DON'T GO UNLEASHED
Hiking with Dogs, Responsibly
Time for dog owners to start using leashes in the backcountry, not just when walking around town or in city parks.By Bill Schneider, 8-19-10
Photo courtesy of Google Images.
I’m hardly the first person to write about this issue, but I want to be one of the first to hit it head on instead of nervously dance around it, so here we go.
If I had a hundred bucks for every time I’ve observed dog owners acting irresponsibly on wilderness trails, I’d have enough to buy all new hiking gear and clothing--new Lowe-Alpine backpack, new Merrill boots, new Magellan GPS, new G. Loomis backpacking fly outfit, new Patagonia from head to toe, and all the rest--and best. I might even have enough left over for a new Toyota pickup to haul it all to the trailheads.
If I had a hundred bucks for every time I’ve observed dog owners acting responsibly on wilderness trails, I’d have enough to buy one of those new, spiffy, BPA-free, double-walled, vacuum-sealed, stainless-steel water bottles from New Wave Enviro.
Well, not quite, but close. The point is, most people who take their dogs into the wilderness don’t get it.
I’ve done more than my time on the trails, logging thousands of miles over the past 40 years, and I have a few really bad memories, incidents where I feared for my life or that of my children because of dogs gone amuck in the wilderness. To this day, I’m more fearful of large, uncontrolled dogs than I am of bears or mountain lions. But I’m also sure these serious incidents represent a very small minority of dog owners--the proverbial few bad apples in any barrel. These extreme experiences aren’t the reason for this commentary, mainly because there’s little that can be done about it.
I’m much more concerned with the vast majority of dog owners who intend to act responsibly when out on the trails with their best friends, but they don’t understand how their dog impacts other trail users. The fact is, I observe bad dog owner behavior on almost every hike I take except when hiking national parks where dogs are prohibited on backcountry trails.
During those 40 years of hiking, I have, finally and thankfully, started seeing some dog owners use leashes in urban settings and city parks, but not out in the wilderness. This really needs to change.
For the past few years, I’ve been hiking with my grandchildren who all like dogs as much as anybody reading this column, but they’re commonly startled and scared by dogs they meet on the trails. This is unacceptable, and I’m so totally weary of hearing “don’t worry, he’s friendly” from a dog owner as his or her pooch scares the stuffing out of me--or worse, my grandchildren.
In most cases, I’m sure well meaning dog owners are genuinely surprised and embarrassed by the behavior of their normally sociable pet. Having been a dog owner most of my life, here’s my theory for it.
No doubt almost all dogs are always friendly to their owner’s friends and relatives, people they recognize, even people they don’t know coming into their “territory,” the owner’s residence. Out in the backcountry, though, they get protective as their owners approach a group of strangers, often in a narrow trail corridor. Suddenly and unexpectedly, they’re growling and acting threatening, especially to children who are eye-level to a big dog.
Even dogs that aren’t snarling or barking, but instead are bounding up to other hikers hoping to make a new friend and get a little dog love are a problem. A small child or his or her parents do not know this, do they?
Simply put, allowing dogs to startle or jump on other trail users is not responsible dog ownership, and it seems as if there are only two ways to make sure it doesn’t happen--use the leash or leave the dog home.
I understand why dog owners take their pets into the wilderness, but if they do, they must carefully control them, and in my opinion, using a leash is the only way to do it. Dogs that routinely respond to voice commands and are considered “under control” by their owners often are not, in fact, controlled enough out on wilderness trails. Instead, they at least temporarily ignore voice commands. I’m not sure why, but it happens all the time.
Hikers with dogs should yield the right-of-way to hikers without dogs, but this rarely happens because few dogs have been taught this protocol and they’re so rarely on leashes. Plus, hikers have often already retreated off the trail in fear of a large, rapidly approaching canine that might be friendly.
For the record, dogs bite roughly 4.7 million people per year in the USA with an average of 17 fatalities annually. That makes grizzly bears seem safe, eh?
Nowadays, most solo female hikers take their dogs hiking, and if were a women hiking alone in the wilderness, I’d also have a big dog with me. I believe most of us would agree with this safety precaution, but these dog owners still must use leashes.
Incidentally, leashes are good for dogs, too. They don’t have to fight it out with bigger dogs on the trails, and they don’t get lost in the wilderness or end up as an easy lunch for wolves, coyotes or bears.
