{"id":2016,"date":"2017-05-12T01:03:03","date_gmt":"2017-05-12T01:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/v2.mappyhour.org\/blog\/?p=2016"},"modified":"2017-05-12T01:03:03","modified_gmt":"2017-05-12T01:03:03","slug":"dc-who-let-the-dogs-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mappyhour.org\/blog\/2017\/05\/dc-who-let-the-dogs-out\/","title":{"rendered":"DC: Who let the dogs out?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mappy Hour DC returned to the Wundergarten in April–but this time, it was a different, furrier <\/em>crowd.<\/p>\n

With spring upon us, many hiking humans and canines are eager to stretch their legs in the great outdoors. Gene Park, a local climber and best friend to Leon<\/a>\u00a0the Doberman<\/a>, told us how to bring dogs into the woods safely and responsibly.<\/p>\n

The first thing to consider when hiking your dog is whether you’re allowed to hike with your dog. Follow the rules! If the park says no dogs, don’t try to sneak yours in. There’s always a reason for the rules.<\/p>\n

Also, just because your dog is good with other dogs or other people, doesn’t mean all those other dogs and people are okay with your dog. So, if you’re on a crowded trail, keep your dog on leash. Your dog might be fine off leash, but it’s important to be respectful of people who might not like dogs as much as you do.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Gene also talked to us about the gear he uses when in the backcountry with Leon. Gene’s favorite brand is Ruffwear, and depending on the season and the trip, he brings Leon’s shoes, a base layer, a coat, a headlamp (put it around the dog’s neck so you can spot him in the dark), and a high visibility vest during hunting season. For backpacking, Leon uses a pack that clips into a harness. His leash can attach to the harness, and the harness also has a handle–a key feature, Gene said. A few other backpacking guidelines:<\/p>\n