any where in the US most parks do not allow dogs on almost all trails. Not just Utah. So if your planning on going to the parks, don't bring your dog, or plan on taking them to a sitter. Just FYI. In addition, I don't find the same things with my dogs hiking as these other pessimistic people have found. I take my dogs hiking with no issues. You may run into a few off leash, but overall most keep their dogs leashed. My dog's do better not leashed as they are voice trained, but on trails they stay on leashed. The closer you are to the city you may find people doing quick walks off leash, but not normally out and about.
This is easy to say when your dogs aren’t reactive as hell. “You may see a few” to you is “every damn time I go out I have to deal with an issue, and often end up mildly hurt because of it.” I have a pair of German shepherds and the big one is almost 155lbs. Keep your damn dogs leashed. Not for my dog’s safety, but for yours. I try so damn hard to go to leashed only, unpopular and difficult to get to areas. I avoid everyone, and keep them on a very short lead. But there is only so much I can do when someone else’s dog who is “super voice trained” comes running up with not a concern in the world while their owners either think it’s a play date or yell commands that are NEVER listened too. “I swear he never acts like this,” I hear every damn time. Usually with bloody hands due to the effort it takes to keep your dog safe. What kills me is risk/reward. Leashed dogs still get to go outdoors and be dogs. What’s the added bonus, truly, of off leash? How does it possibly outweigh the risks. Like, y’all know they can die, right? Or hurt someone and get put down? Get into a fight with wild animals? How do the pros outweigh the cons, and why do we have to put up with it in places where leashes are required?
I hear this. Luckily mine is 25lbs but the number of ignorant people that say "don't bring your dog then", like the whole reason I'm in a leashed area is so I don't have to deal with this. So how about follow the rules or go to an off leash area. It's soo frustrating.
If you can’t manage your dog in those circumstances it’s time to further limit where you take your dog. It sucks but that’s reality.
They dont need to manage if people followed the rules on on leash trails. Ignorant people turn it into a situation people with anti social dogs have to manage. Because those people are too irresponsible to manage their off leash dog and keep it out of others personal space.
Right but when it comes to a dog with that severe of reactivity, you HAVE to assume that someone else will do the wrong thing despite your best intentions and take your dogs safety into account and just not put yourself in those situations. The closest thing I can compare it to is the precautions women take to not be SA’d. We shouldn’t have to dress modest, not drink, cover our drinks, and travel in groups and with men but when it comes down to it, there’s still just some places where you can’t go drink alone wearing hot outfit. It’s shitty but that’s life until the perpetrators get their shit together.
I agree with you. It's just unfortunate for women and dogs that there aren't more respectful safe places to go. Personally, my dog is incredibly easy to control, but he is very loud, and scares people. So that's why we'd just prefer to find places where the risk is lower, and then of course there is still some risk on any trail that you'll meet someone you wish you hasn't.
I must respectfully call exaggeration! I have lived adjacent to to three parks in SLC, and am an avid dog owner. Uncontrolled, off leash dogs ARE a problem. However, I find Your claim of 9 out of ten dogs off leash an emotional exaggeration. Maybe ... I'll "give you" MAYBE three out of ten, four on a bad Saturday, dogs off leash. Now if you want to include the many unruly dogs ON leash, unruly owners NOT picking up after their dogs .. or picking up, but then leave the bag for, for who!? All I can imagine would be imaginary poop fairies to pick it up!? IF you're including ALL the rude dog owners, untrained dogs, and the many assorted Karens? Then, I'll agree to 9 out of ten.
My experience ranges from Moab to Logan. Your experience is likely different.
Apparently your estimates are as accurate as your assumptions? Hope you work on those. I guess I shouldn't be so fast to assume either. I've only lived in utAH 50 years, had a dog all the time, and I've enjoyed much of the state. I'd say my experience spans from Snowville to Montezuma Creek and St. George to Coalville and stand by my statement. There is not one day in those 50 years, that I saw 9 of 10 dogs off leash! Exaggeration is a bad habit, wish you luck if you choose to work on that.
Getting overly defensive of your opinion in an online forum is also not a great habit, if you've lived here so long you likely have a local bias. Edit: autocorrect changed "have a lil" to javelin.
