Respectful and responsible off-leash dog walking (Austin, Grand Prairie: house, neighborhood, scorpions)

[dmorrell]

Hello there, I'd like to tell you a bit about my current situation. My husband and I own a 2 year old husky X border collie x lab. We currently live in Canada, and do a lot of off-leash walking (which she's been trained specifically for). We live in a small town where many people do this, and it's fine (we don't have "Dogs must be leashed" signs here, there are "dogs must be adequately controlled" signs) me and my dog do a lot of day-hiking, and the terrain around here is very rocky/mountainous, so hiking with a leash is not only awkward and dangerous, but it's plain silly.. there is generally nobody else around for miles. We've become accustomed to this type of walking, and I'd like to continue.. but in a responsible and respectful way.


In a few months we're moving to Cedar Hill. There are plenty of parks around Cedar Hill, such as the State Park/Joe Pool, but I understand there are Leash Laws, which I plan to heed, I don't want to ruffle any feathers. While I know that my dog has zero interest in approaching strangers, is well mannered, and obeys my command, I can understand how my dog running around off a leash can make people uncomfortable. To me, she appears to be a beacon of joy and enthusiasm, bounding through the forest. To a stranger, who does not know her and has zero control over it, it is easy for my dog to appear to be 60 lbs of muscle and teeth crashing through the woods. And so I have a couple of questions about how I can safely and respectfully continue exercising my dog without the restriction of a leash.


1) Where are some good places that are remote enough that I wouldn't be bothering anyone? I understand that the Cedar Hill State Park around Joe Pool is very large.. perhaps large enough that I could hike far enough in that off-leash walking wouldn't be a nuisance?


2) In Canada I generally hike on Crown Land, because it isn't park land, it's remote, untouched, and I rarely encounter anyone I may be bothering. Where could I find an equivalent of Crown Land that I may explore?


3) I'm curious and snakes and such. While I'm quite accustomed to threat of large animals (bears, cougars, elk, moose, etc) I've never had to be concerned about poisonous snakes, scorpions, or spiders. What are the best ways to protect me and my dog against these threats?



Thank for you reading all of that. I know that there are many people that do not appreciate off-leash dog walkers, but please realize that I have no intention of doing it in a disrespectful way.

[TrueDat]

There are off-leash dog parks around though it sounds like you're looking for something more remote and wild.

Parks Main Page

Central Bark in Grand Prairie, TX - (972) 237-8100 - Doggies Welcome

[carroll4628]

Dog parks are fenced in areas typically 2-10 acres (give or take), so i dont think you'd enjoy walking around the perimeter of the fence. Also, your dog will just frolic with the other canines. If you are hiking during the week (particularly during the winter months) there will be fewer people at the state parks so you can have more solitude - but be safe - a big dog with a big bark is a good thing. I'd try going off leash when there aren't many cars in the parking lot. For the snakes, spiders, etc the best bet is to just stay on the trail. But that's tough for the dog. I'm envisioning paw pads with little gators for her - but that's probably overkill. I'd ask you vet.

[kenshi]

The Great Trinity Forest has some fairly remote places. At some, you might see a couple of people on the weekends and at others, you're unlikely to see anyone anytime. The only problem is at the more secluded places, you have to park in sketchy places but I haven't had any problem. (I have a crappy car.) Just ask if you want to know more.

[jekutz]

Like the previous poster during the week is your best bet. Look for hiking trails with few cars. We have a dog that has been trained off leash and we have found several places around the area (although we are further north) that work for us. She is always in sight and voice control and has learned if people approach her job is to come back to us right away. I grew up in Grand Prairie and spent lots of time off leash with my childhood dog up on the trails in Cedar Hill at the state park. The park is lots busier than it was when I was younger but still many places to hike into. In all honesty we have never had issues with the snakes or other poisonous critters. That's not to say it won't or can't happen but we've had no issue other than the occasional tick. You will have lots of good hiking where you are moving. Just use common sense and keep a leash on you at all times and you will be fine. We lived in LA for two years and loved that their was lots of off leash wilderness area for our doggies to hike. Not so much of that here but if you are respectful and again use common sense you will be fine.

[MckinneyOwnr]

I don't think having your dog off the leash is a good idea here in TX. If you were in Austin, you're liable to have Rick Perry see your dog running around, pull out his gun and shoot at it while he's on his hike.

(I'm only partially joking here.)

[Double-G]

Originally Posted by MckinneyOwnr

I don't think having your dog off the leash is a good idea here in TX. If you were in Austin, you're liable to have Rick Perry see your dog running around, pull out his gun and shoot at it while he's on his hike.

(I'm only partially joking here.)

He was jogging in the early morning and it was a coyote FWIW.

[fratermus]

Originally Posted by Double-G

He was jogging in the early morning and it was a coyote FWIW.

I think the gist was that Early AM + off-leash husky* might be mistaken for a wild canine.


fm

* mix

[TheOverdog]

We walk our dog off leash all the time in our neighborhood. There are leash laws, but the dog catcher isn't chasing people around waiting to give tickets. As long as your dog is under control, you'll be fine. Just be sure to clean up its messes. There is no equivelent of 'crown land' in Texas - all the land is privately owned or a state park.

[Pete53FR]

We have two female goldens and they are off leash when we are at wife's 22 acre country home on 22 acres. In town they are on the leash or in house or back yard. Its really just as much for the dog's protection.

Texas can get very snaky in spring. Dogs are smarter about snakes than most realize. I guess my point is if your dog will come to you when called should not be a problem walking off leash when in remote areas.