Tamargrace
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- Time of past OR future Camino
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I'll just share a story from my 2012 camino.
I met Grite (sp) from Belgium and her dog Kafka somewhere mid camino and crossed paths with them numerous times all the way to Santiago. Grite was a lovely, sweet, mild mannered young woman and Kafka was the epitome of man's best friend. Kafka was always by Grites side, she was friendly and extremely well behaved. See Kafka under table.
View attachment 40038
They camped out because it was difficult to find places to stay that welcomed dogs. One rainy morning I encountered them as they were packing up for the day. They were both wet and tired and disheveled but they continued on. Grite wondered how their equipment would possibly dry.
I met them again just before Triacastela and Grite shared this story. She was in tears as she explained that Kafka's paws were raw and bleeding from the walking. I'll paraphrase her words: "The camino is something I wanted to do. Kafka didn't have a vote. She came along because I wanted her with me and now look at her, I have caused her pain". Grite was so sad and she felt so guilty. See Kafka with new booties.
View attachment 40039
Lastly, in Santiago Grite explained the difficulty of getting back home because dogs were not allowed on public transport . She was going to have to hitch hike home.
So @Tamargrace, please consider:
1) accomodations
2) pet paw problems
3) transportation
Members are reminded to strive to avoid personal criticism.
Dogs on the Camino is a topic that easily generates strong opinions and heated discussion. The OP seems to be aware of this. As the OP has not actually asked a question members might consider that no response is required.
I for one would love to bring my dogs, but that would mean at least 1 very long flight. When walking the Camino this past year I kept coming across a couple from Belgium with their small dog resembling my small one back home. The joy that little bundle of fur gave me and the wonderful encounters we had each few days was lovely, fulfilling. The couple did share with me that they had to hunt for places that would accept dogs,but always managed. In Santiago the threesome arrived very happily. It was great to see. Having said this they were 2 people able to spell each other off. As far as rain and doggie aroma, I daresay I encountered all types of (human boot &sock) aromas that just about knocked one senseless....dog raingear exists so that would alleviate that problem. Dog botties would be a good protective idea because once the paw is raw....takes time to heal. Prevention is best. It is at least 30 days of long distance walking over many different types of terrain. The Spanish dogs are very well behaved and many are without leash. They are part of their lifestyle, incorporated in cafes, etc. I love this open welcome to the canines and wish it would be the same where I live. Alas, not. It takes many to make a community & some are not as open minded as others...as far as evening noises ? surely the snoring and all night street parties has kept a few awake......and those are human noises, all that must be tolerated. A dog will sleep very well after much walking,....as for the feeding...this might be tricky. Need the water too, especially if it's excruciating temperatures as it was last year. Can your dog's carry their supplies? This would be helpful. Anyways, ithought I'd share another viewpoint, and suggest to make sure to know which places accept our wonderful friends before you leave home, so as to have a good idea of where you would be aiming to sleep each night. All the very best to you with your decision. Oh and last but not least, remember the baggies for toilet cleanups. Good thing dogs don't use toilet paper lying around everywhere.....I think humans do that nasty one.......I have walked the whole Cornish coast with them and they were ace. They are welsh sheep dogs, pure working stock. Good endurance, tolerance and really happy peopledogs too.
I have seen alot of negative feedback regarding dogs on here and the last thing I want to do is annoy someone or dusturb someones camino. That would ruin the experience for me aswell!
My partner has said he can keep hold of the dogs but I cant help but feeling guilty as I know they would love it and miss me. Luckily I live in Northern Spain too so I can have visits from them or trail them on a good busy road free section...
Im doing irun to bilbao to test the water in a few weeks. What are your views on trailing them out on this section first???? Honest realistic and negative feedback welcome... but also keep in mind that these dogs will not have problems with stamina or poorly feet. They are so hardcore if they are broken , I will be broken waaaay before!!! I always flag first
Thank-you. After pressing the send button 2 thoughts came.... Which route is the op planning to walk? And at what time of year? Some are less travelled and perhaps cooler. 2) fleas....perhaps a dog collar that repels fleas or a lavender & tea tree oil spray to repel them? Just a few ideas..
