guidelines really
We try to keep the "rules" as loose and unrestrictive as possible. That being said there are some basic guidelines we have set up for how to best have fun, and stay safe, while hiking with your dogs!
See? Told you they weren't that bad.
- Your Safety is Your Responsibility. By showing up to a hike you are agreeing that the hike hosts, and the club, are not responsible for ensuring your safety. You are responsible for making sure you can navigate the trails we have selected. We do our best to give clear descriptions of the length, type of trail, expected terrain and any weirdness we might come across in each hike's announcement. If you have any questions feel free to message the hike host, or Pine (club president) for further information.
- Your Dog is Your Responsibility. By showing up to a hike you are agreeing that the hike hosts, and the club, are not responsible for ensuring the safety of your dog. We do our best to make sure everyone gets along, and to keep dogs who just don't like one another in their separate corners (so to speak) but we can not be handle responsible for Fido diving off after a rabbit, or threw a bit of loose barbed wire and getting hurt. This caveat also includes your responsibility to provide water, snacks and pick up after your dog. We are courteous hikers and we clean up after our pets, as well as try to minimize them getting in the way of faster hikers, bikers or other trail users.
- Bring your positive Attitude! (And a good pair of boots!)
See? Told you they weren't that bad.
Glossary of terms + useful things to know
We have, over the last few months, developed a vocabulary specific to our group outings. Below is a list of terms, phases, and words that help us communicate with one another, and our dogs.
- Off Road! This is a command we have all adopted using as a means to tell other hikers and the dogs to get off the trail and lead someone moving at a faster pace bypass us. This is particularly handy when we have bikers passing by as it allows them to continue their ride uninterrupted. The dogs have quickly learned what this means and are all encouraged to step off the trail to sit and wait for the other trail users to pass by.
- Incoming! This is what we announce to one another when we noticed a biker, other hikers, or strange dogs approaching from in front of us or behind. This gives people a heads up to either get out of the way, or reign their dogs in to avoid any unnecessary strife.
- Bitey Trees: A term Pine coined for trees or bushes with thorns that like to seemingly reach out and bite you. We ask that hikers in front of groups announce when a particular piece of nature has thorns so other hikers don't get caught unaware.
- "Leaving a deposit" a polite way of telling an owner their dog is going to need them to clean up some poo.
questions, comments + concerns...
Can all be directed to club leader: Pine ([email protected])