Follow these common sense rules for handling your dog

If you travel with your valued canine companion, avoiding conflict with non-dog owners is important.

Prevent your buddy from invading others' personal space, since there are those that do not feel the same affinity toward pets as you do.

Controlling your pet has other advantages also, you will not be establishing reasons for others to invoke more stringent rules in public places and campgrounds governing dogs and their owners. Follow these rules and keep all parties agreeable.

Papers: Always carry documentation of vaccinations.

Collar: Make sure your dog has an ID tag labeled with your cell phone number, along with license and vaccination tags.

Chip: Have your dog implanted with a computer ID chip.

Leash: A 6-foot leash is the maximum allowed in most parks; the best leash is one with an inner loop for leverage to pull the dog close quickly if necessary.

Water: If there is any question about natural water sources on trails, bring extra water and a dish.

Meeting other users: When approaching hikers, mountain bikers, or horseback riders on the trail, pull your dog over to the side to avoid contact, some people feel uncomfortable in the vicinity of even the friendliest dogs.

Coyote danger: Packs of coyotes can lure unleashed dogs away from you and then trap and kill them.

Command: Off leash, be certain your dog is under absolute full voice command and will not bother other park visitors in any way.