What's the Best Climber's Dog ?
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Tom Fralich wrote: If you get a dog, it should be because having a dog is more important than climbing. If climbing is still your first priority, forget it.While I agree that dogs should be left at home while cragging most of the time. If you do end up getting a dog it should in no way be related to how much you climb. I have a dog and it has not affected how much I climb at all. Sure It might be more of a challenge sometimes but its been worth it for sure! Oh ya and as far as a kind of dog to get I recommend a australian shepherd/border collie. great dogs and super smart. good luck! |
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Don't listen to the haters. If you train him right he'll be fine. Not a good idea on multi-pitch climbs, but for single pitch and bouldering they can be awsome. I have a lab pup and he's never been a problem. Stayes off the pads and doesen't bark when he'd tied up. It's allll about the master not so much the dog. Just my 2 cents |
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Zeke wrote:The one having the most fun.+ 100 |
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Get a friendly dog that doesn't bark (i.e. that won't "guard your gear" - if you're worried about that then you can carry your gear with you). Also, it might be wise to test a dog's guts by a quick trip to the talus slopes - I've seen dogs that are a pain because they can't make simple obstacles, and I've seen dogs on the opposite side of the spectrum that go absolutely flippin' crazy and get themselves cliffed out. |
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Alex Washburne wrote: Unlike the haters out there, I'll give you guys the benefit of the doubt for being responsible dog owners.Haven't seen any haters on this thread, just some who question the compatibility of climbing and dog ownership. Is a 'hater' someone who disagrees with you on any point, or just on the subject of dogs? Personally, I love dogs. Always had dogs around when I was a kid, never had any problems with them. But in all honesty, I think the 'crag-dog' question is one of geography, as well as the obvious points about canine and human behaviour. Here in California, many (poss. even most) good areas are in National Parks where dogs can't run free, so it's a bit limiting if you want to take Fido out. In other areas (I'm thinking of the Front Range) there are plenty of dog-friendly crags, but (and remember I write this as a dog-lover) there are just too many damn dogs. In other areas with less land-management/demographic issues, then taking a well-behaved dog to the crag may indeed be a pleasant addition for all. BTW Alex, that's a good looking and well-behaved dog you've got there. Does he/she know what to do when she hears 'rock!' or 'below!'? And chained like that at the base of the crag, would he/she be able to get out of the way? No need to answer, as long as you've though about those questions to yourself. |
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Any dog that is big and strong enough to carry your pack is fine. |
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Call me a hater but I also don't think you should bring a dog to the crag. |
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Alex Washburne wrote:Unlike the haters out there, I'll give you guys the benefit of the doubt for being responsible dog owners.I love dogs, but based on my life experience, I would not give anyone the "benefit of the doubt." Sorry my friend, statistically that just doesn't add up. I don't see any haters here but I do see some awfully defensive dog owners. |
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In an effort to get another amazing dog like my last stray who found me, this time I went to the local humane society on six different occasions and spent a lot of time with many dogs to find one with all of those magic qualities: fun-loving, good hiker, calm and quiet when we're not on the go, and a good bond with our family. I'd like to take credit for her wonderful disposition but it was really already there I just had to spend some time looking for her, however, I do have to continue fostering those desired traits. A basic commands/training class is also really helpful. Good luck finding the right dog! |
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Dogs are only as disruptive as their master(s) allow them to be. Don't hate on the poorly trained dog, hate on the poorly trained master. |
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I've got a German Wirehaired pointer. She was a challenge the first few trips, getting in cacti, etc..., but now comes along without trouble. Scrambles pretty hard, and doesn't complain about long days. A great companion. |
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Koby
Just get a samoyed--they are not the most obiedient dogs, but they are good looking. Just look at Koby, he a model who spends his free time climbing in the South Platte. |
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LARRY!!!! The bouldering over water/dog pic is very good. |
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Kati T. wrote:My husband and I want to get a dog to bring along on our adventurous trips to the crag -- which involve a lot of bushwhacking, and wilderness hiking. We want a crag dog that is tough enough to withstand the approach and loyal enough to guard our gear as we climb. Said crag dog should also be savvy enough to ward off (or warn us of) any beasts of nature that may pose a danger to his/her owners. Pictures encouraged.None! Crag dogs are annoying to crag people (who actually enjoy the crag). Climb with all your gear if you're worried about it. |
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The one that stays with your stuff and is happy to see you when you get back. That being said don't know that I'd take Tucker out when I'm going to be up for hours on end. He's been a great crag dog though, been climbing since he was two months old. |
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Any dog that walks on peoples ropes, whines, bites, digs into packs, and takes giant poops next to someone belaying should work at the local sport area. |
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The best climbing dog, is a dog at home. Leave pets at home. |
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phoenix pays attention and hangs out at the crag
but.... he finds it fun to pull me down. I take my dog a lot of the time to the bouldering spots, but never up to the trad or sport crags. |