You might not need yet another reason to use leashes, but here’s one more. Many dogs haven’t seen much wildlife, so when they do, the predatory instinct can kick in. and they chase after deer or elk, even domestic livestock, which is not only unethical, but also illegal in most states. Allowing this to happen is not only irresponsible dog ownership, but it also can--and has in a few cases--resulted in dogs being shot by wardens or ranchers.
Enough said. Dog owners; please don’t take your dogs into the wilderness unleashed.
Footnote: For more information, the best I’ve found, click here for extensive treatment of the issue on the Washington Trails Association’s website.
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I would like to add that dogs bark, disturbing the solitude, and that dog owners should always pick up their dog crap. Dog owners need to be aware that (1) some people are afraid of dogs; (2) some people are allergic to dogs and (3) some people, such as me, just don't like dogs.
There's a very good "pro/con" editorial in Runner's World Magazine regarding the to leash or not to leash issue. I found it quite striking that the not leash piece was devoid of concern for others, and full of "I" "me" "mine" while the do leash piece was all about concern for others.
I rarely take my dog on hikes any longer because of insensitive dog owners. It is not about your dog's temperment (to those who shout "he's friendly" while their dog is jumping all over you) the issue is soley about consideration of others.
The real problem isn't a lack of leashes, it's a lack of training, consideration, & understanding. I remind myself all the time (both on the trail and in town) that not everyone loves dogs. My dog is trained to get off the trail and sit down when he sees hikers coming toward us, and to stay there until they pass. I've taken the time and care with my dog so that when people pass by us they go "What a good dog!" And lots of times they stop and ask if they can pet him, which in turn is a reward for my dog for his good behavior.
If a owner is unable to make their dog behave on trail then yes a leash is needed, but a dog that shows aggressive tendencies is best left at home.
I agree with the other commentor above and respect that some people are genuinely afraid of dogs and/or just don't like them and don't want their hike disturbed by my dog. As a dog owner who does use a leash, I find it very frustrating on the trail to run into so many other dog owners who don't leash their dogs and instead let them race up to us shouting that line Bill noted "don't worry, he/she is friendly". When one dog is on leash and the other is not it presents an unbalanced situation in the "dog world" and both dogs know it. The dog that is on the leash feels less in control and can become very defensive to protect both its owner and itself while the dog offleash feels free to race around causing havoc, in some cases even taunting the dog on leash. This is inviting a dog fight or at a minimum an unpleasant scuffle.
I wish the parks would put up signs "dogs must be on leash" on all trails but I realize this would be extremely difficult to enforce. Maybe more articles like Bill's will get the attention of some dog owners to just do the right thing here -- leash your dog!
However, a lesser-mentioned scenario is when unleashed dog encounters dog-stomping horse (yes, they do exist). Dog owners aren't likely to know the difference between fearful horse and horse whose reaction would be to kick or strike out at the dog. I've owned one such horse and she would not hesitate to charge a loose dog coming at her (she had a strong herding drive of her own, cowhorse-bred). Mules are even more inclined to stomp a dog rather than run.
I cant disagree with the notion of responsible dog ownership, just dont sweat the small stuff so frequently/passionatly. Life is too short to spend any of it on the longest of leashes.
Wag more, bark less.
I have seen children run and scream and kick and hit at dogs....gee I wonder why there then becomes an issue. If you cannot teach your children or yourself how to respond to domesticated dogs whether nice or mean, you should not have them or yourself out on the trail.
Out on the trail is where I flourish and where my dog also gets to be a dog....he is on a leash in town on all other walks so why when I escape to the backcountry do I need to further restrain him? I love seeing his joy at the freedom. Sorry, I don't buy this worry, worry, worry about everyone else.
I do step aside for hikers without dogs and definitely for horses....some of this is common sense, but some of these suggestions will not be followed by me. I get away from society to abandon those rules....not to have them follow me and my dog miles into the backcountry. Happy hiking!
My response has been to hold my grandson and glare at the owners. NO MORE. I am going to print several copies of Bill's article and begin to carry them with me on the trail. The next time I encounter a dog owner with a dog charging toward me, I am goin to give them Bill's article and keep walking.