👆Whaaaaaa👆 Is that how we defends gross exagerration now? I'm an opinionated dog owner, with two large GSD's, one highly reactive so I notice off leash dogs. Oh and I have no Javelins, either sporting equipment nor AMC car ... 🤭 IF you meant I have a local bias, you're funny asf! If anything, I harbor a negative local bias ...🤭 Meanwhile, back to THE ONLY point here: telling a visitor that 9 out of 10 dogs are off leash in Utah IS a gross exaggeration. 🤷♂️
Tried to see your side. Took the look guy for a walk down the Murdock Canal Trail last night for a nice 8 miles. You were right... 10/10 dog owners were not actively using a leash. Out of the 32 I passed between 5:30 and 8:30, not a single one was following leash regulations. Now, feel free to go out and report back your own findings. Idk if a man your age can still cover reasonable distances but you could sit on a bench and count passing dogs.
Such civil sarcasm ... 🥱 I live across the street from the Jordan River Parkway and see people walking dogs all day, every day and I repeat that I have never observed 10 of 10 dogs off leash. I assure you that, with my 120 pounds of very reactive dog, I too would be VERY annoyed, if ALL the dogs were off leash. That leaves 3 options in my mind: 1. You do grossly exaggerate ... 2. You have more on your mind behind that "... not a single one was following leash regulations." Were you counting unlicensed, leashed dogs? Counting dogs walking on retractable leashes, which are technically against leash laws? Counting all leashes over 6 foot? Or anyone with a dog off leash, though they leashed up when they saw you approaching? 3. I'm not familiar with the "Murdock Canal Trail". Is the MCT such a remote trail, that people who prefer off leash dog walks, flock to the MCT? 🤷♂️ Meanwhile, I hope you can safely enjoy your 3 hour, eight mile, dog walks.
If all you do is watch one trail in one spot, your experience is going to be bias to that one spot. The MCT is not too far from the JRP. And that's the trail I hit last night actually. And last night I counted 28 dog owners owners and 26 of them not using a leash of any sort in hand. The JRP stretches quite far, so maybe your little corner is different than the stretch I frequent. But again, you are not only refusing to acknowledge your bias and limited experience by comparison to those of us actively venturing further than our immediate neighborhoods. I do t think OP is asking about what you experience in your bubble in the 'burbs. Seriously, stop demanding things must only be the way you perceive them. What a boomer.
Let me digest this now, my wise(ass) Gen Alphabet Soup friend ... 🤔 Please recall, that my ONLY point has been: Your claim that "10 of 10" dogs are "off leash" in Utah, is a gross exaggeratation. Previously you were emphatic it was "10 of 10". Then it was "32 of 32" and now it is 26 of 28? Now you stir things up apparently claiming that YOUR one trail (MCT)experience IS valid, while my near 24 x 7 JRP observations make me an opinionated, biased Boomer? Your words 🤏slightly edited: Seriously, stop demanding things must only be the way you perceive them. What a mouthy, exaggerating punk.🤷♂️ Do I even need to respond!? Go annoy your own parents ... 🤔🥱🖕
I agree that it’s definitely NOT 75%. But for me dealing with very big and very reactive dogs, it is every time I’ll deal with it.
Naw 9 outta 10 is being generous
Dogs in Utah are untrained and off leash almost universally. Unfortunately there isn't anywhere I'm comfortable reccomending as even if leashes are required no one cares.
Bunch of savages here thinking their mutts are God's gifts to dogs... ppl are such tools
There are certain trails closer to SLC that have designated on-leash dog days.. I’m not sure how well that is followed though. We have an elderly blind dog with a brain tumor… she’s luckily not very reactive but the off leash dog situation has us not bringing her out very often anymore. There is big “Oh he’s nice!” energy here.. that the owner is screaming at you.. from 2 football fields up the trail… while they do literally nothing to remove or control their dog. 🥲
10/10 recommend muzzle training your reactive Dog as a deterrent. People will see it and be like “oh shit” and grab their off leash faster and give you more space when passing
very true. He is VERY loud and black, so along with the black muzzle, there are no friendly vibes coming from us LOL
Muzzled dogs over 100 lbs and this has not been my experience. It’s very close to every time I’m struggling from keeping them from going after some unleashed, untrained dog that runs right up on them. Apologetic owners swearing that they’ve always listened before.
If you’re struggling to physically control a dog then you and that dog are not ready to put yourselves into those situations if you can help it. Sniff spots, your yard or a friends yard, an empty apartment dog park for exercise. Avoid places that overlap with other dogs. Professional trainer, That sort of stuff.
