I have a golden retriever, is it worth bring your dog to the boundary waters or do they get in the way.

People have a great time with dogs.

But.

The fact is, they scare away wildlife. Many people say, "ohh!, My boo boo never does that". They are wrong, every single dog scares away animals.

With all the guns out there, remember to keep it on a short leash.

I also have a golden retriever, she loves the water and would rather be in it than in the canoe. With work I think she would do well, but I just haven't had the time. Even while duck hunting, she is always trying to get out and swim.

I do take her backpacking and she does very well. Trygve is right about scaring away animals. Mice and squirrels might not be as big of a problem though.

She knows when I am packing gear and I do feel bad to leave her, but sometimes it is for her own good.

My only suggestion is to get your dog in a canoe and make sure it stays in!

Many dogs get lost in the woods.

I always take my dog. Have been for about 5 years. I mostly solo so the companionship is appreciated. He is great backpacking, just follows the trail and I follow him.

My friend dragged along his dog two years ago and it was a nightmare. The dog tipped the canoe and I lost my GPS in the middle of the lake. He still owes me for it.

Bassangler07, I had a similar situation, but my dog was the culprit. He saw other campers at a nearby site. He jumped out of the canoe and my friend and I managed not to tip the canoe. However, the dog ran to the other site and stole a steak off of their fire. Needless to say they weren't very happy. I would suggest leaving your furry friend at home to avoid potential disasters.

I brought my dog when he was a young pup, and have plans to bring him in next week. He was fairly well behaved in the canoe, and loved running in and out of the lakes all day. As well as helping with the dishes. We'll see how this weeks trip goes. He is quiet as a mouse so all you others worried need have no fear.

should have mentioned he is a 10 month old Golden Retriever as well.

I don't have a dog, but it seems to me that there is a lot to consider? For instance, how long is the drive there and how big is your party? If you are fishing, will he be in the boat with you (where he'll likely get excited about the fish and jump at it) or left on shore alone to wander the camp site? When you are skinning the fish will he be sniffing around for a bite. I think that if it is you and a buddy or girlfriend, sure, bring him but if you have a larger group then no, I'm sure not all of them want to deal with a dog.

There are so many factors to consider. I make my living working with dogs, love 'em (well, most of 'em). Have coworkers with wonderfully trained dogs that will come on command no matter what the situation. My dog, not so much. Are you prepared for potential injuries. Have they camped with you before. Will they bark too much (scare wildlife, disrupt others) stay in the canoe, chase any wild critter they see? Two of our clients lost dogs this way. Noses to the ground, oblivious to the owner.
IMO, if I could trust my dog 100% (or close) I might entertain the thought. However, BW is a once a year trip for us and I am a tad selfish and would rather worry about myself and my partner, not to mention seeing as many wild critters as possible. Did I mention I love dogs?

The fishing point is a good point. I don't generally fish, thus I have no hooks, or exciting fish for him to get him, or all of us into trouble.

I didn't read any other replies but here's my 2 cents:

If you like your dog and believe he/she will be good bring'em along. It will be a great experience for both of you. If your dog can be a real shit leave'm at home or make sure to pack a shovel as leaving animal remains un buried is frowned upon.

I love dogs and had them all my life. I wouldn't bring one in the BWCA but that's my opinion. This year I found old fishhooks in 3 campsites I visited. I am sure they were accidently left behind but I would worry about a dog getting one in their paw or possibly swallowing one. I have seen it happen twice on fishing trips. Fortunately both dogs didin't completely swallow it and the owner was able to dislodge the hook from the inside of their mouth. Taking a dog is completely up to the individual owner. Just my 2 cents worth. Izzy

We've taken our Chesapeak Bay Retriever every year for 11 years and our Chessie before that for 10 years. We move every day so it takes some advance prep to be prepared. For example - is your dog going to sleep in the tent? dogs will double or triple the amount of moisture in the air at night so condensation is a big problem. You'll need a very well vented tent. So we travel 2 adults and the dog in a 3 person Marmot w/2 vestibules and roof vents.

And - when it rains (and hopefully it will rain ALOT very soon to get rid of the fire ban), you will have a wet dog - how will you deal with that in your tent?

When portaging you'll need to be alert to others on the trail. Keep your dog in a heel. It seems so common these days that there are people making multiple trips through the portages and som of them spread themselves out and leave packs around with food. I watch carefully -

If your dog is the type to wander, don't bring them.

Practice in the canoe with your dog before you get there. If the lakes are cold the bottom of the canoe will be cold. I bring a small pad for my dog to sit on. Helps her to know her spot and keeps her from moving around due to being cold.

