My big deal is...the trail systems I'm referring to are leash law specific. Hikers AND bikers are ignoring the well posted signage requiring leashes and picking up excrement.

I supposed to me (who's never ridden a trail with a dog in tow), that it APPEARS dangerous to the dog because a dog is certainly less predictable than a riding partner. It seems like it would be pretty easy to have your own dog dart out in front of you - quite possibly injuring you and the dog.

I certainly APPEARS to be dangerous to myself and the dog, when I see another rider approaching at typical trail speeds. The dog is running to and fro behind the rider. I have to slow down and STOP to keep from running into the dog...yet the other rider keeps plowing along with complete disregard for how it might be impacting my ride.

This is the same thing I run accross with hikers...normally a friendly "passing on your left" or head on approach and a "hi, how are you doing" is sufficient. But more and more lately, I've run accross other riders and hikers who by themselves would be no problem. But when you add a friendly (I LOVE DOGS GUYS!) dog that's meandering around on the trail - it is an unwelcome disruption that frequently leaves its little packages on the trail. I don't particularly appreciate flying along a trail and splashing through a doggie pile - or having to suddenly avoid doing so.

I have also run accross hikers, hiking with leashed dogs that maintain proper control and proper trail etiquette when they hear or see you approaching.

a2psyklnut - I'm with you man, it's easy to say "my dog is no problem" - but how can we all agree one way or the other about the issue. You and your dog are probably part of like a 10% minority of good behavior and good doggie trail etiquette (though I still feel you should pick up after your dog).

The trails I'm referring to are HEAVILY traveled, multi-use trails within city limits (and some of the BEST trails you could hope to find anywhere) - so you can only imagine the amount of use and excrement I'm talking about.

As far as the snakes go - the city and parks goes through the same thing - year after year. One or two dogs are bitten and die in the parks each year due to owners allowing their dogs to roam freely.

I do not advocate that every nook and cranny of the earth be anti-dog - I love dogs, I would however appreciate everyone following the same set of guidelines and etiquette when out on the trail.

BTW - How can we convince horse riders to pick up...or at least sweep those huge friggin piles to the side of the trail?? LOL!