What's the Best Climber's Dog ?

I know this has already been said but...

If your dog isn't 100% friendly towards humans... keep it on a leash.

Last summer I was climbing at a local craig (hoback shield) with my girlfriend. We rolled up and there were some out-of-towners already there with a doberman. The dog barked at us the entire time we climbed (on a route about 100 meters away), but the group assured us he was friendly and "would never hurt anyone". After the first climb, we approached the group to do a route on their side of the craig. As we got close, the dog ran up to us while barking. I stuck my hand out to let him sniff (also prepared to break the fuckers neck if he turned on me). He took one sniff and continued over to my girlfriend who was not quite as confident. Sensing this, he immediately bit her on the leg.

It didn't rip her pants and it was just a quick nip, so we didn't make a big deal. Later when we got back to the house, we realized it had in fact broken her skin. While, its highly unlikely, in the back of our heads we now have to wonder if there is a possibility she could have contracted rabies.

I seriously love dogs as much as anyone. But I'm also prepared to kill one if it threatens me, my family or my friends. If your dog isn't 100% loving of humans and submissive to other dogs (there's nothing more distracting than a dog fight while you're trying to belay), do us all a favor and leave it at home.

For me a lab no doubt
www.Wild-Paths.com

Lab
www.Wild-Paths.com

Boomer Dog- my favorite adventure buddy.
Akita/German Shepherd/American Staffordshire mix

Frannie was. Sigh.

Best dog Crags on the west side!
bit.ly/1D6YHWl

German Shepherd Mix

German Shepherd Mix

Will S wrote:NEW RULE: Any dipshit that uses "haters" because someone has a differing opinion and no actual hate is displayed, gets a kick in the nutz. NEW RULE: Any subset of dipshits detailed above, who go the step further in their exercise of mental midgetry and posts a picture with a caption in Impact font with "haterz gonna hate" gets not only a swift kick in the ballz, but also subjected to pointing and laughing by the 99.95% of people who can articulate a thought beyond posting some stupid fucking pictures and can comprehend nuance. Love dogs, they have no place at the crags. Carry on.

Im sorry I just couldn't help myself

H8erz guna h8

I could have rapped into the canyon in 5 minutes but nooooo. 45 minutes to walk down, across, up, and around. But god damn it I love him. And to think the poor bastard could have been adopted by some asshole that tied him to a chain in the back yard... After I got a dog i realized my life now revolved around him. I've missed out on a couple of big days for sure. Just had to change around my routine a little. Welp looks like were cragging today, Bridal Veil will have to wait till next week.

P.S. anyone who wants to thrash me for taking my dog ice climbing... eat my boogers

Navajo Retriever aka rez mutt

Lobo Don't Care

Tom Fralich wrote: Agreed. The best dog for climbers is NO DOG. Everyone I know who climbs and has gotten a dog says that they climb less as a result. Firstly, dogs aren't allowed in certain areas. Secondly, it's kind of cruel to let your dog sitting at the base of a route while you climb for 10 hours. Most people with dogs realize this and focus more on single-pitch cragging. 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.

I don't necessarily climb less as a result of having a dog, like you said I just climb with different objectives - usually just cragging and 1-2 pitch stuff in areas that are both safe for a dog and that aren't high traffic. I leave her at home or get a dogsitter if I want a long weekend somewhere with bigger objectives.

Point being is that neither one has higher priority and you can accommodate both in your life.

As long as she's outside she's content.

The one left home. . .

This guy has been cragging for 11 years. Never heard one person complain.

Slack, the crag dog.