That's really the crux of this issue for me. I would love to hike with my dog, but because of people like her, I can't and maybe someday, because of people like her, nobody will be able to enjoy hiking with their dog on or off-leash anywhere.
On the other hand, I am I proponent, like Rhiana, to get the heck away from town and all its rules and regulations and chill in the woods with my dog and bike. This is privledge that comes with responsibility for me to watch over my dog and also to abide by the simple, yes simple, and considerate rules of the trail. Knowing that horses are on the trail and yielding to these large beasts is always smart, dog or no dog. It's just common sense.
To add about the leash subject, my dog has been attacked, while on leash, by other dogs on leash, more times than when both dogs are off leash, on any given day. In the right situation, non-leashed dogs, that otherwise would be defensive leashed, are friendly and play well. Don't know the "dog Whisperer" philosophy behind this, but that is how it has played out.
Ken, please put up all the signs you want... they are fun to shoot at.
People create just as much disturbance if not more than a typical dog does. It's not YOUR wilderness and so sorry, but you have to share it with people with dogs just like I have to share it with people who have kids.
Some dogs are annoying and poorly behaved, yes, but that's life. Some people are annoying, but I have learned to deal with it. I hate children, especially in the wilderness, but I have to suffer in silence. If you don't like dogs, well, they share our society with you so you'll have to learn to accept it. Since when are we all such babies that we can't cope with a little annoyance or inconvenience?
Contrary to what seems to be popular belief, those dogs exist. They don't hurt anybody when they're off lease and they're not part of the problem discussed above -- except for the truism that far too many dog owners would like to think their dog(s) fit that category. Not to mention, dealing with unruly dogs (or irascible people) isn't a bad life skill.
Beyond which, Bill omits the longstanding implicit treaty rights of Native American dogs born in federal Indian Country to roam and hunt in the usual and accustomed places off the Reservation -- such as National Forests and BLM lands, the best of which, most would agree, are wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas. Out of deference to the course of human events after the treaties were signed, few would insist on exercising such rights on Park Service lands -- be it hunting for sustenance or roaming off-leash.
Don't forget that 99% or more of the readers (the non-Indians) have the ability to visit these lands in the first place because they were ceded by their original owners, in return for the rights reserved in the treaties. Be thankful your forebears weren't hunted down like animals, had the animals they depended on for sustenance slaughtered out of hatred and spite, or were confined to worthless reservation lands after being banished from paradise.
Whether you're a borderline pinko white guilter like Wild Bill (albeit with gun-toting redneck tendencies in his case), or a hard core believer in individual responsibility and private property rights (the latter is right the -- be aware that Treaty rights are defined as property or usufructory or property rights under the law. Double standard: maybe. History lesson: mos def. The first leash didn't appear until long after Lewis & Clark (who were accompanied by Seaman, Captain Lewis' “dogg of the newoundland breed”). Back in the day, the woods were full of danger; citizens who ventured outside civilization developed the skills and summoned the courage to meet the challenge.
I raised two kids, and only once were they seriously threatened by a dog -- a big stray with matted hair and mange that was part wolf, weighed about 120, and scared the heck out of me let alone my kids. My 33 pound rez mutt got in that mean dogs' face and chased her clear across the tracks into the next drainage. I'd say she earned the right to go off-lease that day.
If Wild Bill wants to be a "helicopter grandparent" hovering over his charges, that's his lookout. What's next: driving them across the street to school or soccer practice so its less likely they get hit by a car -- because it's more sure than teaching them how to "look both ways"?
Anyhow, what if the dog owner is riding a four-legged beast such as a horse? Last I heard, the Wilderness Act still allowed stock and leather. Bill's had his say, but it ain't the final word.
Now absolutly, can a bad dog ruin your day, sure..but if an unleashed dog is the reason for bitterness while hiking in the great outdoors, I have a feeling that next you'll want a sign at the trailhead requesting only "1 user at a time to preserve the solitude of my wilderness" Thank You
Contrary to what seems to be popular belief, those dogs exist. They don't hurt anybody when they're off leash and they're not part of the problem discussed above -- except for the truism that far too many dog owners would like to think their dog(s) fit that category. Not to mention, dealing with unruly dogs (or irascible people) isn't a bad life skill.
