Frequently Asked Questions
(or at least ones that should be asked!)
What are the rules for participating in a K9
Trailblazers hike?
Why do I have to keep my dog on leash?
Why do I need to bury or pack out my dog's poop?
How do I find out about your hikes?
What is your cancellation policy?
Do I have to have a dog to come on a hike and can
I bring guests?
What should I bring on the hike?
Are there restrictions on breeds or mixes of breeds
that can attend a K9TB hike?
How old does my dog have to be before he can attend a
K9TB hike?
Are K9TB shirts available for sale to the general
public?
What are the rules for participating in a K9
Trailblazers hike?
K9 Trailblazers relies heavily on the responsibility and good judgment of individual owners, but we do have a
few rules: Dogs (and people) must be well behaved and under control at all times. We require that dogs
wear an I.D. tag and be on a standard 6-8 foot leash not "Flexi" or extendable leads
and we also require that you scoop your dog's poop and carry it out with you or bury it (if allowed in that area). For your safety and the
safety of others on the hike, your dog must be current on vaccination for rabies, and should be current on vaccinations for
other illnesses as recommended by your veterinarian.
You must also come prepared. That means that
you're physically capable of making the hike, you've brought enough
water for you and your dog and that you are wearing sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support.
If hike leaders do not feel that you are prepared, they reserve the
right to turn you away at the trailhead.
Why do I have to keep my dog on leash?
It's the law in most places we hike. Also, it's good "public relations"
because it insures that all dogs on our hike are under control and that other people on the trail can quickly perceive this.
Why do I need to bury or pack out my dog's poop?
Kicking dog poop into the underbrush, or just throwing a few leaves over
it, does not prevent someone from walking through it. People leave the trail for a variety of reasons, including to sit down & have lunch! So,
either pick it up & pack it out, or dig a hole 6-8 inches deep & bury
it.
How do I find out about your hikes?
The "schedule" section
of the web site lists our upcoming hikes. Detailed information on
the hikes will be available there, and we e-mail meeting time and place
information to interested hikers. If you would like to receive our
announcements, you will need an email address. Go to the "contacts"
page and send us an e-mail. We'd love to have you join us.
What is your cancellation policy?
In general we hike rain, snow, or shine. Hikes are cancelled in
the event of severe or dangerous weather conditions, or if weather
conditions make hiking conditions hazardous.
Do I have to have a dog to come on a hike and can
I bring guests?
Dogless people are always welcome on our
hikes. In fact, most of our hikes are joint hikes with the Potomac Appalachian
Trail Club.
You may bring guests, but they must be pre-registered for
the hike. Guests should be made aware of the difficulty of the hike,
come properly equipped, and agree to follow our rules. Of
course anyone who doesn't like dogs should NOT come! Also,
please do not attempt to register a number of people at once.
Where practical we request that we have the e-mail addresses of everyone
signed up so that we can notify them of hike announcements.
What should I bring on the hike?
Be prepared for the weather and the trail. That means bring a hat and sunscreen if necessary and dress in layers on cold
days.
Many of the trails we hike are rocky, so sturdy hiking boots with
good ankle support are a requirement. Be sure to bring enough water for you
and your dog and you may also wish to bring snacks for both of you as well. It’s a good idea to carry some simple first aid
supplies for yourself and your dog along with a copy of your dog’s vaccination records and the phone number of your
veterinarian.
Are there restrictions on
breeds or mixes of breeds that can attend a K9TB hike?
All breeds and mixes are welcome on our hikes. Our
only requirement is that both the dogs and handlers are well behaved and
under control.
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