At The Trail Collective, we understand that for some people, part of the beauty of the trails is the chance to enjoy time with our four-legged friends. As a general rule, we typically ask for no dogs at clinics or instructional events, but they are welcome at most informal runs. Individual event descriptions will specify but please feel free to ask us ahead of the event if it’s not clear.

To ensure we still meet the guiding principles of our collective, the safety and comfort of our human runners always comes first. That is why we need to be vigilant with the following expectations and responsibilities:

Dog handlers must: 

• Not allow your dog to approach any human or dog without permission – some dogs are only comfortable with humans/dogs that they have a previous relationship with 

• Always be close to and in control of your dog during the runs

• Be sure your dog is not creating a hazard for runners, other dogs and other trail users. E.g. 

• stopping in the middle of the trail in front of runners

• running too close to runners

• cutting in front of runners

• not moving out of the way of bikes

• approaching other dogs (within and outside the group) in a reactive/aggressive way

• Always have a leash with you as you may be required to leash your dog at any point during the runs

• Give other dogs and runners space on the trails

• Remember that we sometimes cross trafficked roads and railroads. Please ensure your dog has good recall and be mindful to leash when necessary

• Always bring poop bags with you so you can clean up after your dog. Even though we’re in the woods, leaving poops behind on the trail is poor etiquette! 

• Gauge the overall group and your dog’s behaviour, and run with your dog on a leash if your dog is new to the trails or if they are creating any of the hazards noted above. 

Overall, please be conscientious and aware. If the group includes people who seem unsure or uncomfortable with dogs, keep your dog very close to you. Our dog’s behaviour can change day-to-day based on many different factors including outdoor conditions (rain/snow, darkness, interactions with wild animals) and the dynamic of the group that day (many other dogs, a large group of strangers, etc.). Just because your dog has successfully navigated an off leash trail run before, doesn’t mean that will always be the case, so we ask you to remain flexible and adapt to keep everyone safe and comfortable. 

Individual runners should:

• Not approach any dog without permission from the dog handler 

• Inform the dog handler (or a Trail Collective lead) if you witness a dog feeling anxious or lost on the trails and ask for the handler to be closer to their pup

• Speak up and ask for the handler to leash their dog if you witness a dog bumping into a runner in a way that may cause injury or is unsafe

• Do not attempt to grab a dog that you do not know, even if you witness one of the scenarios above

• If you don’t know who the dog handler is or you’re uncomfortable speaking up please speak to one of the Trail Collective leads
  

We believe that dogs should enjoy the trails as much as we do and that’s why we would like to hold dog handlers to the same etiquette & standards that we uphold as a community – responsibility, respect, and inclusivity. 

We do hope that you understand the necessity of this message and value the integrity of this great community