Beyond which, Bill omits the longstanding implicit treaty rights of Native American dogs born in federal Indian Country to roam and hunt in the usual and accustomed places off the Reservation -- such as National Forests and BLM lands, the best of which, most would agree, are wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas. Out of deference to the course of human events after the treaties were signed, few would insist on exercising such rights on Park Service lands -- be it hunting for sustenance or roaming off-leash.
Don't forget that 99% or more of the readers (the non-Indians) have the ability to visit these lands in the first place because they were ceded by their original owners, in return for the rights reserved in the treaties. Be thankful your forebears weren't hunted down like animals, had the animals they depended on for sustenance slaughtered out of hatred and spite, or were confined to worthless reservation lands after being banished from paradise.
Whether you're a borderline pinko white guilter like Wild Bill (albeit with gun-toting redneck tendencies in his case), or a hard core believer in individual responsibility and private property rights -- be aware that Treaty rights are defined as property or usufructory or property rights under the law. Double standard: maybe. History lesson: mos def. The first leash didn't appear until long after Lewis & Clark (who were accompanied by Seaman, Captain Lewis' “dogg of the newoundland breed”). Back in the day, the woods were full of danger; citizens who ventured outside civilization developed the skills and summoned the courage to meet the challenge.
I raised two kids, and only once were they seriously threatened by a dog -- a big stray with matted hair and mange that was part wolf, weighed about 120, and scared the heck out of me let alone my kids. My 33 pound rez mutt got in that mean dog's face spitting fire and chased him clear across the tracks into the next drainage. I'd say my rez runt earned the right to go off-leash that day.
If Wild Bill wants to be a "helicopter grandparent" hovering over his charges, that's his lookout. What's next: driving them across the street to school or soccer practice so its less likely they get hit by a car -- because it's more sure than teaching them how to "look both ways"?
Anyhow, what if the dog owner is riding a four-legged beast such as a horse? Last I heard, the Wilderness Act still allowed stock and leather. Bill's had his say, but it ain't the final word.
Or bear whiz?
Or a lead delivery system?
Usually, I take control of the dog with a voice command. Square up to Muttley, get ready, and when it's in striking distance, NO it, and then GIT DOWN or SIT or a nice cuss word. If it doesn't respond, whale away. Works for me.
Bill has a point here....but clueless is clueless --- clueless people never read brilliant essays like this one anyway.
recently while hiking in grand teton NP we were 6 miles up a main canyon trail in the backcountry. here comes a guy with buds in his ears and a golden retreiver. i told him dogs were not allowed on the trails and he replied his dog had more of a right to be there than i did. he was obviously from somewhere else. i told him a ranger would give him a ticket and he replied he already had passed 2 rangers who had nothing to say. i replied , " no you didn't" and went on my way, hoping i would see a ranger.
Note to Delilah: Relax. There is no need to pluck your grandchild up every time they encounter a dog. YOU are probably creating a sense of fear in the child toward dogs. Most dogs will approach to check you out and if you don't show friendliness they'll go on to someone who enjoys their congeniality. No animal should have to spend every outside moment on a leash and no human should either.
I agree with you on many points, but the fact is dogs are made to run, to play and to think freely. We as humans need to encourage this behaviour in our furry friends but as you said with restraint. My own pup has been off leash in the woods every day since he was about 3 months old. As he neared a year old we put a training collar on him so he would learn to listen better and to respect other people and even their dogs. If a dog is raised with the ability to be free they learn how to do ir properly. The use of a leashless collar adds to the ability for owners to let their dog off leash but have control of them. Respect and responsibility are greatly lacking in our society but regulating every last bit does not teach respect and responsibility it teachs bitterness and contempt for the restrictions and for the people who demand their rights come before those other members of our lives and eco-system. Humans are a part of life, not in charge of it or above it.
I used to try to enter the discourse about leashed dogs, I used to try to educate fellow dog owners about properly socializing their dogs, I used to try to educate non-owners about well behaved dogs...
No longer. The discussion is a mute point. The Leash-or-Die jerks don't listen and only want one thing - every dog leashed, everywhere in the world. If I ever get another dog I'm not going to spent the thousands of dollars and 3 years time it take to train it correctly, I'm just going to let it be - it's just going to be on a leash it's whole life anyways.
