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I will be vacationing in Muskoka for a few weeks, and will have my GWP with me. Is there anywhere in the general area of Bracebridge where I can let the dog run, retrieve bumpers, etc.? I�m from Pennsylvania, and don�t know the ins and outs of dog training on public land in Ontario. I don�t intend to use birds, just need a place to let my dog burn off some energy.
When dogs are off leash you'll have to be able to show care and control also out of hunting season chasing game is a big no.
Watch out for posted prohbitions otherwise good to go.
https://live.staticflickr.com/7867/3...f625bbbb_z.jpg[url=https://flic.kr/p/QNoYma]
That’s sad to see a sign like that.
What did it take for someone to go out of there way to pay for signs like that?
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That would be a question for the GRCA as its one of their properties. If I had to venture a guess as its a hunting by permit only area too many non permit guys out with their dogs saying "oh I'm not hunting just training the dog"Quote:
Originally Posted by roffey
Finsfurfeathers - thanks for the info.
As a general rule there is no off-leash dogs allowed on public land, however, as a dog owner myself, I have never even heard of anyone being charged. When out on a trail most dog owners let their dogs off leash but call them back when someone approaches. There 'leash-free' areas in most towns, here are some around Muskoka: https://www.muskokaregion.com/commun...n-bracebridge/
I avoid those designated leash free areas unless I needed to do some socialization training with the Shepherd, they are breeding grounds for diseases such as kennel cough.
For the type of training you are wanting to do, a school green space on a quiet day may be better but as said above you will run a small risk of getting a ticket.
Good advice to keep you absolutely safe however I do believe its overly restrictive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
In General dogs are allowed off leash on public land unless specfically prohibited by law. Good rule of thumb is if you can hunt it your dog is good to be off leash.
Lands subject to high use by different users may have leash requirements and those areas will be posted.
The General rule is dogs have to be leashed unless otherwise permitted, it is not required to be posted as such. I don't have access to all the regs in all areas but here is a sample of the rules for Ontario Parks.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Bringing your dog to Ontario Parks
Pets enhance holiday time for their owners, but they can easily disturb times of relaxation and the outdoor atmosphere for others. Dogs are welcome at all Ontario Parks, and are permitted on campsites, park roads and most hiking trails, except for a few specific campgrounds and sensitive areas.
However, dog owners must be respectful of nature and their fellow park visitors. To accommodate both those with and without pets, we ask that you adhere to the following rules related to dogs. Violations may result in a minimum fine of $95.00;
Dogs are not permitted in the following areas:
beaches and swimming areas (unless a designated dog beach)
comfort stations
roofed accommodations (except designated dog friendly sites)
waters adjacent to interior campsites where campers obtain drinking water
all areas posted prohibiting domestic animals (service animals excluded)
Always keep dogs on a leash no longer than 2 metres (6 feet) in length, unless in a designated off-leash area or designated roofed accommodation
Do not allow dogs to damage or disturb park vegetation and wildlife
Do not leave dogs unattended or allow them to make excessive noise
Pick up after your dog’s waste (stoop-and-scoop bags are available at most gatehouses)
In the past I have let my dog off leash many times in areas not designated as leash free, and I would do so again with no worry.
You provided the specfic rules for ontario parks. If dogs needed to be leashed univesally them rules wouldn't be need. In Simcoe county forest they writeQuote:
Originally Posted by Marker
"Permitted Activities:
Walking and hiking
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Orienteering and geocaching
Nature appreciation and study
Horseback riding
Dog walking - Pets must be under control or on leash
Harvesting of non-wood forest products for personal use only"
So they can be off leash just under control
In any case best to verify with the managing authority for an area for specfic rules.
Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
I was responding to your comment regarding the general rule, which is dogs are to be leashed unless otherwise permitted.
I contend dogs are allowed off leash unless prohibited. If your assertion is correct please shown me the regulation which allows dogs off leash on crown land.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
I do not know of any regs that allow dogs off leash on crown land, however, I let my dogs off leash on crown land (including municipal land) other than during deer season, as do many other dog owners.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Here is a link to an information page which discusses the ruling.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/protect-...wildlife-traps
Dog owners
It’s an offense under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 for a dog owner in Ontario to allow their dog to run at large in an area usually occupied by game wildlife, such as forested lands and woodlots.
As per your assertion that the default is dogs must be on a leash than there must be regulation that allow dogs to be off leash on crown. If not every Houndsman and Birddog Hunter is contraveneing the regulation. The absents of that provision must dictate that the default is dogs do not need to be leashed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
As per your second point
Dog owners
It’s an offense under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997 for a dog owner in Ontario to allow their dog to run at large in an area usually occupied by game wildlife, such as forested lands and woodlots.
Refers to the owners having care and control over their dogs, meaning dogs cannot roam at will
I am not a lawyer, and can only answer from a lay-person perspective. It is my understanding that the act of hunting exempts the leash requirement.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
In regards to your clarification regarding the 'run at large' wording, I agree with you in that the intent is there is no care and control.
Well believing that dogs must be on leash and are comfortable breaking the rules by letting your dog off is ok with you than great proceed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marker
I for one like to work within the rules as best I can.
Knowing regulations are written mostly in wording prohibiting activities the inability to find either case "In ontario dogs must be on a leash at all times" or " ON crown land dogs must be leashed except for these conditions..." I'm comfortable in conducting myself with the notion dogs can be off leash except where prohibited or regulated
Before covid I trained on a team with 30 dogs, I did Human Remains detection and and live-finds specializing in Autistic and Alzheimer's (they have similar lost person behavior). Yes, there were many times we broke the rules, we had the police called on us a number of times for off leash dogs and trespassing and they basically tell the complainant to shut up. So, when looking at the totality of the situation, its not about breaking the rules as much as it is about doing more good.Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
That said, there were times we were told we were breaking the rules, but I cannot quote what those exact rules were.
Edit: After saying as much as I have the time for on this issue I will take a break from this forum until hunting season starts.