If that wasn't so potentially dangerous it would be funny! lol

Will,

I hike alone almost daily with my two patrol dogs (one retired, one active) and back country camp with them as well, always off-lead. Never had a problem (with people, dogs OR critters.) And nowadays, I ALWAYS carry at least one gun as well. Better safe then sorry with the local predators, of the four AND two legged variety.

Of course, I'm talking about the VAST expanses of the Sierra Nevada here. I assumed Kristen was referring to a similar terrain, not just "hiking" through the local park. And if that IS the case, I would even go so far as to ENCOURAGE her to hike with a PPD, on-lead in the local park and off-lead in the back country (so long as she is up to speed with handling, legal issues, etc.)

Better safe then sorry.

Scott,
I want my dog with me at all times, much you have mentioned. But a friend of mine actually had his well trained SchH I Rottie killed by a bear on a hike, and that changed my way of thinking about having the dog off leash so much. My personal carry firearms are for men, not animals, and I'm not sure if I could disable/ kill a large pedator in time to save my dog in a situation like that. And I don't want to find out.

Maybe the dog actually prevented my friend from getting attacked instead, but it took him a year to get over the brutality of the episode. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

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Of course, I'm talking about the VAST expanses of the Sierra Nevada here. I assumed Kristen was referring to a similar terrain, not just "hiking" through the local park. And if that IS the case, I would even go so far as to ENCOURAGE her to hike with a PPD, on-lead in the local park and off-lead in the back country (so long as she is up to speed with handling, legal issues, etc.)

I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina, so the 'terrain' where we do our hiking and backpacking (including backcountry camping, like you do) IS much like what you were thinking, but there are more people here, I'd say. I don't know, because I've never been to the Sierra Nevada, but the Appalachian Mountains are pretty popular as far as hiking goes. We usually encounter quite a few people no matter where we go, or how far back in the woods we are, and many of them, despite the leash law, have off-leash uncontrollable, rude dogs, which is why I always keep my dog leashed. On top of that, as I've already mentioned, it seems like this is the place where people like to take off with people and kill them and leave them, so having a PPD when we go would definately put us a little more at ease, especially since guns aren't allowed in all the places we go.

I WISH some of the trails we go on were as easy as walking through the local park! Talk about out of shape! I DEFINATELY AM this year! lol If it would ever quit raining maybe we could go more, but so far summer hasn't decided to show up.

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lol If it would ever quit raining maybe we could go more, but so far summer hasn't decided to show up.

Funny, here in Florida the start of summer is marked by almost daily rain <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> Wanna trade?

It wouldn't be so bad if it would rain during the day, but NOOOO, it has to start raining at like 3:00 or 4:00, and I get off work at 5:00 and then I can't do ANYTHING because it's RAINING! LoL

Sorry to hear about your friends dog, Will. I agree that there is always a risk (to both me and my dogs) when out in the backcountry. Like you, the firearm(s) I carry when out in the bush are primarily for use against people, should the need ever arise. Yet they can be used against animals when the chips are down. I prefer to OUT THINK the animals, though <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> .

To have the dogs off-lead in the bush, the handler must have 100% control of the dog. While I don't know the specifics of your friends situation, I would venture to say that the dog engaged the bear, rather than the bear being the aggressor. Very rarely is a bear going to outwardly attack a large dog. The handler was probably unable to recall the dog and the dog paid the price (not the handler's fault, really.)

IF that was indeed the case (and it may not be) then the issue is simply a matter of off-lead control. My dogs have bombproof off-lead control (and rarely venture more than 20-30 yards away and NEVER out of sight.) Your friend's dog may not have.

To be perfectly honest, my BIGGEST concern when having the dogs off-lead when hiking is NOT from wild animals, etc, but from OTHER people's dogs we may encounter who are off-lead and out of control. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Best regards.

Lines?
My two cents are as follows:

Competition lines are built by selecting individuals to breed that show high drive(s) and focus, and high activity/stamina. Their offspring are more likely to exhibit a whole bunch of drive(s)...and it's not for everyone to live with a hyper dog, for example. Nor is it easy...or even desirable if you have small kids or are very busy.

I'm not aware of PPD "lines", but I've thought about this a bunch before, and I think there should be. Farm dogs (of many breeds) are a good example...stable, stable, stable...with kids, livestock, wild animals, etc. and usually with no formal training will be good guardians. Ocasionally they will bite as well.

Raising a working dog from competition lines, is a separate matter, and it involves a huge investment in time on the part of the owner/trainer. There's "massive environmental" (stealing the phrase from a moderator) exposure that must take place as you strive for stability.

For my part, I've always hiked with dogs off leash; as well as while I'm on horseback, and it's very entertaining to see a dog run around, yet under control.

Thankfully there are no bears in El Salvador...thankfully for the bears, that is, because it's likely they wouldn't survive long. We are frequently faced with machete wielding drunks, though.

For your purposes, perhaps look for an individual...not a line. If it were up to me...I'd go for a pup and educate him towards my goals.

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To be perfectly honest, my BIGGEST concern when having the dogs off-lead when hiking is NOT from wild animals, etc, but from OTHER people's dogs we may encounter who are off-lead and out of control.

EGGGGGGGGGGG - ZACTLY. lol That's my biggest issue as well.

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For your purposes, perhaps look for an individual...not a line. If it were up to me...I'd go for a pup and educate him towards my goals.

I've already stated why this would not work in my situation. I have no experience choosing and bringing a pup up for use as a PPD. I want a dog that's already trained.

I don't mean this in a snide way...

Most people in the world...that take their dogs hiking...most homes that have dogs, in underdeveloped nations...in fact, the vast majority of dog owners...don't either.

If you raise your pup by taking him out with you a LOT, most of your problems will be reduced...

If you don't know what to do with a pup, you may also have problems with a bona fide PPD!

Any ways, good look with your quest. I hope you find what makes you happy!