(We're a) dog town

Sasha and Rootbeer pawed at the back window of Kelly Lamend's truck on a recent sunny afternoon at Red Rock Canyon Open Space as she fiddled with the latch to let them out.

"I know, I know, you're excited," she said. They whined and paced until she opened the tailgate and was engulfed in a torrent of wagging, panting, barking dog.

"Can you tell they like to hike?" she said, somewhat breathlessly after getting the two mutts on their leashes. They weren't alone. The parking lot and the trail beyond were packed with dogs.

Colorado Springs is a pooch paradise. The estimated 87,000 dogs that call the city home have miles of trails, thousands of acres of parks and enough sunshine to take advantage of it all. And the people here, too, seem to be especially willing to grab the leash and head for a hike. Not surprisingly, the Springs was named the top city for dogs last year by Forbes and Men's Health magazines. Dog Fancy named it runner-up for "Dog-Town, USA."

"I don't think I've ever lived in a place where so many people hike with their dogs. They seem to be everywhere," said Ann Davenport, spokeswoman for the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region. Snow or shine, she said, "They're out there on the trail. And I think that's so great because people are getting out and exercising with their pets."

And it is great in a lot of ways. Dogs provide companionship. They often won't let owners get away with sitting on the couch. And their heightened senses often notice things human hikers might walk by. But it's not all great. Offleash dogs are the leading complaint for the city's parks department. They chase wildlife, they knock down kids, and they leave tons of waste.

"By far it's the biggest complaint the city gets," said Kurt Schroeder, manager of parks maintenance, trails and open space.

Use this handy guide to find the top places for dogs, and spots where Fido should just stay home.

"Some dogs are very good off leash, others are not, and that uncertainty negatively impacts the experience of other park users," Schroeder said.

It can also negatively impact the offleash dog's face.

"Your dog may be friendly and fine off leash, but that doesn't mean another dog on the trail is," said Anne Pierce, a veterinarian at High Plains Veterinary Hospital.

"Some dogs go up to say hello and the other dog isn't friendly. I've stitched up a lot of guys like that."

Even on a remote trail where encountering other dogs is rare, she said, a leash is a good idea because skunks, distemper-carrying raccoons, porcupines and deer may be waiting just around the bend.

"Besides the fact that a dog chasing wildlife is obnoxious, they can really get hurt," she said. "I've also sewn up a couple of dogs that have tackled the wrong end of a deer."

The best solution is a retractable leash, she said. "That gives them a little freedom, but you still have control - not a bad choice."

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0223 or dave.philipps@gazette.com

TIPS FROM THE VET

A vet answers your trail questions:


Is my dog too old, fat or lazy to hike?:

Dogs are like people, they need to get in shape slowly before tackling a big hike. Start with several small hikes before doing a threehour day hike. If your dog starts dragging behind, turn around.

Do I have to worry about heat stroke?:

Dogs can't keep cool as well as humans, and heat stroke can be fatal. Avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Choose a trail with shade and water. If your dog starts seeking out a shady spot to lie down, it needs rest. Smash-faced breeds such as pugs and bulldogs are especially prone to overheating because they can't pant as efficiently.

Will dogs get sick drinking from streams?:

Dogs can get giardia, but it's not as serious as in humans, so it's better to just let them drink from streams and ponds. They'll keep cool and you won't have to fight them.

Are dog booties worth it?:

Most dogs don't need them, especially if regular hiking has toughened up their pads, but if climbing a fourteener or other rocky trail, booties are a good idea. The cheap, Wal-Mart version seems to work best.

Do dogs need to eat and drink on the trail?:

Figure your dog will need to eat and drink as much as you will, proportionally. Bring along a water bottle and collapsible dish, plus a few treats.

What about a dog pack?:

Most dogs will happily carry their own food and water, but let them get used to an empty pack first on a few walks. When loading them for a hike, make sure the pack is balanced and check regularly for rubbing under the straps.

SOURCE: Anne Pierce, High Plains Veterinary Hospital

TOP DOG TRAILS . . .

Red Rock Canyon Roundup Trail: 3.5 miles. An easy trail through rolling hills, past a pond and with little traffic after leaving Red Rock Canyon. Watch for deer.

Seven Bridges Trail: Six miles. This trail crosses and recrosses North Cheyenne Creek, giving dogs plenty of chances to cool off. Expect to meet other dogs on Gold Camp Road but not the rest of the hike.

Waldo Canyon: 6.5 miles. This popular local loop has at least three water stops, plenty of shade, and ample chances for dogs to exchange sniffs with passing canines. Not for hikers who want solitude.

Monument Rock Loop: 3.6 miles. This network of trails south of Monument isn't too steep and includes a small pond a mile up the trail next to Monument Rock where dogs can swim. Watch for mountain bikes and horses on the upper portion.

- For maps and detailed trail descriptions visit gazette.com/outthere.

. . . AND SOME TO AVOID

Stratton Open Space Chutes Trail: Packs of downhill mountain bikers on this trail might turn Fido into roadkill.

Captain Jack's: Mountain bikers and motorcyclists make the blind curves a dangerous hike.

Barr Trail: On weekends heavy downhill-runner traffic on this narrow trail is more trouble than it's worth.

GONE TO THE DOGS

- A vet covers basic questions about dogs hitting trails, Page 3 c Read local rules about dogs and leashes at gazette.com.