Our dog carries her own food and the water pump. She knows to wait when we get out and knows the term "pack up." Granite Gear makes a great dog pack.

Lastly, we only provide a small space in the canoe for the dog. That way she can't shift from side to side.

Used to bring the dog...and don't get me wrong he was great to travel with and great in a canoe.....BUT as Trygve said and I found it to be true....They scare off the wildlife. I stopped seeing ANY moose, deer and the other critters that we like to see in the BWCA. Also as mentioned before keep track of your dog if you bring him along. One trip many years ago I found a lost dog on Lake Insula and he was miserable. I first heard him crying out in the night and watched the next day as he swam from island to island looking for his master. It was hard to see.

JJ
After reading mooseplums reply that would do it for me,leave them at home. We have 2 dogs,Lab and Lab mix,great dogs,but we would never take them up there. As I said in another thread they would not last 3 mins with a wolf pack. Its just not worth it.

CB

you guys wouldnt laugh out loud if you saw my chihuahua on a portage trail...would you? :) Jan (its my back-up pike bait)

I too have a golden and would love to take her along sometime. She would sit in the boat and whine the whole time though. Dogs are a great idea as long as you have them controlled at all times with either a leash or training collar.

My Golden comes along on every trip, just like my long gone Collie mix. Despite what tyrgve sez... My dog is a part of the family, he comes everywhere. With the dog we have seen Moose, Bear, Deer, Squirrel, Ducks, Geese, Grouse, Coyote, Wolf, Fisher, Martin, Beaver, Blue Jay, Grey Jay, Ravens, Eagles, Turkey Vultures, Heron, Hawks, Osprey, "Tweety" Birds, etc..., about the only thing I haven't seen in the BW that I see elsewhere(with my partner) is Otter & Mink. I think it's just a matter of time though.

Hey, this should be easy... if your dog is your buddy, partner, best friend, etc... it's a no-brainer... TAKE 'EM,.

I would not bring a dog for a few reasons. One, I don't want to lug around his food all week. Two, I have a 15 hours drive to get there. Three, i hate cleaning up dog shi@#$ and i would hate to leave a camp site with one that i missed. And I would feel terrible if he barked or howled all night.

Love 'em. Have a four year-old Goden Retriver and he's just now settling down a bit. Personally,I'd leave him unless maybe I was a veteran of a few recent trips in . Gear,portaging, fishing out of a canoe etc. and I did well to keep an eye on myself.

My dog is a German Shorthaired Pointer, and even at 6 years old I don't think she's sat still for more than 20 seconds (other than to eat or sleep), she's just way too active to even think about bringing on a trip. My dad's 10-year-old lab, on the other hand, would probably sit in the middle of the canoe and never move, until a big smallmouth jumps next to the boat, then that big oaf would be in the water, and so would anyone else in the canoe!

This weekend, we're car-camping at a friends' property way back in the middle of nowhere, and of course my little Shorthair will be along, pointing grouse and hopefully avoiding porcupines (don't ask, it was a nightmare)

Matt

Remember to clean up after them. Don't leave the doodles around the camp site. Pick it up and dispose in the latrine.

We just returned from a 5 night loop trip starting at Brule Lake. This is the third year we've taken dog(s) and will continue to do so. We have 2 Australian Shepherds and although high energy at times, do very well in the canoe. Once we load, they lie down and just periodically look over the side or take a drink of lake water. As for seeing wildlife, this is the first year we've seen a bear! He was swimming across Long Island Lake, about 100 yards from our campsite. I'm thinking he crossed the lake when he caught wind of our camp.

I can't remember hearing our dogs bark once on this trip. They stay close to us on the portages and we had some doozy's this time (North Cone to Davis, Davis to Kiskadinna and Kiskadinna to Muskeg) No, we don't see wildlife on portages but we do from the canoe and from camp. If your dog is good in the canoe, lots of fun to have around and doesn't annoy others, take him!

As for their droppings, the campsite on Kiskadinna has some monster doo right in camp from some other dog (way too big to come out of our dogs). So definitely keep it picked up and out of sight. The biggest problem we had was on the Long Island Lake campsite - fish bones and carcasses scattered about camp provided easy pickin's for our scavengers, try as we might...

We traveled from Northern Kentucky with the dogs in the car. They also carry their own packs with food.

Dogs are quiter and easier to deal with than teenage boys.

