Video campaign highlights importance of dog etiquette and safety on trails
Getting your dog outside is good for the health of both you and your dog. But hiking with a dog is different than hiking with people. It is important to be aware of dog etiquette and safety on trails and open space, including keeping your dog on a leash and packing out your dog’s waste. This week, Trails 2000 is excited to launch our second video in our informational and educational video campaign aimed at educating and inspiring users to follow certain etiquette and safety guidelines when traveling on trails in Durango and the surrounding area. Video #2, entitled “Got Leash?” explains simple guidelines to help keep you, your dog and other trail users safe, as well as protect the natural environment including wildlife and vegetation.
Got Leash?
On City of Durango open space and trails, dogs must be on a leash at all times. By keeping your dog on a leash, you protect your dog and others. A leash even protects dogs from natural hazards like wildlife and other dogs on the trails and helps to protect property, vegetation, and wildlife.
Remember, not every dog is as friendly as yours. By keeping them on a leash, you can control their interactions and continue to enjoy your hike. If your dog is running off leash, it is unclear to that user how your dog is going to react to them, their dog or their children.
When choosing a leash, remember to pick one that allows you to keep your dog close by your side. Longer leashes can be hazardous to other trail users.
Pack It Out!
You are required to pick up your dogs waste, as it contains pathogens, bacteria and parasites that pollute our rivers, lakes and streams. You should allows carry a poop bag to properly pack out your dogs waste. Please don’t leave the baggy by the side of the trail to grab later, since it looks like trash to everyone else.
Keeping your dog on a leash is a simple and courteous thing to do, both for you, your dog, other trail users, and the natural environment. Please always keep your dog on a leash and pack out your dog’s waste.
Watch the video here or by clicking the video above. Missed video #1 in our series, entitled “It’s Up To Me” on the important of abiding by seasonal wildlife closures? Click here to watch today. Campaign videos were made possible through Trails 2000’s receipt of the Partners in the Outdoors grant from Colorado Parks and Recreation Association (CPRA) in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW). The videos were produced by Coldstream Creative and include local talent.
Happy Trails!