Thank-you. After pressing the send button 2 thoughts came.... Which route is the op planning to walk? And at what time of year? Some are less travelled and perhaps cooler. 2) fleas....perhaps a dog collar that repels fleas or a lavender & tea tree oil spray to repel them? Just a few ideas..
hi, I walked the camino madrid in 2016 and spend about a week walking with an argentinian pilgrim and his little dog ...... for the most part it was fine but the lodging and restaurants were an issue he had issues were the dog was not permitted and even the local and long distance transportation (alsa)did not let him board and the locals were not happy and in some cases he was not received ........... I felt bad in some cases as there were zero tolerance at the albergues and i would continue with them on to the next town .....Dogs are great. I love them. Have owned many. I think if one were doing a wilderness walk where you tent camp every night, and you and your dog are together and looking out for each other, that's cool. Our ancestors domesticated them for that very reason.
On a busy Camino route? Ummm, not so great, IMO. You and the dog may not get along so well with local dogs and of course there's the whole matter of finding accommodations for the night. I cannot imagine staying in albergue where a fellow pilgrim has a dog tied up outside and the dog is constantly barking and howling. It's just not fair to the dog and to other pilgrims.
Not everyone enjoys the company of domesticated animals, and many see them only as a tool of sorts. That is the way I grew up around dogs. They were a working asset. They had a job.
Maybe, maybe not.But your Camino is not for dogs.
barking, whining, smelly, dog
And these were not toys, but in one case a Border Collie and Alsatian Mix-breed, and in another case a huge Newfie.The joy that little bundle of fur gave me and the wonderful encounters we had each few days was lovely, fulfilling. The couple did share with me that they had to hunt for places that would accept dogs,but always managed. In Santiago the threesome arrived very happily. It was great to see.
Maybe, maybe not.
A number if reactions in your post seem to come from a place of simple aversiom, or from not having read what the OP said.
And honestly? A dog - even a smelly, whining, and barking one - is less obnoxious than a drunk peregrino. Off topic, but can we ban them too? And then there are the putrid smells of socks and bodily odors (of all sorts) that people emit.
- Responsible owners do not subject their dogs (or others) to ectoparisites, but medicate so that the dog has none.
- Responsible owners understand that others may not want the dogs in their face, and so make arrangements to have a tent or something so that the dog can sleep in safety and other pilgrims are not impacted.
- Responsible owners understand their dog's limits and do not push that - and in this case it seems that the OP knows what this is very well.
- Responsible owners DEFINITELY pick up after their dogs, and do not have a
My two experiences of walking around responsible people who had brought their dogs were completely positive, as clearly was @Joziane 's:
And these were not toys, but in one case a Border Collie and Alsatian Mix-breed, and in another case a huge Newfie.
So welcome, @Tamargrace - I will be one of the "Goodie two shoes" who says try it and see for yourself.
The main concerns assuming you are a responsible dog owner who's thought about all of that stuff above (and think you and your dogs will be OK) is accommodation and dealing with locals - human and canine alike.
Bars and albergues do not welcome dogs, and cities can be a real challenge.
And (especially in Galicia) there are farm dogs who may take umbrage at intruders.
Buen Camino and pax to all!
Most dogs will choose grass and dirt to roads, you have poop on sidewalks from dogs that only walk on sidewalks and the owner is responsible for picking that up. But with the culture of picking poop up, we've gone a bit too far... how is a plastic bag better than a poop in the woods (where other animals poop too)?Besides the issues on the trail walking. Such as pooping on the trail (nice to smell dog poop on shoes in the A'burg)
Wow, Marty I want to walk your Caminos!
I have had several 'interesting encounters,' including one at the Municipal in Burgos when a drunk peregrina tried to evict me from my bunk in the middle of the night insisting it was hers (it wasn't).
(Off topic but amusing....)
Yeah. On a bike particularly. It brings out the chase instinct - but a squirt in the face with a water bottle harms no-one and keeps them at bay.The bad boy farm dogs really scare me.
I am one of the veteran pilgrims and repeat Pilgrim Office volunteers who take a dim view of people bringing their dog on a Camino. First, let me establish, as I have previously, that I love dogs.
Personally, I am a cat person, as that suits my lifestyle better. I am frequent traveler and cats do better with the separations. But, I love interacting with other people's dogs.
On my five Caminos to date I have encountered many dozens of dogs along the way and have never had problems. When on Camino, I am the 'dog whisperer.' I talk to them in Spanish and calm them down as I approach and pass by. It seems to work.