I never leash my dog anymore. And, the more people it pisses off the better. The Leash-or-Die crowd only spreads fear and resentment against dogs and the owners who actually take the time to work with their dogs. It's a big, bad, inconsiderate world so I give their self-fulfilling prophesy and a ear full of "Shut the @#$% up."
Leash your kids. My dog is just fine.
While a agree with most of what you rant about, I think this comment would be better said "Dog owners: please train your dogs properly to enjoy the wilderness unleashed." Those of us who have spent the money and time to respect this rule could otherwise be thrown in with those who haven't.
Teach your kids how to behave around dogs so they don't walk up and immediately grab my LEASHED dogs. That'd be nice...
I find it comical that nearly all the people complaining about unleashed dogs believe they are walking in the "wilderness". It is not wilderness folks, and it sounds as if you have never been in wilderness.
Forest Service trails most rewarding aspect is a freedom and feeling of escape from the busy city, noise and regulated activities. There is nothing more enjoyable for dog and owner than a walk down a woodsy trail. It is true that there needs to be some responsibility for trail etiquette. My dogs don't poop on the trail but go off trail unlike horses. While they are happy and like to run they do not chase the wild animals in residence. They do not pick the beautiful wild flowers, that many other people might enjoy observing, to hold in tight little fists until they wilt and are thrown away in the dust. It is true they may bark or run with a sudden appearance on the trail. But yes, Wyomingite, they are friendly and have never attacked anyone ever. I agree with Rhiana: Expecting me to be concerned for your phobias and dislikes is rather unreasonable. I and my dogs can recognize an uptight human immediately, you cannot fake it. Your nervousness shows and any animal including humans and dogs just don't respond favorably to unfriendly auras. You probably even smell unfriendly to any animal with a scent sense. You certainly have a strange look and stance so maybe you are the one who needs psychiatric assistance, including your children if you have any.
And neither do the trails belong to horsemen, it is not out of respect for a big guy on the back of a big horse that I get off the trail it is because there is no other choice and I will get off either left or right, downhill or uphill which ever is easier for me and my dog. Horse use degrades hiking trails, turn up rocks by wearing and excavating soil out from around them, blow out downhill sides of trails with horse hooves, also making an ankle tiring down side slope instead of a level trail. There are trails in the back country that I don't travel after midsummer and late summer because horse packer use churns the trail into silt when the season dries out. If there is more than one person on the trail all those behind them walk and try to breath in a cloud of dust. In the Bitterroot trails were built for horse use to care for the dams that irrigate valley agriculture so there will always be horses on the trails. But I would like some trails that lead a distance into the backcountry and lakes to be designated hiking and bicycling and then during hunting season opened for the packers.
Also for those hard working back country horsemen who clear the trails so it is easier going for horse use (not for hikers mind you), I think they should have a botanist along with them and in some cases when reasonable avoid cutting or piling brush on some shrubs such as Mock Orange or other shrubs and trees that compliment the trails.
How is that for a wish list?
Never had a problem with him around horses, hikers, bikers, wildlife or other dogs. In fact, the only time I ever had to leash him was when a sow and it's cub were close enough that the sow was displeased. My mutt took one look at her and walked up to my side until I could get his leash on him. Suffice it to say that my mutt will not be leashed in the back country! So, if you see us, say hi, give him a quick scratch on the butt and please be on your way. Thanks.
"Dogs don't bite or maul people; irresponsible dog owners allow or train them too."
I'm a responsible gun and dog owner and as a private citizen I've never shot nor sic-ed my dog on anyone.
Although I have allowed ol' Rover to take a whiz on people I don't like.
Try Kiddie-Rid (TM) - one spray and they stay away. Works in restaurants, too.
I don't understand why parents don't instill respect for the "wilderness" surroundings by teaching their children not to yell and run as if they are in a play ground. Part of a wilderness experience is being quiet so that there can be some wildlife observation. Hopefully not with close up encounters with cougars, bears or moose but nice observation at safe distances. Which as you say is not likely with noisy "uncontrolled" children. Sunny
I'm still getting over the UN-organized state, Pat
sunny
While we're out, it's easy to see the body language of those who are terrified of dogs, or just don't like them, and I've never understood why those people would choose to walk on one of these (relatively few) trails, when there are literally millions of public acres and thousands of trail miles here in Central Idaho (and some close to town) that see virtually zero dog use.