Out of consideration for OTHERS who go to the BWCA to:

1. potentially see wildlife,
2. not step in dog poop,
3. not encounter (get jumped on or frightened by) a very friendly, but eager pooch on a portage or trail,
4. and who want to enjoy as much unfettered peace and quite as they possibly can..

...I always decide to leave my dog (Wheaton Terrier) at home (even though I think he'd really enjoy it, and we'd really enjoy having him along).

But my decision to leave my dog at home is a personal one made out of consideration for other BWCA visitors, rather than my own personal preferences. Ultimately, it's up to each visitor.

Amazing...not one post from anyone as to why they don't bring their cat into the BWCA.

REASONS WHY TO BRING YOUR CAT.

1) smaller...easier to manage in canoe.
2) hates water (usually)...don't have to worry about them jumping out.
3) eat less...less to pack
4) crap less...both in frequency and in size...less to clean up.
5) loves fish...will help clean up after cleaning fish.
6) quiet...no loud meowing at night.
7) protective...will KILL all those pesty ground squirrels in camp.
8) loners….don’t have to worry about them jumping on other portagers.
9) source of warmth…during cold spell…stuff em your sleeping bag for extra warmth.
10) harmless to other wildlife (except ground squirrels) …won’t scare off the bears and wolves.

There ya go….can’t wait to see the first person with their “Ol’ Puss” riding tall in the canoe.

I go to the BWCA to get AWAY from my dogs.

I love them dearly, and I like to go "regular" camping with them, but the BWCA is a mommy and daddy vacation only :-)

Guns and dogs, always get a lot of input.

We have had two Dalmatians in the BW multiple times. Its been smooth for the most part. The biggest thing we learned was they had to ride in the same canoe. If not, they would climb to the closest spot in each boat to each other and stare or whine in the direction of the other one.

No matter how sure of foot they are they can always get into trouble. We had one get caught in a crevice and we needed to hear her to find her it was so deep. That trip would have been cut short had she injured herself.

Have them carry tier own food but I would practice that at home. One of our two pups didn't get the hang of a pack so the younger one hauled it for both.

Rain - Your Golden shouldn't have a problem with rain even if its cold but out short haired dogs got really cold. I bring a small tarp to lay under the blanket they lay on and wrap it over them like a clam. This way she wasn't soaked to come in the tent at night. If they were wet then they could be under the vestibule.

Fishing - if they messed up my fishing they wouldn't be in the boat or the BW.

I had a Lab/Chesapeake cross who made over 40 BWCA trips until he passed away last fall at the age of 17. In fact he made three trips his final summer. He was an exceptional canoe dog. I wrote an article about him in the BW Journal, but the editor didn't want to print it several years back because it might promote people bringing dogs to the BWCA.
He always did his business back in the woods and we never had poop around the campsites or on portages. We've never noticed any difference in seeing wildlife with or without the dog. A good dog is a great companion on a solo trip too, plus he's a good weight in the front of the canoe. Until his last few years, he always carried his own food and supplies. Ben the Canoe Dog will be missed.
He always slept in the tent vestibule. A smelly wet dog in the tent with us would not be good. I would recommend that too. Before taking any dog on a BWCA trip, I recommend putting the tent up in the backyard and seeing how the dog does there. Plus make sure you test he/she in the canoe on a local lake. Make sure the dog can swim too! Keep a lead on the dog the first few times, in case he jumps out. If he does jump out, let him swim around until he gets good and tired, only then pull him back in. He'll probably never jump out again after that.
We took the replacement pup once this summer at 5 months and she did great. We are going again this weekend too. I have seen many bad dogs up there over the years, but if you have a good dog, it can be a very rewarding experience.

One thing when you bring a dog with you...

If you rent lodging for the night before you go in, do you always check to see if the place you reserved accepts dogs inside the room?

I have a number of units open during the summer for overnight lodging, but some are kept animal free (for people with allergies).

And the only rooms I have from mid August to mid May are completely animal free zones. the other units are then occupied by college students going to Vermilion Jr. College.

As much as I love dogs that's the last noise I want to hear when there is no other noise.

Yes, I like dogs and all, usually have one but my old Springer died a while back at 16 years old, and I'm not getting another one until I retire. That being said, I don't now anybody that brings their dog that won't assure any one that will listen that their dog is never a problem, never bothers anybody else, never barks, never chases deer etc. etc.