At the Pilgrim Office in Santiago, we have had to call animal control far too many times each summer for dogs who straggle in with peregrinos, after attaching themselves to the walkers as they walked though some village or hamlet along the way. These dogs do not wear collars, nor are they chipped. It is truly sad. In Spain, larger dogs are considered working or farm dogs, They are typically treated as domesticated animals on a farm, not as family pets. Anyone who shows them the least bit of kindness or food is likely to quickly pick up a new best friend for life. PLEASE, DO NOT DO THIS.
The dialog above from many persons aptly explains most of the reasons why it is not a particularly wise idea. I will not pile on except to add two observations from several years of experience:
1. A dog will follow its master into hell and back. It will put loyalty ahead of personal comfort, safety and health. That is why dogs are considered 'man's best friend.' However, this loyalty is a two-way street. The master must be observant enough to know the dog's limits. Just because the dog is seemingly keen or eager to follow the master along on a Camino, does not mean the dog is not stressed, over-taxed, or particularly happy about it. They just do it...until they drop. An owner must be the responsible adult in the partnership.
2. Depending on the route followed and the time of year you choose to walk, there will be more pilgrims of all cultures, and from countries all over the world. Many of these people will speaks neither Spanish nor English, so their ability to communicate effectively is diminished. Many of these people are dog averse, some from personal experience, and some from phobias. I have seen some folks, from some parts of the world, positively quake with fear in the presence of an untethered dog. The dog does not have to do anything, or make a sound. It does not matter that you are nearby. In many parts of the world, even today, authorities use trained dogs to quell disturbances or to enforce compliance from their populations. At the risk of incurring the wrath of the moderators, I shall not be more specific. Just consider some of the media coverage from around the world to insert your own vignettes to this argument.
So, while I support each pilgrim doing their individual Camino, and I do not judge how you choose to accomplish yours, I nonetheless take a dim view of people who bring dogs on the Camino. There is a time and place for everything. The Camino, at least from June through September, is not the place for your dog, at least IMHO.
Hope this helps.
Noooooooo....may it not be so!!!Soon there will be packs of mad barking dogs running after me.
Of course you weren't scared about dogs on the Camino because you aren't innately scared of them. Many people do have a fear of dogs and do not appreciate having dogs imposed on them. I grew up very afraid of dogs because a large dog attacked me and bit me in the face when I was only three years old. My parents kept this fact from me, and I never knew that it had happened until I was an adult, and a relative told me about it. Slowly, over the years I have overcome the fear, but I still have no desire to have dogs jumping and sniffing around me.I don't remember ever feeling scared about dogs on the camino, and I'm the type of person who will try to pet every single one that isn't behind a fence (those I just say hello to).
I agree with Martyseville. Please leave the dogs at home.I have walked the whole Cornish coast with them and they were ace. They are welsh sheep dogs, pure working stock. Good endurance, tolerance and really happy peopledogs too.
I have seen alot of negative feedback regarding dogs on here and the last thing I want to do is annoy someone or dusturb someones camino. That would ruin the experience for me aswell!
My partner has said he can keep hold of the dogs but I cant help but feeling guilty as I know they would love it and miss me. Luckily I live in Northern Spain too so I can have visits from them or trail them on a good busy road free section...
Im doing irun to bilbao to test the water in a few weeks. What are your views on trailing them out on this section first???? Honest realistic and negative feedback welcome... but also keep in mind that these dogs will not have problems with stamina or poorly feet. They are so hardcore if they are broken , I will be broken waaaay before!!! I always flag first
Ladies (and occasionally men) please stop leaving piles and piles of non-biodegradable tissues and TP. At least doggy poop disappears after a while. I love dogs and would love to get my daily "dog fix" while on the Camino. I have always had three large dogs at the same time and they love to go hiking. But that being said I am not so sure about how kind it would be on the dog. Long hot days, concrete walking. My Golden burned the pads of her front paws on hot concrete! Highly recommend against it. Your decision obviously. What a happy reunion you will have upon your return! Buen Camino!Such a ' carry on ' over dog poo , admittedly nasty stuff but then I saw , and [ unfortunately ] smelled what seemed like tonnes of uncovered undisguised and utterly nasty human excrement . Invariably in the only shady spot available for kilometres , especially while walking the Meseta and sometimes and far more worrying within metres of water sources.