Personally, I've never had a dog act aggressively to me on a trail in 40 years - I've only been bitten by ranch dogs on private land. I see many more frightening (and frightened) people than overzealous dogs with muddy paws.
However, when I'm out for a pack trip, hunting trip, or dayhike at dawn, in a game-rich or little-used public area, the dog stays at home. I get a bit annoyed when I see roaming dogs in these kinds of places at these hours, because most people go there for solitude and with the hope of seeing critters.
My point is that I disagree with your broad-brush approach - agencies should provide (and signpost ) certain areas that allow off-leash dogs, and clamp down in others.
On a recent hike in Hyalite Canyon, a dog owner, trying to explain why her dog had growled at us, said that we had "startled" her off-leash dog.
It was her dog that startled us!
Cheers!
Bill - are you serious? I realize your article is as much about entertainment as it is about expressing your personal beliefs, but I have never heard of a dog viciously mauling a hiker. In fact, in my personal experience of hiking the trails of Montana and Wyoming for the past 30 years i have never had an unpleasant encounter with a dog. And I've run into plenty of people with dogs on the trail. The worst I've experienced is related to dog owners not picking up after their animals, but to say that dogs are more of a threat than grizzly bears or mtn lions is a bit of a stretch, don't ya think? In fact I've seen more bad behavior on the trail from humans than I've ever seen from animals. I'm also amazed that our experiences can be so different. Perhaps it's just a difference in perception? Granted, I was raised in a home with a dog most of my childhood and learned to appreciate what great companions they can be at an early age. Perhaps your fear of dogs is misplaced?
I have backpacked into the Sawtooth and Bitterroot wilderness' with only my dog or dogs as company, spent as many as three nights and have not been afraid of cougars or bears partly because of their company. This security might be misplaced, some will challenge I'm sure, as far as the dog company goes. I'm a woman and I feel unafraid hiking on my own when my husband cannot go with me. I have met many people and their dogs while showing my young nephews (four yrs. in age) the woodsy trails and have never, never, never been concerned for their well being.
Give up your campaign for the leashing of dogs on forest trails, please. It is unreasonable and selfish. Sunny
I recently went on a camping trip with our 120 lb Saint Bernard. Even though he is very well trained and has fantastic recall (I call, he comes) the wilderness brought instincts to the surface we've never seen before. We went with a gaggle of kids from age 12 to 1.5 and he was protective, guarding and concerned. None of these kids were ours, and our dog did not have any real exposure to them prior to the trip. The degree of dog-paranoia was surprising to me. He would constantly want to be in a place where all 4 kids would be in line of sight.
Except for the time spent sleeping in the tent our dog was on a 50 foot rope with someone holding on to one end the entire time. When hiking he only had 5 or 10 feet of lead, when in camp he had all 50. In no way did this diminish anyones enjoyment of the outdoors.
We agree to take responsibility for our companion animals when we adopt them into our family. We shouldn't forget that responsibility when we hit the trail-head.
Dogs don't get a run on a leash. Its selfish and ridiculous to think they do.
Dog owners who let their dogs off leash: If you are not confident that your dog will listen to you if surprised by someone on the trail, DON'T LET THEM OFF THE LEASH. If your dog is off leash, keep him close to you. A dog that comes across someone on the trail when out of your line of sight is more likely to bark to alert you. (And to try to act like a tough guy so he appears to be in control of the situation.)
While it's not your responsibility to deal with other people's fears, it is important to be courteous to other hikers. Encourage positive interactions with people, even if they don't like your dog. Speak in a friendly manner, even if they are rude to you. Apologize (and mean it) if your dog being there has upset them. Negative reactions from either side tend to set off a chain reaction.
If your dog does happen to get startled and bark at someone, don't yell "He's friendly! SPOT COME! SIT! NO!" that doesn't inspire much confidence, especially since your dog has reach an overexcited state. Calmly but firmly give your dog a command. If he doesn't listen to you immediately, tell the person what to do. Make sure you tell them the dog was startled, but is not dangerous. Tell them to just keep moving with a confidant air and ignore the dog. When you reach your dog, put him on a leash and move away from the other person. If he is obsessed with looking behind him to see where the person has gone, tell him "leave it," give a tug on the leash, and bump his rear with your foot from behind you to get his attention. Keep walking until the distraction has passed, then practice some commands he knows well like sit and down. Praise him lavishly for being a good listener. Make a note to practice the come command in distracting settings and then actually do it!
