Outward Hounds Hiking Club
Hikers’ Safety Guidelines
By following these rules, you will help make the hike a safe andenjoyable experience for the volunteers and dogs:
- Always keep a firm grip with both hands on the leash. Ensures that your dog does not accidently get away if he is startled and/or decides to chase something unexpectedly.
- Don’t assume that all dogs get along. Be alert to dogs getting too close to one another and/or warning signs of dog-reactive behavior. When we stop in a group, give your dog at least 10 feet of space from the other dogs. *If your dog shows signs of dog-reactiveness (lunging, snarling, nipping, biting), add an additional10 feet of space (20’ total) between them.
- Keep BWAR dogs separate from outside dogs that we pass on the trail. We do not know how they will react to dogs outside of our group, or what kind of medical conditions other people’s dogs have.
- Step to the side of off of the trail and hold your dog in close on a short leash when passing other hikers, cyclists, runners, children, etc.People are not always comfortable passing a stranger’s dog, so good trail manners are important. Also, some dogs may be overly stimulated by a runner, cyclist, etc.
- When dogs are offered a water break, it is best to take turns and let them drink from the water bowl one at a time.
- As a rule, when more than one dog is transported in a single vehicle, they must be separated via use of a crate(s).
- Ask your hiking leader for assistance when needed and HAVE FUN! [MO1]
Adoption Center Telephone - 828-505-3440[MO2] ext. 101 or 102
GENERAL INFORMATION & GUIDELINES
Outward Hounds Hikes begin at 10:00 am on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday each week. Hikes begin at 9 am Memorial Day – Labor Day. They typically conclude by 1:00 pm. Volunteer hike leaders and/or BWAR staff will assist hikers with selecting/harnessing a dog for the hike upon your arrival at the BWAR Adoption Center.
Hikes are limited to 15 hikers per trip. Please sign up through VicNet (for existing volunteers), or email your preferred hike date, and a backup date to . If you are not an existing/active volunteer, please complete a volunteer application before your first hike at and sign up for an orientation. You must complete your orientation within two months of your first hike.
Hikes are typically 3-5 miles, on moderate to strenuous trails. Hiking trail locations are determined by the hike leaders on the day of hike, and include Blue Ridge Parkway, Montreat College/Black Mountain, NC Arboretum, Warren Wilson College, Biltmore Estate (one Wednesday a month).
Carpoolingto the hikes is possible, but may be limited based on type/size of the dog, so hikers should be prepared to drive their own cars. Two or more dogs cannot ride loose in one car. (i.e., if 2 dogs ride in the same care, one or both must be crated).
Hike leaders will provide water for the dogs, however, hikers are required to bring water/aid for themselves, and also welcome to bring water for his/her dog. Hike leaders will provide written directions to each hiking trail. (Hikers should bring whatever personal items are needed – i.e., water, raincoat, etc.)
Groups of 5 or more need to contact the BWAR Volunteer Manager Susy Chandler() in advance to schedule a hiking date.
For safety reasons, children must be at least 16 years old to join the OH hikes, and must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Children under 18 years old are not allowed to handle a dog on a leash. A supervising adult must have control of the dog at all times.
Please Note –Some dogs on the OH hikes are not comfortable and/or are nervous around children.
How Does The Outward Hounds Hiking Club Benefit BWAR Dogs?
BWAR dogs learn to walk with different people and other dogs, building socialization skills (with people & dogs).
BWAR dogs become accustomed to car rides (and getting to go on a hike can be positive reinforcement for this experience).
Hikes give volunteers lots of opportunities to teach BWAR dogs “Trail Manners”: how to be behave when on leash, meeting other dogs, runners, cyclists, etc. on the trail.
Outward Hounds (OH) hikes are a great form of exercise, especially for higher energy dogs.
BWAR dogs learn to adapt to different environments/experiences since hike locations vary.
OH hikes give BWAR dogs visibility outside of the adoption center (someone passed on the trail may be, or know of a potential adopter).
Going “off-site” can give BWAR dogs a break from the high level of stress and stimulation typical in the adoption center environment.
[MO1]Are these all of the tips? Could not find another document
[MO2]What number is this?