Local Dogs Featured in Trail Etiquette Campaign
DOGS TEACH DOGS HOW TO DO GOOD AT PINE STREET WOODS
Pine Street Woods may not be classified as a bone-a fide dog park, but there are arguably more dogs than people on the trails on any given day. The sheer number of canines who visit Pine Street Woods could spell disaster if not for the well-trained humans that accompany these good dogs.
Kaniksu Land Trust recently launched their DOGOOD in the Woods campaign to help educate, enlighten, and encourage excellent etiquette when visiting Pine Street Woods with pets. Offering tips for keeping Muffy out of mischief, ensuring Spot is safe, and protecting wildlife from Wolfy, it aims to clear misunderstandings about “leash not required” policies and best practices for poo pick-up.
As expressed by Arlo, KLT’s Director of Greetings (D.O.G.), “There’s a place for everyone at Pine Street Woods, but sometimes we all need a little help remembering which place is ours. For example, I love to bark at the deer and often forget that they don’t generally appreciate it, so my leash serves as a helpful reminder. Wearing it helps keep everyone more safe.”
KLT posts weekly tips on their social media channels featuring local dogs who frequent Pine Street Woods. Each post includes a message of advice to dog-parents for enjoying the trails, caring for their pets, and respecting other dogs, people, and wildlife.
Dogs available for adoption through Better Together Animal Alliance, such as Luca, are featured in the campaign.
“We started to notice that some people were confused about which dogs need a leash, what the most earth-friendly way of disposing of dog doo is, and whether the pond water is safe for dogs to roll in. We think those are good questions to ask.” reported Marcy Timblin, KLT Communications Director.
“Who better to answer those questions than the good dogs who set the example at Pine Street Woods?” she concluded.
While KLT does not maintain strict leash requirements at Pine Street Woods, that should not be considered a Fido-free-for-all. Dogs are required to maintain a 10’ maximum distance from their human. If a dog is not consistently obedient to voice commands, he or she needs to be leashed.
“Observing this one simple policy can mean the difference between a good day and a bad day on the trails. If a dog doesn’t have good recall, they can take out a small child or an unsteady adult. They can also disrupt the wildlife who need to make a living up there,” Marcy continued.
Speaking on Arlo’s behalf, Regan mentioned that some dogs don’t respect his space, which tests his patience.
“Arlo is mild and considerate, except when provoked by squirrels, overhead airplanes, and intrusive dogs,” she explained.
Arlo, KLT’s Director of Greetings, poses for a photo at Pine Street Woods. PHOTO: Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey
There are additional considerations when bringing dogs to Pine Street Woods in the winter. Dogs (and some other pets) are always welcome on the narrow trails maintained by Pend Oreille Pedalers for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and dog-walking when the conditions are just right and fido’s paws aren’t sinking in and putting holes in the trail . However, those activities are not permitted on the wide trails, which are maintained by Sandpoint Nordic Club for cross country skiing. Dogs are encouraged to use the narrow trail called “Frog” from the lower parking lot, which is being groomed specifically for their benefit. They also get to join their humans on the groomed wide trails once per week, every Friday from noon to 7 p.m.
“It’s kind of like a weekly happy hour for dogs,” Regan said.
The five basic DOGOOD messages can be found, along with a DOGOOD quiz, at www.kaniksu.org/dogood. Follow KLT on Instagram (@kaniksult) and Facebook (KLT7B) for weekly updates. Dog parents who would like their dog to be considered for future DOGOOD posts can email photos and the name of the pet to marcy@kaniksu.org.
Freya, the Pine Street Woods Ambassadog sets a fine example of proper dog etiquette when running the trails with her dog-mom, Ammi Midstokke.
