Customer Reviews

Hiking with Dogs: Becoming a Wilderness-Wise Dog Owner

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As a National Forest Ranger, former Search Dog Handler and dog trainer for over two decades - not to mention an avid trial-dogger. I find Mullally's work less than "comprehensive" as the publisher's description suggests. As a result the title is somewhat misleading in that the material lacks substance enough to truly transform the reader into a "...Wilderness-wise Dog Owner." That's simply NOT going to happen by reading the 94 pages of this book, yet it's as good a starting point as any for the new trail-dog enthusiast.

For instance, Mullally fails to convey the extreme importance of WHY it is critical that a dog have minimal eco-impact. She only warns that dogs should not chase wildlife, but does not give ample examples of WHY canine control is significant for both wildlife AND THE DOG!! The book neither discusses nor details must-know info such as predatory traps commonly perpetrated against dogs, social opinions of dogs in the wild, nor the growing trend to restrict canine interaction in wild places.

Moreover, Mullally only lightly touches on training aspects and does not discuss realistic obedience protocols for dogs in the wilderness. Yet above all else the book neglects to provide the meaningful WHYs (reasoning behind a method), so that outdoor dog handlers better understand what methods are acceptable: safer for the dog and environment.

"Becoming A Wilderness-wise Dog Owner" in the truest sense of the term, entails far more than the basic principles conveyed in this book. But if you're just getting started in the sport of trail-dogging, this material does provide an elementary overview of what to expect. Although not close to the "comprehensive" guide it could have been, were more research of the subject matter engaged. It's OK for beginners, but lacks any real meat a beginner will soon require. Thus my rating of 3.

I recently decided it was time to own a dog, a new adventure for me. But since I spend lots of time outdoors, hiking, fishing, and enjoying nature, I needed the right dog as my companion. I just happened to see "Hiking with Dogs" and after giving it a flip-thru, my attention was grabbed. I read it cover-to-cover that evening and what a help! I learned what breed to buy, how to train him for my outdoor lifestyle, trail etiquette (I never knew there was such a thing), and tons of other helpful information that gives me the confidence to take my "new best friend" with me into nature. Thank you Linda Mullally, your experience and information were invaluable, and your obvious caring for canines is much appreciated!

I wouldn't recommend this book for the experienced backpacker or experienced dog owner. The author of the book writes regularly for Dog Fancy... fine publication I am sure, but neither myself nor my dog are particularly fancy. The information is overly broad (though I don't know what I expected for the price) and is not really applicable for anything other than the casual weekend trip or car-camp.

If you are anything resembling a regular backcountry traveler who enjoys the companionship and security of your mongrel and are looking practical tips on how to keep your dog healthy, safe and happy on the trail, look at other publications.

If you have a monthly subscription to Dog Fancy and a collection of brand new backpacking gear, this might just be the book for you.

I think, above all, one thing that dog owners must admit to themselves is that you do not know it all. Just because a dog walks and comes when called does not grant the owner license to assume they can take their animal out into any outdoor environment and have the dog respond as the owner desires. Not only is this foolish, it can be life threatening.

In a concise formant, the reader will be referenced to recommendations that apply to not only trail, hiking, and wildlife encounters, but basically informative guidelines in reference to the raising and bonding of your dog. For any owner that values the out of doors, his dog must be experienced in this type of environment for his own safety and well being. Anything offered less to your dog is a serious lapse of responsibility by the owner. You can never assume your dog knows how to respond and it is up to you to encourage correct responses. This handy book offers instruction and reference for opening up an incredibly wonderful experience in the outdoors safely, accompanied by our truest best friend, our dog.

"I've hiked and backpacked with dogs all my life and thought I knew it all until I read this book." Pat Tucker, wildlife biologist and co-founder of Wild Sentry