Perhaps we should ' train ' pilgrims to pick up after themselves .
Advice and responses can be given without being cruel .....surely ??RJM stated it very well.
This was mentioned before on the forum. I didn't say much. Though it over and now time to speak up and tell it like it is.
Sorry, not everyone enjoys and loves your dogs.
Please don't bring dogs on your Camino.
Leave them at home.
Not a good idea. If you like, read on. Lets really get down to the nitty gritty of this idea of yours......
You are correct, majority of the people on this forum do not want your dogs on the Camino.
A major airline recently did a survey of so called "comfort dogs" "service dogs". ((yes there are many bonified cases where these dogs are helpful and warranted. BUT, the survey revealed that the majority of people were fakes! Over 65 to 80 % were fakes! The majority of customers did not want dogs on the flights. So why did these people keep on bringing these so called "comfort dogs?" Cause it was about them. Not others. ))
I am sure you are going to have the goodie too shoes on here who will say bring them...
Let me be frank about this.............leave them at home and do us a favor.
Besides the issues on the trail walking. Such as pooping on the trail (nice to smell dog poop on shoes in the A'burg), barking at other walkers who want peace and quite, jumping, snapping and barking at bikers (there are enough problems between walkers and bikers as it is now -- why add more problems?).
Lagging more food and water along for the dog (unless they can carry their own in doggie packs). Biting some one ((yes it does happen - even with the nicest puppies out there)) and having to deal with that. I know walkers who would be scared to pass you and your dogs on a tight section of the trail. Leaving them tied up outside a cafe/bar to bark while you are inside buying something or enjoying your morning what ever....
Transportation? How are you going to get them to the start of your Camino and back home? How are you going to do that? Not on most buses in Spain. Nor on trains. So more problems for you.
I am sure you love your dog. That is good. But, what about the dog? What happens if it gets hurt? or cannot walk due to hurt pads? Sick? Your walk is hard enough. You signed up for it. The dog didn't. Why put him/her through it?
Now, lets talk down to earth reality in the A'burg:
Did you ever consider that others have allergies to dogs? And DO NOT want your dogs around them?
Here we go....dogs inside the A'burg. Smell. Fleas. Ticks. Barking. Potty time? Dog food on the floor. More smell...
Stinky feet are enough. Why add more?
Snoring is enough of a problem on the Camino. So why don't you add barking, whining, dogs ?? duhhh
Don't care how well you take care of your dogs....on a long distance walk like the Camino... fleas and ticks will find their way to your dog. And in turn to us.
We have enough worries with bed bugs.
Rainy days... ughhhh ... adds more smell. Yes, dogs smell when wet.
How are you going to care for your dog all night long?
Dogs bark and whine. We want our peaceful sleep.
Your dogs will bark at other dogs, cats etc. Of course you will say they won't bark and keep others up at night. That may be so. But when they see a stray cat or dog the WILL bark.
What you gonna sleep with them in the bed?
Great for the next walker.
Nothing like dog smell residue in the bunk - bunk area.
So you tie them up outside. Most dogs will bark. Waking us up anyway.
So you keep them by your bunk. People are going to have to step over them.
When a dog is stepped on by a stranger = the dog bites. More problems.
Oh forgot about the very mean big boy farm dogs. They would eat your dogs for lunch. And you won't dare put your hands in the middle of it. So why do that to your dogs?
List can go on and on.
Hey, can I bring my pet pig along? Let him sleep inside with me in my bunk?
How about other animals?
Where is the line drawn?
Good enough for your barking, whining, smelly, dog...why not chickens? Pigs?
Rabbits? Crocs? Birds?
IMHO I would say the majority of people on this forum do not care for your idea.
With the greatest respect, one must ask, if you are one of these "all about me" types? Could care less how your dogs are a nuisance to people (barking, smell, poop, pee, whining, biting, etc)?? You don't sound like that type. But, there are many of them out there. Who will follow suit and bring their dogs.
Of course, everyone who has a dog will say:
"oh no, not my dog"
Dont get me wrong. I love and enjoy all animals. Especially cats and dogs.
But your Camino is not for dogs.
If addressing it head on now on this forum is not for you, then how are you going to cope with someone being very straight forward to you face to face on the Camino and tell you "your dogs dont belong in here on the Camino". ??