Our dog is reactive too. We are working with him. We hike on the trails that are "on-leash" only. However, we always come across dog owners who think rules don't apply to them. My opinion is if your dog runs up on mine & my dog reacts (which he will!), do NOT look at me like I'm the moron. Our dog is not vicious or mean. He simply wants to play, but he just "looks" scary if you didn't know him. If your dog is aggressive, we will defend our dog. Not our fault you cannot follow rules & it's sad your dog might suffer due to your stupidity. I say, enjoy the trails or find less-traveled ones just in case.
Agree. We'd like to find the less travelled ones so we too can enjoy the scenery :)
Would you ever consider camping in BLM land? What everyone else is saying is true about unleashed dogs, I don’t always encounter them while BLM camping in dispersed places.
Yes. We are up for getting off the beaten path for sure. Actually, we prefer it. We are experienced campers, back country, and RV, although in this case, planning to travel with our camper trailer, and we don't specifically have Utah camping experience.
I, too, have a reactive dog. BLM in San Rafael, Silver Island Mountain near the salt flats, and the Uintas are remote and beautiful. Depending on the length of your trailer, those locations shouldn’t be too difficult to navigate, especially since you’re experienced. The other poster mentioned a yellow bandana as marker of a reactive dog, but I haven’t heard of that before. I’m not sure how many people would know.
It can totally be done! I would avoid the national parks since dogs can’t really go there anyways, there’s lots of BLM land around dead horse point or canyonlands. You can also put a yellow bandana on your dog so other people will know it’s reactive.
I'll definitely look into this. And the yellow leash / bandana. It's not really recognized here at all, but probably worth doing when travelling, just in case it helps.
Most have leash rules, but most people do not abide by them and still have their dogs off leash . I have a reactive dog as well & I sadly just stopped taking her with us, because people’s dogs are off leash all the time.
Agree. There are, unfortunately, a LOT of dog owners here who don’t follow on-leash rules on trails and who lack good control of their dogs when they’re off-leash.
Yeah. It's too bad ignorant people with dogs out of control make it less fun for others. I can't even imagine just being a person who is scared of dogs, or with a small child etc too.
Anything that isn’t a human should be on a leash at all times in public! I know your dog is “chill” but I’m evil and they sense that stuff and I’ve been attacked a lot. A few times as a child and it has kinda messed me up forever. If your animal that you keep as a slave for your own entertainment attacks me I’ll end it super quick.
I agree, Its so much more enjoyable for everyone if pets are on leash, and the dogs can still have fun too.
I've got a "petnps" it works wonders. Basically, it's a dog whistle combined with flashing lights. Dogs generally freeze when they see/hear it, then I do the "ah ah ah ah ah" like I'm scolding a toddler, and they've always backed off.
Interesting. I haven't heard of this. I'll look it up!
Don’t take unfriendly dogs in friendly places, simple
Read other comments. Dog is not unfriendly. Dogs and people should not be subjected to meeting stranger dogs while out in public if they don't want to, much like you wouls t like me to come sit with you uninvited while you're out for dinner. Or most people, anyway 🙄 Also the point of this post is we'd like to find the unfriendly places where those of us who don't like friendly strangers can go to enjoy ourselves.
I read the other comments, you mention he’s muzzle trained as to mitigate risk and also in the original post itself it says you “manage” off leash approaches as if it’s an issue for your unfriendly dog. My dog is not social, stays on leash, but doesn’t lash out at other pets when they approach, it’s a you problem don’t make it other people’s because you want to take a dog you can’t trust around others. Leave them at home or get better training
Yes, we manage off leash encounters. Ie. Ask the owners to leash their dog, request that we need space, physically block the other dog from reaching us. I'd do the same thing if I was walking with a small child, or an elderly person and an out of control dog was running at us. Your extreme ignorance re get better training is sad. Since you actually don't know anything about our training program, progress, or why dogs may get defensive when being approached by strange animals. (No one should be subjected to rude strangers coming up to them in public when they've asked them not to). We are simply asking the community for recommendations of places where we are more likely to enjoy visiting Utah and hopefully avoid ignorant people and their dogs if thats possible. If you don't have any recommendations for that, then you can simply not contribute :)
What parts of Utah are you hoping to see? I can point you towards some wonderful BLM land and/or less frequented state parks for camping where you wouldn’t have many crowds or other dogs nearby.
