What is it with people and their dogs?

I have known people who would accept accusations against their child as a justified and deserved, but say something about their canine at your peril.  Seeing how his grandparents treat their dog, my son complained, "I never got away with stuff like that!"

And now they are on the trails.

Some trails are acceptable for dogs on a leash.  On a leash.  Dog owners seem to believe that undomesticated animals such as elk, javalina, or coyotes should somehow be trained to stay away from their free-roaming pets.

Dogs on a leash are not going to get into an altercation with a potentially lethal predator.  They are not going to affect prey animals as a predator (and yes, canines are predators).  The most well-mannered and timid of dogs can turn into a ravening beast when faced with a wild animal.  Or more often than not, with another hiker.  They are not going to run off after a tantalizing scent and have to be chased down by an expensive and hazardous Search and Rescue operation.  S and R operations which could well be needed elsewhere.  "I'm sorry you were lying with a broken leg for five hours, but we had to capture a lost dog".

However, some trails do not allow dogs.  Usually in National Parks. This is the way it has been for lo, these many years, and yet still when I gently (the first time it is gentle) remind dog owners that their pet is not allowed on backcountry trails, I am always met with:

"Since when?"

"I didn't see a sign." (there is usually one at the trailhead)

Or, more and more lately, "Oh, this is a service dog."

Full disclosure:  my mother-in-law trains comfort dogs.  She sees no reason for her dogs to be hiking on the backcountry trails.

I am acquainted with the only search and rescue dogs in Grand Canyon National Park.  They are not allowed on the trails unless they are on a mission.  They do not go trotting along behind their owner without specific training objectives, which a day hike in and out the Bright Angel is not.

Legally I can't even ask to see these dogs' papers.  I can ask what they are being trained for, but I can't do more than that.  Service dogs in the Grand Canyon are required to get a special permit from the Backcountry Office before they are allowed below the Rim, but I have yet to meet anyone who seems to know this.  If I am in a really snarky mood, I have been known to say something along the lines of "Liars go to hell, you know", but usually I just sigh deeply and advise them to stay away from the mule trains.

Last week I met a lady with a rat dog in her arms.  I was informed that he was "being trained".  To be carried down the South Kaibab?  I rather think they were on their way to stay at Phantom Ranch, and dogs are not allowed in any hotel properties in Grand Canyon.  That would have been interesting.

If people can't stand to be without their subservient animal for a half day, let them brazen it out.  Don't wimp out with a phony "service dog" excuse.  As one backpacker did on his way down the Bright Angel.

"Since when?  This is the only place I've ever been  told my dog isn't allowed."

I said, "Did you get an overnight permit?"

Pause.  "Of course".

"Well, it is written on the back, where you were supposed to read the regulations and sign off on them."

He snorted and headed on down the trail.  I suspect he had no permit either, but since there was a ranger working at Mile and a Half House, I knew he wouldn't be heading down for long.

Service dog trainers I know are concerned about dog owners taking advantage of the service dog provision.  Too many people are getting service dog certification so they can take their dogs into eating places, or hotels, or into the backcountry.  It putting up with "service dogs" where they have no legitimate business becomes too great of a problem, it is likely that the rules will tighten drastically.

But, hey, if my rat dog gets to travel down the trail in my arms, it worked for me, didn't it?