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Does anyone know of any hiking trails that are not within the National Park where I could walk my dog? Or any other suggestions for a good dog-walking area? My neighborhood road is too steep, and there's not enough grass. She's still a puppy, but she's getting bigger every day and I think she's getting antsy in our small one-bedroom condo. Thanks!
Posted : July 10, 2006 5:47 pm
Andrea,
I believe you can walk your puppy on the trails in the National Park as long as they remain on the leash. I could be wrong but my boss walks his dog on the Reef Bay Trail all the time.
Hope this helps.
Pia
Posted : July 10, 2006 7:13 pm
I was very surprised to see that you are right! I thought they were prohibited, but here are the rules: http://www.nps.gov/viis/rules.htm
No dogs on the beach or campgrounds, but you can walk them on trails, leashed. I hope you bring a baggy for the puppy poop! 🙂
Posted : July 10, 2006 11:14 pm
I always take the cheapest sandwich baggy possible for puppy pooh. They work great! And much cheaper than the original puppy pooh bags in the pet store.
Posted : July 11, 2006 2:37 am
Topic starter
That's good to know, thanks! I just immediately disregarded the National Park b/c I've heard horror stories about frightened park rangers shooting dogs, but now that I think about it, the dogs in that story (rumor) were not leashed...I think. And don't worry, I'll bring my little baggie along. I hate stepping in dog poop just as much as the next person.
Posted : July 11, 2006 3:48 pm
sorry if this is a stupid question but are all stx beaches national parks? are there any beaches that are pet friendly? i'd like to take my dog to the beach (off leash). on my pmv i saw dogs at cane bay and shoys...
Posted : July 11, 2006 4:49 pm
Please don't take your dog to the beach off the leash.
Posted : July 11, 2006 7:14 pm
thanks for your response, jules--is this law or opinion?
there are many places that have laws about dogs being off leash (designated/fenced off areas, specific times they can be off leash in certain parks, etc.). i know people take their dogs off leash regardless (not me) but am wondering if there are any areas that are:
1. pet friendly
2. not national parks
it does seem difficult to swim with a leash on...
Posted : July 12, 2006 12:48 am
The question was about the trails in the National Park on St John. I don't know about St Croix, but here on St Thomas, there are some undeveloped beaches that, unfortunately, people let their dogs run wild. Poop on a beach is a real downer.
BTW, those of you who are good dog owners and pick up your poop...How does one mention to the other dog walkers that they should do this?
Posted : July 12, 2006 1:43 am
That was my personal request. Don't know if it's law (should be, IMHO).
Posted : July 12, 2006 1:54 am
Dogs in the V.I. are required BY LAW to be leashed, period, when in the public domain.
Were I on a beach where dogs were either running either free or on a leash and an owner didn't pick up the poop, I'd come right out and ask them please to do so. Squished poop between the toes is icky!
Posted : July 12, 2006 2:07 am
agreed that poop on the beach is a downer (it is anywhere if you ask me). it's unfortunate for us good dog owners that there are unresponsible ones.
EE, to respond to your question...while in the dog park the other day another person's dog pooped in the middle of the park and he did not pick it up (i'll give him the benefit of the doubt that he didn't see it or something). anyways, i simply told him his dog pooped and pointed out the specific location. i also offered him a baggy and all was good.
once a dog pooped in front of my bldg. it was obvious the owner had no intention of ever picking it up so i walked up to him and asked if he needed a bag for that. it's always good to be helpful AND get your way!
it seems st. croix needs a designated dog park for the doggies to run free. any thoughts or ideas on how this can happen?
Posted : July 12, 2006 2:53 am
On STX, Cane Bay is a beach that has loose dogs, especially on the weekends. Sandy Point and Buck Island are government areas and I don't think pets are allowed.
Most beaches on STX are also turtle nesting areas. It is important that dogs not be allowed to dig on our beaches during turtle season. So leashes are necessary, even if not legally mandated.
Posted : July 12, 2006 8:59 am
Most people are on point with their answers to the dog walking question. But I just wanted to clarify.
As far as the National Park goes:
Dogs are allowed on trails, as long as they are leashed. Doggy poo is to be picked up when walking dogs in the park. Dogs are not allowed on the beach at any time for a few reasons, but a major reason is that they pick up the scent of sea turtle eggs and have a tendency to want to dig it up. Once they are dug up, it is open season on the eggs. Not a good thing. All the above are ticketable offenses, and the park does take them seriously.
Happy dog walking.
Posted : July 13, 2006 1:49 pm