Better to get true open feed back now on this forum than waiting to run into the rude person on the Camino who has his/her fill of dogs and lets you have it.
While my response may sound rude, I am sorry. I feel it is better to get your attention and have you think it out. Than to be sorry on the Camino.
Think about it...
The way you sound about your dogs makes one to believe you would be very sensitive to someone saying something negative face-to-face about your dogs.
Then what? Makes not a pleasant Camino for you, the dogs, and others.
I have walked the whole Cornish coast with them and they were ace. They are welsh sheep dogs, pure working stock. Good endurance, tolerance and really happy peopledogs too.
I have seen alot of negative feedback regarding dogs on here and the last thing I want to do is annoy someone or dusturb someones camino. That would ruin the experience for me aswell!
My partner has said he can keep hold of the dogs but I cant help but feeling guilty as I know they would love it and miss me. Luckily I live in Northern Spain too so I can have visits from them or trail them on a good busy road free section...
Im doing irun to bilbao to test the water in a few weeks. What are your views on trailing them out on this section first???? Honest realistic and negative feedback welcome... but also keep in mind that these dogs will not have problems with stamina or poorly feet. They are so hardcore if they are broken , I will be broken waaaay before!!! I always flag first
I cannot imagine staying in albergue where a fellow pilgrim has a dog tied up outside and the dog is constantly barking and howling. It's just not fair to the dog and to other pilgrims.[/QUOTE said:I can - it's awful. Every dog in town responds. Think 'Twilight Barking' if you've ever read Dodie Smith.
I enjoy the occasional contact with a dog as much as anyone. They can bring a smile to one's face and be calming and relaxing. They can also be unpredictable and become aggressive for no apparent reason. It is for that reason that I would rather not see dogs on the Camino.
Tamargrace, in the good old days when there were no forums to speak of, pilgrims walked the Caminos too. Perhaps you should stick to pre-forum days and just go for it. Make sure you have some back-up, someone who will come to fetch you and the dogs in case of problems. and GO. It is only a week, for crying out loud. Chop the entire Camino into separate stretches of one week, many Spaniards do it that way, avoid the heat of summer, cherish your back-up and you'll be doing just
Getting pissed like that when staying in an albergue, that's selfish
I walked for a long stretch on the camino with a man and his rescue dog. They were part of some organisation and trying to create focus on the harsh conditions many spanish dogs live under.
They were accepted almost everywhere, but they also slept in a tent every night outside the albergues, and then he payed to use the bathing facilities. The dog was well behaved, never strayed from the spot his human showed him and never ever barked.
When I was sleeping inside the albergues, amidst human smell and sounds, I often envied them the peace and quiet of the tent and the fresh outdoor air.
For my sake, if your dogs are well behaved and well trained as you write, I for one see no problems and hope to meet you on some trail some day.
In Denmark, Norway and Sweden a lot of people bring their dogs for the various trails. I think it is better for the dog than living in an apartment in the city somewhere and only walking on pavement.
Exactly. And also put away the idea that people who don't love your dogs are heartless and horrible people.One should put away any notions and assumptions that everyone should love dogs and that dogs bring them the same joy they bring you. That can be
As long as taking your dogs back into the UK comfortably for them rabies-inoculation-wise
You need to do some wilderness camping in Montana or Alaska. One definitely does think about things with four legs at night more than things with two legs.I never feared four legged things when in my hammock in the woods.
She was in tears as she explained that Kafka's paws were raw and bleeding from the walking. I'll paraphrase her words: "The camino is something I wanted to do. Kafka didn't have a vote. She came along because I wanted her with me and now look at her, I have caused her pain". Grite was so sad and she felt so guilty. See Kafka with new booties.
My concern walking with a dog(s) would be doing the stretches where one is road walking sharing the route with cars and trucks. You would want to tether them for sure and now you are being pulled or pulling some 50 pounds or so with a backpack, no way!
So in conclusion
I will only take the dogs if i am very prepared for camping and for a bit of negative feedback but its best to leave them at home.
Be prepared for lots of extra work should i take them and dont even consider doing a peak route in peak season.
Dont ever take anything personally
I know this part of the world because I have lived there for a number of years. Between Irun and Bilbao you will be walking on lots of city sidewalks and streets, there is not a lot of "wilderness." Granted I have not walked the stretch myself and only recently have made plans to start the Norte from Bilbao in a few months. The contour of the land between the border and Bilbao has the characteristics of fjords and I hate climbs like that.This was my original concern and question regarding the stretch between irun and bilbao.
