Trail Ready Adventure Dog Training 101
Fact: North Carolina’s natural wonders are better when shared with friends. OK, that’s not a fact, that’s opinion, but we think it’s a good one. Especially if those friends have four legs and lots of fur. Adventuring with your pet is an amazing way to explore many of NC’s iconic landscapes, whether you’re enjoying the surf on the Atlantic Coast or summiting peaks deep in the mountains. Fortunately, the Tarheel State has plenty of open spaces that welcome pets (and their people). And you can practice good stewardship when you’re adventuring with your pet by following a handful of easy steps that will ensure you and your pet have a positive impact on the places we all cherish.
4 insider tips on how to keep your dog adventure savvy
#1 Know the Regulations
Does the park or trail you’re looking to explore have specific regulations about pets? Not every parcel of public land manages for pets in the same way. For instance, dogs are allowed in campgrounds in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but not on most of the park’s trails, but furry friends are welcome on most trails within NC’s national forests. And how about a beach trip? There are beaches throughout the coast where dogs can frolic in the waves, from the Northern Outer Banks down to the New Brunswick Islands, but the pet regulations vary depending on your destination. Some beaches allow dogs to roam free before certain hours, while others require a leash at all times.
Or maybe you’re in the bustling city of Charlotte and looking for a quick escape with your pup. The Daniel Stowe Conservancy is a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors close to the city, and the Conservancy welcomes pets on the shady walking paths, but not inside the gardens. There’s also a dedicated dog park for off-leash fun.
Regardless of your destination, knowing the regulations ahead of time allows you to Plan Ahead and Prepare, tailoring your experience to maximize fun for you and your dog.
#2 The Leash is Key
It’s great to watch your pup run free through a field of daisies, but keeping your pet on the trail will help preserve the local ecosystem and your best friend. You don’t want your pet digging up sensitive plants or trying to chase down a bear cub, and keeping your dog on a leash is the easiest way to make sure you can all enjoy your hike without having to deal with unintended consequences.
For instance, dogs are welcome on the beaches of the Northern Outer Banks, but wild horses also roam those same beaches and dunes. Keeping your dog at least 50 feet away from these equine beauties will help Keep Wildlife Wild while ensuring your pup stays safe from unintentional encounters or unwanted vet bills!
If you’re hiking through the forest and do need to go off trail, having your dog on a leash will help you stick to durable surfaces like rock, sand or gravel, and be mindful of plants growing in the understory.
And keep in mind that not all hikers or beachgoers are comfortable with dogs. When you encounter other hikers on the trail, check with them before you allow your dog to greet them, even if they also have a dog. Having your dog on a leash allows you to enjoy the outdoors while remembering to Be Considerate of Others and Share the Outdoors.
#3 Manage Your Pup’s Food
Hiking through one of NC’s state parks, like the Cliffs of the Neuse State Park, where several miles of trail surround a languid river, is rewarding, but tiring work for your little buddy. Remembering to bring plenty of water and snacks will help keep her energy levels up. Storing that pet food safely is an important way you can help Keep Wildlife Wild while you’re in a park like Cliffs of the Neuse.
If you’re car camping, pack the pet food it away in your car, or use one of the metal food containers that are available at campsites throughout NC’s national forests and state parks. If you’re backpacking, seal your pet’s food in a leak-proof bag or container and then make sure that food goes into a bear-proof canister. NC’s public lands are havens for wildlife like otter and coyotes, which could mistake your pup’s food for their own. Keeping that food out of their wild paws helps maintain their natural behaviors.
#4 Don't forget the poop
The easiest and one of the most impactful ways you can be a good steward of NC’s wild spaces when you’re adventuring with your pup is to Trash Your Trash. Follow this Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle and pack everything out of the landscape that you brought into the landscape, which includes your dog’s poop. Make sure your day pack is stocked with plenty of compostable plastic bags so you can safely remove your dog’s deposits, which could inadvertently introduce non-native species to the forest if left unattended. Consider bringing a larger trash bag as well, so you can remove any other trash you find along the trail, which will give you a chance to leave the forest, city park or beach in better shape than you found it.
By planning ahead and taking a few easy, extra measures, you can explore NC’s wild terrain with your pup while being a good steward of the landscape. That’s a win/win/win for you, NC and your dog. Now that you’re prepared with Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principles in mind, check out these dog-friendly destinations throughout the state.
Outdoor NC - Leave No Trace: Learning from the Experts
Family Fishing Tips from ONC Guide Danielle Ennis
Taking guidance from NC’s seasoned outdoor experts can help us learn how to savor our wild, natural world while safeguarding it for the future. That’s exactly why we wanted to hear from Outdoor NC Guide Danielle Ennis.
As Head Paddling Guide and Instructor at Headwaters Outfitters: a family-owned paddle sport and fly fishing outfitter that’s operated in Rosman, NC, for 32 years, we knew Danielle would have the inside scoop on paddling out with care. Below, she shared her top tips for keeping NC’s waterways wild while making the most of your paddling adventure.
1. Know before you go:
Following the Outdoor NC Leave No Trace principle “Plan Ahead and Prepare” means getting familiar with where we plan to paddle and gathering as much pre-trip information as possible. Before heading out on the water, we can set ourselves up for a safer and more rewarding experience by ensuring we have a map of the area, checking water conditions and anticipated weather forecasts, seeking local knowledge of any hazards or obstacles, and acknowledging our own skill levels.
2. Dress for the conditions:
Considering water and air temperatures when deciding what to wear is key. A rule of thumb for adventures out on the water is that the combined water and air temperature should add up to 120 degrees or greater; anything under that can significantly increase hypothermia risk in the event of capsizing and taking an unexpected swim. Another good rule of thumb is that it’s best to avoid cotton. Wearing moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing and carrying extra layers in a waterproof dry bag helps us ensure a comfortable body temperature when dry or wet.
3. Pack your paddling essentials:
Like any good adventure, having our basic essentials and safety gear readily on hand will help contribute to a safe, comfortable, and successful trip. We can pack according to our paddling environment and duration of the trip, but at a minimum, it’s always best to have water and food as well as a map, whistle, first aid kit, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, rain jacket, and extra layers in a dry bag. It’s good practice to bring along a cell phone, throw rope and extra paddle, too, for any unexpected incidents.
4. Paddle Responsibly:
Not only can we as paddlers practice safety on the water, we can act responsibly while off the water, too. Paddling safely and responsibly means following Outdoor NC Leave No Trace-informed tips like knowing and obeying any local rules and regulations for our paddling destination, using designated access areas, being considerate of others, packing out all the trash we pack in, and keeping a restful distance from wildlife.
5. Always wear your life jacket:
Regardless of age or experience, we should always wear life jackets, or Personal Floatation Devices (PFD), while on the water. Wearing a life jacket doesn’t mean you’re a bad swimmer — it acts as a floatation aid to assist and save energy in case you take an unexpected swim or need to self-rescue. It’s nearly impossible to put a life jacket on once you fall into the water! When paddling as a group, make sure everyone has a United States Coast Guard-approved Level 70 or Type III life jacket designed for paddling that’s well-fitted, comfortable, and in good working order.
Want to learn more ways to explore North Carolina’s natural world, from the High Country to the coast, while being a good steward of it?
Inside our Evergreen E-Newsletter you’ll find useful tips on how to responsibly enjoy all kinds of outdoor adventures, highlights from local guides, and recommendations on destinations to explore throughout North Carolina for adventurers of all abilities.
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