My wife and I brought our 2-year-old Lab into the BW last month. I've made countless trips prior, but never with a dog, so I had the same reservations. Bottom line, if your dog is well behaved you'll love having them with. If not, well you can imagine all that can go wrong. More specifically, here's what I learned:

1. If your dog is well behaved, it'll be great. Ours was an angel. Sat still in the bottom of the canoe, even when we caught fish, never barked that I can remember, curled up in the bottom of the tent and didn't move all night, and stayed close to camp.
2. They'll keep bears away. Our route (EP37) is known for bears, it's all we heard about from other campers, and there was one at our site the night before we got there (the campers came back for their pack). We never saw a sign of a bear, and didn't bother to hang the food. Maybe we got lucky, but we were there 5 nights.
3. Keep them close to ensure other campers aren't bothered. We did so and didn't run into any issues with other campers.
4. Buy them a pack to carry their own food and other stuff. She loved having the pack on and it kept us from having to pack her stuff.
5. Bring extra bug spray for the dog. The flies drove her nuts.
6. An outdoors dog will love the BW as much as you do. Ours was either in the canoe, swimming, or chasing sticks all day. Being a city dog she was in heaven.

So bring them if you think they'll behave. Ours will be making more trips.

Look at how much he scares away the wildlife. This was in the midst of some serious Smallmouth action.

two things to consider - your dog, and you
if your dog is used to being off a leash, in a canoe, around strangers, doesn't wander, has been camping and fishing, etc, and is good in those situations, then bring him for sure. it's so much fun to have your buddy up there with you. others get a kick out of it, too - again, if that dog is experienced.
and you - if you want to deal with the responsibility of feeding, watering, drying, and keeping an eye out for his safety, and taking it on the chin if your dog screws up, then by all means take him!
my dog's gone the past two years and she is great.
i like the advice about getting the dog a specific small area that is his. don't let him jump around the canoe. in the bow, it's easy, he gets point. in the stern, you gotta lay a towel down and pull a bag back under the gunnel.
good luck!

latest update. I took my dog on a trip last weekend. He had a great time, was still a little squirrely in the canoe each day at the start. HE was better when I put him between my legs on his pad.

He did cut his paw open the last day. so you will want to bring first aid for the dog as well. I would think about booties. As the campsites all seem to have a few sharp rocks around.

He also had never barked before really, and still didn't much except on portages to unsuspecting folks that would surprise him and vice vs. I felt badm but he had never been a problem before.

I am thinking a shock collar might be the best bet, once he is traineed on that things might be better. He is only 10 months old though.

My Wheaten Terrier goes on all canoe and raft trips where regulations allow. Dog is a pain in the butt at home but is perfect on trips. Does not bark, sleeps in the bottom of the canoe and is always ready for nap in the tent. I can't event get him to chase the ground squirrels from his food bowl. The bottom line is that dogs are still allowed in the BWCA and it is the responsibility of all dog owners to make sure our dogs are under control so we can enjoy our dogs while in the BWCA and others can enjoy their dog free trips as well.

any of you have PFD's for your dogs? ive seen a few out there wearing one! kinda funny. :o)

another wheaten lover/owner...haven't brought our 2 year old female as she's a little distractable and not perfectly trained but i look forward to the day...perhaps next spring. she's a sweetheart and quiet-our biggest obstacle will/would be encountering others on portages-i'm afraid she'll want to "say hi" to everyone. we'll have to do some local practicing (lebanon hills park in the south metro has some small lakes and portages that seem like a good practice ground).
tg

the whole reason i responded was to say that Allie has her own MTI Adventurer pfd. She likes it and uses it boating quite often. She's a good swimmer but wimpers sometimes in the water and tries to rescue/be rescued by everyone.

i love my dog:)

greenydd,
We bought and brought PFD's for our dogs for the first time this year. We had only gone in on Lake One before (to Insula) and I hadn't worried about wind before. This time we started and finished on Brule and understood a stiff west wind could make things interesting. Kept telling ourselves better safe than sorry.

Of course, I thought our dogs looked heroic in their vests!

Amazingly, my yellow lab stays in the front of the canoe, sits, and doesnt try to jump out. Other dogs I have had, not so much. Here is a picture of her on my first solo trip up to crooked. She didnt, talk much or paddle the canoe very well, but she was a good companion.

Please don't bring your dog if it's a barker. My only complaint from our recent 5-night trip was someone's dog that barked for three of the five nights. We could count the number of people we'd see in a single day on one hand, and we rarely heard anyone, but that barking dog was a constant reminder that our distant neighbors weren't that distant after all.

I agree Elybound.
I had a dog follow me on a long portage back and forth the 3 times I made it. I didn't mind the company, but would have preferred the solitude.