User deleted post
Sorry, wasn’t aware only humans are entitled to outside exercise.
Well they're not. But people are entitled to not being subjected to 6 off leash dogs.
Please reconsider this business plan. And dear lord I hope no insurance carriers will cover this. Horrible idea regardless of being dangerous. Especially whenever handling someone else’s pets.
Do you know how many people are already conducting this exact business in Missoula? And the reason I’m starting is they are completely booked with waitlists? Already insured, don’t you worry.
Guaranteed they will get shut down with first incident when a child gets bitten. No matter where you go they’ll still always be hikers/families. Dogs with pack mentality and unrestrained is a huge liability. Yes… you could always get owners to sign waiver if their dog gets hurt but it won’t protect you or your business from civil lawsuits.
Are you going to/do existing companies require muzzling?
Either way, whether you take this advice or have insurance or not. I can’t think of a worse situation to hike into (potentially you). I just hope no one gives you any of my frequent trails. Again, please reconsider going on public land and find someone whose private/fenced land you could lease.
Can’t wait to run into you out there! 😘
Looking forward to it! Would love get all your info and report you and your business for unsafe practices if any of your dogs come near mine or feel threatened in anyway. Unlike most around here, I don’t hike armed but believe me when I tell you that people will shoot first ask later if their dog is being attacked. People like you make me reconsider hiking unarmed if I can expect a loose pack of 6 or more dogs. Edit: it’s just so nonsensical for you or anyone running this type of business think this is a good idea to constantly have another persons animals loose on public trails in packs. Whether your fucking Cesar Milan…idk, you won’t be able to control the situation if it gets out of hand. I would hate for someone’s animal to get hurt because you can’t see the dangers. Why put yourself into a situation you can’t control regularly and think this is a good idea?
I don’t think having off leash dogs that don’t know you is a good idea, they will probably run away
The whole thing seems questionable anyway. Has lived here their entire life but doesn't know where to go to get solitude...? Hmmm.
Any clients I take on have to have basic recall and I do meet and greets first to assess their level of training and dogs will be equipped with gps collars.
Sounds like a fucking nightmare.
Basic recall and flawless voice control exist in two entirely different planes of reality.
If you are hiking dogs commercially you either need to find private land to do so or apply for permits from the relevant land managers. Forest service etc does not mess around with unauthorized commercial use and you're setting yourself up for a not good time when they eventually catch up to you.
I'm also pretty sure quite a few local hiking trails don't allow more than two dogs off-leash in a group, at least a few of the city ones (Jumbo for sure.)
User deleted comment
18d
My current dog walker does up to 16 at a time and has never had an issue. But, go on, person who knows nothing about the subject and has no valuable input
How do you manage that many dogs and keep them from running up on other people's animals in these situations?
Thanks for all the negativity fellow missoulians! I’ll delete the post so as not to trigger any more of you sensitive beings.
Wow dude. Just an honest question...one that you'd have answer for your clients anyway. If you haven't thought that far ahead maybe you should spend more time on it.
I didn’t mean to reply to you I was just trying to comment on the post as a whole. Have a great day
Look up SniffSpot if you're doing this commercially. I don't mind seeing people with their pets on trails, but I sure AF don't want someone exploiting our natural resources and crowding trails while charging people who are too lazy to do it themselves. You should have to pay extra money to the state (beyond taxes) to do this, honestly.
How many dogs would you be walking at a time?
Until I get more comfortable, my max will be 6 dogs. That’s how many of the gps collars I ordered to start. Once I get a better feel I’ll probably increase my numbers.
That’s a big crew for most places within 20 min drive from town. I’d look further out to find seclusion
Consider gated logging roads on Forest Service land, though maybe look into those permits another commenter mentioned.
Gated roads usually provide a wide trail, and there tend not to be a lot of other folks out and about. Because of this, you'd have to be wary of wildlife.
Thank you. I almost mentioned logging roads in my post as I think those will be a great option
The Pattee Canyon/Deer Creek area has some, as well as up Schwartz Creek in Clinton (one of which connects to Miller Creek). Pattee would be closer, though. Blue Mountain has some, but I think they see a bit more traffic.
Deer creek is a great idea, I have a spot in mind now that you reminded me, thanks!
I would try blue mountain. Waterworks is currently leash only right now due to a delicate plant
Too many people keep their dogs leashed on blue mtn and don’t want their dogs to play or sniff and whatnot. I’m looking for much more secluded areas
More secluded within 20 minutes of Missoula?
There are places…but 6 dogs off leash is a lot to handle without their owners for one person.
"Oh, I know some good spots..."
"What? Nevermind."
"Actually Missoula is terrible for hiking."