This is a real hard one I to love dogs and most of us treat them like family and when I walked in Aug last year I wanted to take one of my younger family. As it turned out I am so pleased I did not as the journey is a self centered spiritual one even if you dont start out this way. Now some points to concider.I have walked the whole Cornish coast with them and they were ace. They are welsh sheep dogs, pure working stock. Good endurance, tolerance and really happy peopledogs too.
I have seen alot of negative feedback regarding dogs on here and the last thing I want to do is annoy someone or dusturb someones camino. That would ruin the experience for me aswell!
My partner has said he can keep hold of the dogs but I cant help but feeling guilty as I know they would love it and miss me. Luckily I live in Northern Spain too so I can have visits from them or trail them on a good busy road free section...
Im doing irun to bilbao to test the water in a few weeks. What are your views on trailing them out on this section first???? Honest realistic and negative feedback welcome... but also keep in mind that these dogs will not have problems with stamina or poorly feet. They are so hardcore if they are broken , I will be broken waaaay before!!! I always flag first
Not a good idea to take them. There are many stray dogs along the way or dogs belonging to property owners close to where we pass through. I am not sure how they would react to other dogs. I had two dogs, stray, that walked with me for 8 km one day; very delightful experience.I have walked the whole Cornish coast with them and they were ace. They are welsh sheep dogs, pure working stock. Good endurance, tolerance and really happy peopledogs too.
I have seen alot of negative feedback regarding dogs on here and the last thing I want to do is annoy someone or dusturb someones camino. That would ruin the experience for me aswell!
My partner has said he can keep hold of the dogs but I cant help but feeling guilty as I know they would love it and miss me. Luckily I live in Northern Spain too so I can have visits from them or trail them on a good busy road free section...
Im doing irun to bilbao to test the water in a few weeks. What are your views on trailing them out on this section first???? Honest realistic and negative feedback welcome... but also keep in mind that these dogs will not have problems with stamina or poorly feet. They are so hardcore if they are broken , I will be broken waaaay before!!! I always flag first
Ditto!!RJM stated it very well.
This was mentioned before on the forum. I didn't say much. Though it over and now time to speak up and tell it like it is.
Sorry, not everyone enjoys and loves your dogs.
Please don't bring dogs on your Camino.
Leave them at home.
Not a good idea. If you like, read on. Lets really get down to the nitty gritty of this idea of yours......
You are correct, majority of the people on this forum do not want your dogs on the Camino.
A major airline recently did a survey of so called "comfort dogs" "service dogs". ((yes there are many bonified cases where these dogs are helpful and warranted. BUT, the survey revealed that the majority of people were fakes! Over 65 to 80 % were fakes! The majority of customers did not want dogs on the flights. So why did these people keep on bringing these so called "comfort dogs?" Cause it was about them. Not others. ))
I am sure you are going to have the goodie too shoes on here who will say bring them...
Let me be frank about this.............leave them at home and do us a favor.
Besides the issues on the trail walking. Such as pooping on the trail (nice to smell dog poop on shoes in the A'burg), barking at other walkers who want peace and quite, jumping, snapping and barking at bikers (there are enough problems between walkers and bikers as it is now -- why add more problems?).
Lagging more food and water along for the dog (unless they can carry their own in doggie packs). Biting some one ((yes it does happen - even with the nicest puppies out there)) and having to deal with that. I know walkers who would be scared to pass you and your dogs on a tight section of the trail. Leaving them tied up outside a cafe/bar to bark while you are inside buying something or enjoying your morning what ever....
Transportation? How are you going to get them to the start of your Camino and back home? How are you going to do that? Not on most buses in Spain. Nor on trains. So more problems for you.
I am sure you love your dog. That is good. But, what about the dog? What happens if it gets hurt? or cannot walk due to hurt pads? Sick? Your walk is hard enough. You signed up for it. The dog didn't. Why put him/her through it?
Now, lets talk down to earth reality in the A'burg:
Did you ever consider that others have allergies to dogs? And DO NOT want your dogs around them?
Here we go....dogs inside the A'burg. Smell. Fleas. Ticks. Barking. Potty time? Dog food on the floor. More smell...
Stinky feet are enough. Why add more?
