The Mountaineers
Trail Tails is a special feature showcasing the mutts of The Mountaineers! This month we recognize Gumbo, owned by Mountaineer Chi Tran.
Name: Gumbo
Breed: Blue Heeler
Age: 4
WHEN DID Gumbo FIRST HIT THE TRAIL?
He first hit the trail in 2015 when he was about 3 months old. His first trail was Evergreen Mountain Lookout.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOORS MEMORY WITH Gumbo?
His first snow hike. It was actually both our first snow hikes. We went to Franklin Falls. His first reaction was unbridled excitement, he got the super zoomies! To this day snow is still his favorite.
WHAT’S A FEAR YOUR PUP HAS OVERCOME, OR A TRAIL SKILL THEY’VE DEVELOPED?
We worked really hard on off-leash recall. We started learning the skill in our obedience classes and practiced at dog parks. The skill is really useful on the trail when I call for him to “come” and without much hesitation, he runs towards me. This skill needs constant reinforcement as sometimes, a smell is just too enticing and he’ll make sure to smell that interesting scent first, but I’m very proud of how far he’s come since he was a pup.
WHAT’S Gumbo's FAVORITE THING TO BRING ON OUTDOOR ADVENTURES?
Gumbo brings his enthusiasm, sense of adventure, and curious nose (to smell all the smells) when he is outdoors.
WHAT’S Gumbo's GO-TO TRAIL SNACK?
Gumbo knows that good trail doggos get beef jerky and cheese on the trail.
THREE FUN FACTS
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Gumbo is a severe sleeping bag hog.
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He likes scoping out the trail for beta and reports back.
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He always packs out his own poop.
HIKING WITH DOGS
Remember, it's key to keep trail etiquette and leash laws in mind when you hit the trail with your pup. Always check to be sure that the area you are entering is dog-friendly, and pack more dog bags than you think you need.
Check out our guide on hiking with dogs, and remember to use the WTA's handy 'dogs allowed' filter on their Hiking Guide.
