Off Leash Dogs and Nature: Your Opinion, Please

I spent the weekend near Camp Sherman in Central Oregon’s glorious Metolius Recreation Area.  At the Camp Sherman store on Saturday, in addition to Stephen Shunk’s (http://www.paradisebirding.com) van full of birders, the parking lot bulged with dog-filled vehicles. Lengthy tongues dripped with the anticipation of companions’ returns, and another chance to leap into the cold river.  Along the river, off leash dogs careened uncontrolled with excitement up and down the bank, looking for anything that moved...insect, mammal or another dog until exhausted, the dogs dropped into the river for a cool swim.

I thought about what effect our off leash dogs have on the wildlife.  Not that I’m concerned about the effect of a few dogs on a particular Saturday during the “busy season” on the river, but in general, what should those of us with dogs and a love of the trail do about protecting the places that we love.

My dog, Onyx, chases every creature that skitters through the brush and up trees. I don’t bring her to the east side of the Cascades during the summer moths as she would find her first rattlesnake an intriguing toy. Before the summer came, I brought her to the area, but I strapped on her dreaded, despised muzzle.  Hers is one made for Dobermans, consisting of a stainless steel cage over the nose and mouth and leather straps that fit the device to her skull, so that she can’t remove the muzzle. There are no words to describe how much she hates this device; without it, she’d dispatch one squirrel and chipmunk after another to wildlife heaven.  So I use the muzzle.  She’s elated with the opportunity, on days when no one seems about, to be allowed to run and romp for hours. The exercise is great for both of us. And she can’t end the lives of animals she would kill but not eat.

My question is, what do you think about dogs in the wilderness?  What should dog owners do when they allow their dogs to run off leash?  Should muzzles be standard to protect the wildlife, or in your view is this overkill (pun intended).

Please let us know your thoughts.  As the summer travel season heats up (and aren’t we ready for more sunny days?), Onyx and I are panting to know your thoughts.