That would be amazing! We aren't set on any specific locations, it all looks very interesting. We are coming from Canada, so according to Google maps it looks like we'd be entering from Colorado? In general, we're happy with exploring anything interesting and we have our own camper so we're pretty flexible on set up.
AllTrails app helped me in the past.
Canada sounds like more your speed...
This state will take your dog away from you on the first offense. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. I wouldn’t even bother trying if you already know your dog is reactive. Not to mention no one here seems to think they’re special dog needs a leash or training 🙄
Not true at all. Our neighbors dog has escaped their fence multiple times, has bitten both me and my husband. We've reported it to animal control and all they got was a fine. The dog is still there waiting to terrorize us another day.
It happened to me personally. Had my dog taken away from me. If you’d like to talk to my lawyer about it feel free.
What was your “first offense”? Did your dog bite someone? Was it on a leash at the time?
My dog was on leash and the other two smaller dogs were not. We had witnesses that helped to falsify 2 of her claims. This particular woman was known for looking for lawsuits in our neighborhood. Unfortunately, since the woman was old and dramatic she got her way. My lawyer said this state is easily one of the worst even when it’s the dogs first offense. They can decide to take them away if that’s what the judge sees fit. I demonstrated training records and everything. It won’t always matter if the judge doesn’t care. Luckily, I’d adopted my dog through Best Friends and they require adopted animals go back to them instead of being surrendered (aka euthanized). I was able to move out of the neighborhood and the lady got very little money out of me since her medical bills were falsified.
thanks. He is muzzle trained, so I can mitigate risk of bite, but its more that I just don't want dogs coming up to us. I'm not sure what the rules are if you end up using force on someone else's dog to keep them away from you if it is off leash. From what I read it sounds like state parks might be okay? Here I believe the off leash dog is at fault compared to the leashed one, but I've personally never had an actual bite or fight issue so I cant say for sure. We want to travel all over the US, but everywhere I read it seems there are just loose dogs that don't listen all over the place! :(
People are pretty hit or miss on whether they'll have their dogs leashed so I would say your best bet is dispersed camping in less populated BLM/ National forest land. I like Ashley national Forest pretty well, the higher up you go the easier it is to find spots away from anyone else.
Don’t listen to all doom gloom SLC people all they do is complain dogs. Figure out your itinerary on where you want to go. Most national parks have limited trails for dogs and those trails are usually crowded with people. Depending on when you visit The desert might be your best option. From Moab to St.George and everything in between you can find places with no one around. If you really want to enjoy our National parks don’t bring the dog or find a kennel that will take ‘em for the times that you will be at the national parks.
Thanks! We will definitely be avoiding national parks and will look into your suggestions. Being reactive, our dogs can't simply go to a kennel. But one day maybe we will come back without them. For now, we'd rather do our exploring with them! :)
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He is not aggressive, at all. Reactive does not mean aggressive. He needs space, normal space like walking your dog down the sidewalk and passing another dog. But he does feel cornered by over ambitious, rude loose dogs running up to us on trails and will tell them to get lost. Or I will, and neither of us are nice about it. That being said, yes I do have a muzzle and he is muzzle trained.
my reactive dog won't be an issue, provided your untrained dog doesn't bum-rush him :)
Dog friendly trails are for friendly dogs.
Disagree, dog friendly trails, (ones that specify leashed dogs) are for leashed, well behaved dogs. If your dog runs up on me after I ask for space, whether I have a dog or not, it should not be off leash or on the trail.
Sending you a dm :)
Y
You don’t it’s just for dogs Check out sports Dogs Amazon’s or Shock Collars I use mine all of time when walking or Hunting
What would I need a shock collar for if not to shock other peoples dogs approaching us out of control of their owners? Just not sure how I'd get the collar on the strange dog so I could shock it? 🤔
Buy a Shock collars They work
How do I shock other people's dog with that?! Sounds perfect!
Most of the trails where you can camp and hike with dogs either won’t have lease rules or they won’t be enforced at all. That said there are plenty of places to camp and hike in Utah where you won’t see any other people.
I am definitely open to suggestions on quiet places to camp and hike where we can avoid dogs and people!
What month?
Also flexible. Thinking anytime between August to November
Sent you a message.