Snoring is enough of a problem on the Camino. So why don't you add barking, whining, dogs ?? duhhh
Don't care how well you take care of your dogs....on a long distance walk like the Camino... fleas and ticks will find their way to your dog. And in turn to us.
We have enough worries with bed bugs.
Rainy days... ughhhh ... adds more smell. Yes, dogs smell when wet.
How are you going to care for your dog all night long?
Dogs bark and whine. We want our peaceful sleep.
Your dogs will bark at other dogs, cats etc. Of course you will say they won't bark and keep others up at night. That may be so. But when they see a stray cat or dog the WILL bark.
What you gonna sleep with them in the bed?
Great for the next walker.
Nothing like dog smell residue in the bunk - bunk area.
So you tie them up outside. Most dogs will bark. Waking us up anyway.
So you keep them by your bunk. People are going to have to step over them.
When a dog is stepped on by a stranger = the dog bites. More problems.
Oh forgot about the very mean big boy farm dogs. They would eat your dogs for lunch. And you won't dare put your hands in the middle of it. So why do that to your dogs?
List can go on and on.
Hey, can I bring my pet pig along? Let him sleep inside with me in my bunk?
How about other animals?
Where is the line drawn?
Good enough for your barking, whining, smelly, dog...why not chickens? Pigs?
Rabbits? Crocs? Birds?
IMHO I would say the majority of people on this forum do not care for your idea.
With the greatest respect, one must ask, if you are one of these "all about me" types? Could care less how your dogs are a nuisance to people (barking, smell, poop, pee, whining, biting, etc)?? You don't sound like that type. But, there are many of them out there. Who will follow suit and bring their dogs.
Of course, everyone who has a dog will say:
"oh no, not my dog"
Dont get me wrong. I love and enjoy all animals. Especially cats and dogs.
But your Camino is not for dogs.
If addressing it head on now on this forum is not for you, then how are you going to cope with someone being very straight forward to you face to face on the Camino and tell you "your dogs dont belong in here on the Camino". ??
Better to get true open feed back now on this forum than waiting to run into the rude person on the Camino who has his/her fill of dogs and lets you have it.
While my response may sound rude, I am sorry. I feel it is better to get your attention and have you think it out. Than to be sorry on the Camino.
Think about it...
The way you sound about your dogs makes one to believe you would be very sensitive to someone saying something negative face-to-face about your dogs.
Then what? Makes not a pleasant Camino for you, the dogs, and others.
They are beautifulHere are the dogs in question. This photo was taken in Cornwall, England on my smallholding. Joey in the front is 5 years and Dusty at the back is 4 years. I have had them from puppies and they are very intelligent and caring animals. Brilliant around livestock as they had their own in Cornwall and just really happy dogs. Dusty does get nervous when she is on her own but she always has Joey so its not an issue that much. They have high endurance and stamina and they keep me going too. We are spoiled for choice out here in Gipuzkoa with so many walks and places to explore. But unfortunately the weather has been pretty volitile up untill now...
Thankyou for all your responses xx
Beauties!!Here are the dogs in question. This photo was taken in Cornwall, England on my smallholding. Joey in the front is 5 years and Dusty at the back is 4 years. I have had them from puppies and they are very intelligent and caring animals. Brilliant around livestock as they had their own in Cornwall and just really happy dogs. Dusty does get nervous when she is on her own but she always has Joey so its not an issue that much. They have high endurance and stamina and they keep me going too. We are spoiled for choice out here in Gipuzkoa with so many walks and places to explore. But unfortunately the weather has been pretty volitile up untill now...
Thankyou for all your responses xx
Gorgeous! Thanks for posting--Here are the dogs in question. This photo was taken in Cornwall, England on my smallholding. Joey in the front is 5 years and Dusty at the back is 4 years. I have had them from puppies and they are very intelligent and caring animals. Brilliant around livestock as they had their own in Cornwall and just really happy dogs. Dusty does get nervous when she is on her own but she always has Joey so its not an issue that much. They have high endurance and stamina and they keep me going too. We are spoiled for choice out here in Gipuzkoa with so many walks and places to explore. But unfortunately the weather has been pretty volitile up untill now...
Thankyou for all your responses xx
I can’t believe I just read this whole thread that I am completely dispassionate about!
But the comment about smuggling a dog in an albergue bed nearly got me going. Surely no one would ever do that?
