How to keep your dog safe around wildlife

Hiking with our dogs is arguably one of the most wholesome experiences we can have. Not much matches the company of a pup while enjoying nature! Of course, we are simply visitors to these natural areas and can come upon wildlife going about their day. Our dogs might be curious or defensive, so we must be sure we know what to do to stay safe and respectful around wildlife. Here are 8 tips to keep your dog safe around wildlife. 

1. Research what wildlife you may encounter while adventuring. Most of the US can expect foxes, coyotes, deer, raccoons, rodents, otters and beavers, hares, skunks, squirrels, lizards, frogs, and snakes. In forested areas, we also look out for bears, wild cats, porcupines, moose and elk, and mountain sheep/goats. Depending on your location you could also have alligators/crocodiles, bison, or wild horses.

2. Respect the area. Obeying leash laws, even if others aren't, helps preserve our dog-friendly spaces. Being on-leash is the safest way to adventure with your dog. Many of our pups need off-leash time which is best done in designated areas so they can frolic in a controlled environment. Be mindful of leash laws and even in off-leash places, respect other owners requests to leash your pup in passing. Always clean up after your pet. Pack it in and out, no matter the distance. 

3. Train & practice hiking manners. Lay a good foundation for your pup's hiking behavior. This should include walking calmly on a leash, having an immediate recall when off leash, an immediate "leave it", and an emergency stop. We highly recommend consulting a professional trainer to help with these manners if your pup struggles. 

4. Absolutely no chasing wildlife. Dogs should never be allowed to chase any kind of wildlife. If your dog cannot resist or cannot be called off chasing wildlife, they should be on leash until they have been trained to leave wildlife alone. 

5. Practice wildlife safety. Depending on the types of wildlife you could encounter, learn the best methods to protect yourself and your pet. You may consider carrying bear spray, taking a backpacking safety course and/or taking your dog to a rattlesnake avoidance class. Having the right tools and knowledge can prevent issues with wildlife. Never handle sick, injured or baby wildlife. 

6. Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your eyes out for wildlife throughout your adventures. Chances are wildlife will see or smell you first, but if you can leash your dog before coming up on a herd of deer, you could prevent a chase. Never let your pup eat or roll in carcasses. They can easily transmit disease to your pets or you. 

7. Never get in the middle of a fight. If your dog ends up fighting with wildlife, or if you are charged, immediately let go of your dogs leash. It can be difficult for you or your pup to defend yourselves if tangled up in a leash. Use general wildlife safety techniques to defend yourself until it is over, then administer first aid as needed.

8. Remember wildlife is everywhere. While the focus so far has been on hiking, remember that wildlife can be anywhere. Many of our backyards are natural habitats for lots of wildlife and encounters can happen anywhere. 

As always, prevention is the best medicine when dealing with wildlife. Consult a professional trainer to build your dogs skill set on the trail and educate yourself on what to do for each kind of animal. 

For more info, check out this great article by REI. 

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/wildlife-safety-tips.html

As a reminder, Ready Pet Education recommends that cats are indoor only. They can experience the outdoors in a controlled, supervised way (backpack, leash training, catio, etc). Cats left unsupervised outdoors are prone to deadly encounters with wildlife, feral or stray animals and malicious or negligent human activity.