Hikers who don't appreciate off leash dogs: Do your research. You know what to do if you come across a bear, right? What if you get cut, run into poison ivy, start feeling dehydrated? The fact that a surprised dog isn't "native" to your hiking experience doesn't mean that you shouldn't know what to do if a strange dog approaches you. It's obviously (or this article and all of the comments wouldn't be here) a fairly common occurrence. If you are reading this article, you probably have had personal experiences with this issue.
Most owners (no matter how irresponsible you think their letting the dog off leash is) are not going to turn their pet loose if they feel that there is ANY chance they would harm someone. Also, even when surprised, a friendly dog, is not going to just "snap" and bite you out of instinct. Some might, if you threaten them, but most hiking dogs are just bluffing when they charge at you. They want you to think they are scary so you won't hurt them or their pack. Contrary to some of the comments on here, dog owner's don't just care about themselves and their dogs.
If a dog runs at you barking and you scream, yell, wave something at it, hunch over, protectively guard a small child while being fearful, stop, run, whatever, THE DOG THINKS "HEY, IT'S WORKING! I'M WINNING!" The only thought in their mind is that there is someone in their space and they need to quickly figure out who is in charge. It's part of a dog's brain, they are hard wired to act this way.
Keep moving, while ignoring the dog's behavior. The best way to calm a dog is to calm it's owner. They are most likely feeling stressed and frustrated that their dog reacted to you that way in first place. The dog picks up on this and feels like there is justification for his behavior. Engaging in casual conversation and telling them it's ok (even if it does make you mad) is immediately going to put them in a state of mind that will allow them to gain control of their dog. Dogs sense tension and emotion. Be aware that your behavior can escalate the situation into the very reason it's a problem in the first place!
Every angry or fearful person a dog comes across in the woods confirms to them that there is a reason to be unsure about strangers. (This is why friendly dogs who don't show this kind of behavior ANYWHERE else will surprise their owners and charge in the woods. They learn that people in other places are friendly, but the ones coming around the corner on a trail are scary!)
Likewise, every barking dog confirms to startled hikers that they have a reason to be fearful. Both sides need to realize that their own behavior is going to decide the outcome of such a situation. I think what is often forgotten is this: YOU ARE BOTH OUT THERE TO ENJOY NATURE AND THE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU. Recognize that the same thing is true about anyone you may come across. Seeing their dog run happily through the woods might be the thing that lifts the dog owner's spirits for the day, not to mention it helps achieve every dog owner's dream, the hike-induced all day nap/well behaved pooch. Enjoying time alone, or with their children or families may be the dogless hiker's most important part of the day.
So to both sides I give this advice: Be conscious and tolerant of others on the trail. If an unpleasant incident occurs, try to remain calm and as friendly as possible. Bridging the gap between someone you disagree with may just make YOU a better person in the end.
His fourth paragraph on how to put a dog-o-phobe at ease would be hard to apply at happenstance. A couple of days ago while on a hike, my two dogs were 10-15 yards ahead on the trail when a man appeared around the corner. He immediately yelled at high pitch (before the dogs barked): "Call back please, call back please, call back please". He was in a stiff frozen stance on the trail. Of course the dogs then barked but did not run at him. I think that the scent of fear and aggression must be exactly the same. Actually I was shocked at his "aggressive" fear. I told him that the dogs were not going to attack him and he then marched by the dogs and me mumbling that dogs shouldn't be on hiking trails. There was no time to discuss how his actions could have improved his day on the trail. We met three other parties on the trail each with dogs I might add. Five women with five dogs without incident. When nearly back at the trail head we met a lone petite woman beautifully dressed, more for a dinner party than a walk in the woods, rounding a turn when the dogs barked a warning. She put her hand out to the dogs and said: "I must have startled them as much as they startled me".
So my first tip if one is phobic and frightened of dogs they should stay off forest trails or go to the couch and get educated, maybe about snakes and insects too. My next tip is simply put your arm out with the palm of your hand facing the dog and say back in a CALM command voice and continue on your hike. It works. Sunny