My preference if at all possible is to find a compromise that can be acceptable to all rather than having a dichotomy that becomes necessarily alienating.Wonder if dogs are winning or no-dog folks are winning ?
There are actually well trained dogs that don't pull on a lead, and/or will stay in a heel position when told to without a lead. i own one. He works the sheep and always looks to me for instruction.My concern walking with a dog(s) would be doing the stretches where one is road walking sharing the route with cars and trucks. You would want to tether them for sure and now you are being pulled or pulling some 50 pounds or so with a backpack, no way!
No, just no. You are making your choice theirs which is not appropriate.
Wonder if dogs are winning or no-dog folks are winning ?
I agree. To me, an ideal solution to any conflict is win-win, rather than having a winner and a loser. I certainly don't mind sharing the Camino with well trained dogs. My posts were just to point out that everyone has a different reaction to dogs, and that considerate dog owners need to realize that. @Tamargrace seems to be considerate of other pilgrims and the needs of the dogs.My preference if at all possible is to find a compromise that can be acceptable to all rather than having a dichotomy that becomes necessarily alienating.
I would probably aim for a resolution of “if you can care for the needs of your animal and be considerate of other people and animals you come across on the way, then by all means try it”. Some of the posts may have raised issues that the questioner had not considered and could help in her preparations.
But I could not stretch to being generous about animals using pilgrim beds!
Yes! (ha.) But when wilderness camping I worry about bears, raccoons, coyotes-- not dogs.You need to do some wilderness camping in Montana or Alaska. One definitely does think about things with four legs at night more than things with two legs.
True. All depends on where you hang your hammock or pitch your tent. I can't say I have ever been concerned with dogs while hiking and camping. Even the coyotes I have encountered wanted no part of me, but they do have some slightly spooky howls and calling to each other with yelps at night. I did see one run down and kill a fawn deer once. That was definitely dramatic.Yes! (ha.) But when wilderness camping I worry about bears, raccoons, coyotes-- not dogs.
One thing I have found, walking with a dog attracts other dogs. At home, there are many places I walk past, with fences I cant see through. When I walk alone all is quiet. When I walk my babies, the barking follows me all the way into town
But arent you trying to make my choice your own. Surely I know what my sheepdogs enjoy more
And I would hate to think of this as a battle or war. Thats everything thats wrong with the world surely. Life is about acceptance and tolerance to other peoples beliefs and customs. Lets work together and try to make the most enjoyable journey for all involved, including non human species.
I would like to emphasise once again, I NEVER said I was taking the dogs. All I wanted to know was what is the route between Bilbao and Irun like should I take the animals that live in Gipuzkoa anyway (the province of donostia/san sebastian- it takes me 45 minutes to drive to Zarautz).
Buen camino x
I am planning a solo Camino, the Frances again, maybe I might meet you and your dogs.
Walked three Caminos. Biked one.
Never saw a drunk p e r e g r I n o....
None?!Me, neither! Walked seven caminos, hospitalera four times, didn't even encounter a tipsy one!
None?!
I know dogs gravitate to me sometimes (I do like them a lot).No, not one!
Beautifully said, @Tamargrace! Yes. Please, let's.And I would hate to think of this as a battle or war. Thats everything thats wrong with the world surely. Life is about acceptance and tolerance to other peoples beliefs and customs. Lets work together and try to make the most enjoyable journey for all involved, including non human species.
I have walked this section twice. I follow the coastal route and it is absolutely beautiful. It's so green, the vastness looking out to the Bay of Biscay and the roar from the waves is truly a gift along the way.All I wanted to know was what is the route between Bilbao and Irun like should I take the animals that live in Gipuzkoa anyway
Missed that date!This thread dates from 3 years ago.
If you follow the link under the postings of TamarGrace, you will find her blog. She walked part of the Camino with her partner and both dogs. When he had to leave, she continued with one of the dogs and they had a great time together. Wonderful pictures btw.
See MinaKamina's response immediately above yours (#96).Definitely unequivocally CATEGORICALLY NO NO NO. I love my dear little dog too and he’s perfectly well behaved etc. etc. but I wouldn’t dream of imposing him on others, especially on the Camino. Sorry but you asked for an honest response. No offence but I do think there are limits and you have to draw the line somewhere. I for one would be very put off and put out by it.
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