Dog hiking

Narragansett Chapter Hike with Dogs

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Until the Dog committee is formed in the ActDB, the listings below include listings for all Local Hikes.

Participant Requirements

Rules for our "Hiking with Dogs" group.

If you are considering joining our "Hiking with Dogs" group there are rules and information that we use. If you wish to join a hike, contact the leader and if you have not filled out the application form, download the .docx file here. Fill it out and attach it to and email to the leader.

Registration for dog hikes is required, and must be done in advance as space is limited on these hikes.
Please use a leash that is not the expandable-type since they can be very dangerous around other people and dogs.
When you arrive at the hike parking area, please leave your dog in the car with the windows cracked open. We really can’t have a bunch of excited dogs tugging our arms off in the parking area. After a brief introduction, the leaders will advise you when to return to your car to get your dog and start off.
Oddly enough, there seems to be some hunting in season every month in Rhode Island except for the month of August so please be sure that you and your dog have ORANGE on ESPECIALLY during deer hunting seasons in the fall, and regardless of whether or not hunting is allowed in the hiking area.
Every dog needs to be leashed at the start of the hike at least until we are out of harm's way and we know that everyone will get along with one another.
For the entire hike, you must keep your dog under positive control at all times. If he/she acts out, and trust me, all of our dogs do from time to time, then YOU are responsible for leashing your dog and moving to a position in the pack that is compatible with the group. We walk a fine line here since this is an AMC GROUP hike, we want to keep the group together, but we also need to make it enjoyable for everyone…canine and human.
Please make certain that your dog is physically capable of enjoying the length and type of hike planned. The hike leaders purposefully plan some hikes that are shorter, about 3 miles, and some that are longer; 6 or 7 miles. Make sure that your dog is ready for the hike for which you sign up. Remember that your dog will travel twice the distance you do on a hike running back and forth along the way.
Speaking of which, watch your knees! Dogs will charge back and forth on the trail and you need to be prepared to withstand their wrath! Any children you bring with you need to be with you at all times and near the tail of the group where you can watch to be sure they are safe.
You need to understand that hikes with dogs at least on the surface can seem confusing and chaotic until the hike is underway. Dogs tend to try to establish a pecking order and it works best just to keep them moving. We don't take regular breaks on these hikes because just like two-year olds, when given a little lag time, dogs get into trouble. This said, these are AMC hikes and it is important that humans have as good a time as canines. So if/when you need a separation break (potty break), time to readjust clothing, or a water break, please alert one of the hike leaders so we can make proper arrangements.
About the poop…I know it's the woods and most dogs go off trail, but imagine what a mess we'd have if 8 or 9 dogs all went on the same trail on the same day… Ewe! The rule is that every little treasure they leave behind, YOU have to carry out in a bag! No flinging, ignoring, or casually covering it up. When we’re in the woods on these hikes, we represent the AMC, and we want/need to leave a nice impression about the way we feel about the woods.

Please bring ample water for you and your DOG!

Our AMC hikes are fun group activities, not competitions. Therefore, the group stays together to ensure safety for all.
Please be aware that you dog will find every mud hole and take every opportunity to get wet and disgusting that he/she can, so bring towels for the ride home.
If your dog is involved in a disruption, a leader may ask you to keep your dog leashed or change position in the pack. As with humans, dogs occasionally have issues with other dogs and may be happier with a different dog either ahead or behind, or back on the leash with you. These decisions are absolutely necessary at times and the group leaders appreciate your full cooperation with their decisions.

Leadership Requirements

The overall AMC Leadership Requirements and Guidelines will apply to all our leaders. The requirements to lead a Hike with Dogs event are having sufficient organizational skills and to have co-led at least one Hikes with Dogs trip or have attended a leadership training course.

Narragansett Chapter Hike with Dogs

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Participant Requirements

Rules for our "Hiking with Dogs" group.

Leadership Requirements