Should Dogs Be Allowed at the Crag? The Controversy & Responsibility of Crag Dogs.
"A fork in the road for crag dogs, responsible ownership, or potential bans?"
I’ve spent my life climbing—living at the base of the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, camping in the Kelowna Boulderfields before they were even known, and exploring the rugged Canadian Rockies with my pup since he was eight weeks old. I know firsthand the joy of a well-trained crag dog—a loyal adventure companion who hikes in beside you, waits patiently while you climb, and greets you with pure stoke at the end of a send.
But I’ve also experienced the chaos of a poorly managed crag dog.
I’ve had a dog jump on me and rip my $400 down jacket while the owner brushed it off. I’ve been halfway up a multi-pitch while a dog dug through my pack and sniffed through my gear—completely out of my control. I’ve watched a dog step onto a crash pad just as a climber launched for the crux of a sending burn, causing them to fall—putting both the climber and the dog at risk.
I’ve seen dogs chew through climbing ropes, mark gear, distract belayers at critical moments, and bark at full volume when someone needed total focus.
This isn’t just a debate about whether dogs belong at the crag—it’s about whether the right dogs do.
Because if climbers don’t start taking responsibility for their crag dogs, we’ll see more areas banning them altogether.
The Controversy: Should Dogs Be Allowed at the Crag?
Few topics divide the climbing community quite like dogs at the crag. Some climbers love having their furry companion join them, while others argue that dogs are a safety risk, a distraction, and an environmental concern.
This debate isn’t about whether people love dogs—most of us do. It’s about whether all dogs belong at climbing areas.
The truth is, an untrained dog at the crag can be dangerous. And unfortunately, too many climbers assume their dog will just figure it out.
Spoiler alert: they won’t.
Climbing areas require respect, awareness, and responsibility—not just from climbers, but from dog owners too.
If crag dogs are going to have a future, their owners need to step up.
Why Some Climbers Want Dogs Banned
Climbing is already high-risk. Adding an uncontrolled dog into the mix? That’s a recipe for accidents, frustration, and—ultimately—more dog bans at climbing areas.
Here’s why many climbers don’t want dogs at the crag:
1. Dogs Can Be a Safety Risk
- A dog stepping onto a crash pad at the wrong moment can cause a climber to fall mid-crux, ruining their send and potentially injuring both themselves and the dog.
- A dog stepping on a rope mid-belay can create dangerous rope drag, slack, or—worse—distract a belayer when they need 100% focus.
- A dog barking or whining while a climber is on the wall can break their concentration at a critical moment.
2. Crag Dogs Can Wreck Gear
Climbing gear isn’t just expensive—it’s critical for safety.
- Chewing a rope doesn’t just ruin the gear—it makes it unsafe to climb on and can cost hundreds of dollars to replace.
- Peeing on crash pads, rope tarps, or backpacks is a hard no.
- Jumping on climbers and tearing jackets or pants—I’ve personally had a $400 down jacket shredded by an overexcited puppy, while the owner shrugged it off as “cute.”
3. Dogs Digging Through Packs & Chewing Gear
I’ve been halfway up a multi-pitch, completely unable to stop a dog from digging through my pack and sniffing through my equipment.
- A dog rifling through backpacks for snacks while their owner is climbing is straight-up disrespectful.
- A dog chewing through gear or harnesses while their owner is distracted is unacceptable.
How to Make Sure Your Dog is Welcome at the Crag
If you want to bring your dog climbing, they need to meet a high standard of training and behavior—no exceptions.
1. Most Crags Require a Leash—So Use the Right One
Many climbing areas already require leashes. Follow the rules.
A long-line leash, like our 15ft Upcycled Leash, gives dogs the freedom to roam while keeping them securely tethered. Or, if you need more control, the Multi-Leash lets you adjust their range and clip them to virtually anything in seconds.
2. If Your Dog is Off-Leash, They Need Flawless Recall
Legally, dogs are required to be leashed in most areas.
But if you’re in an off-leash zone, flawless recall is a must.
Not “decent” recall. Flawless recall.
If your dog doesn’t come when called every single time, no exceptions, they shouldn’t be off-leash. Period.
3. Your Dog Needs to Stay in Their Spot
Your dog should have a designated spot to chill and stay there unless given permission to move. That means:
❌ No wandering onto crash pads or rope tarps.
❌ No digging through climbers’ packs.
❌ No sniffing through climbing gear or racks.
A small blanket or dog bed can help create a clear boundary.
4. Your Dog Needs the Right Gear
- A well-fitted harness or collar (with a grab handle for quick control).
- A leash (preferably hands-free, long-line, or multi-adjustable for safer roaming).
- Water and food—not because they’ll mooch, but because they deserve it.
5. Pack Out ALL Dog Waste
This shouldn’t even need to be said:
If your dog poops at the crag, you pack it out. No exceptions.
The Future of Crag Dogs is in Our Hands
This is a turning point.
More climbers are bringing dogs to the crag, and more climbing areas are banning them.
The solution? It’s on us.
- Train your dog.
- Follow the rules.
- Respect other climbers.
Because nothing beats the sight of a happy, well-trained crag dog hanging out while you climb.
And no one celebrates your send better than your little buddy when they sense your excitement and join in the happy dance.
But nothing ruins the day faster than an uncontrolled, chaotic dog wrecking a climbing session for everyone.
If we want crag dogs to have a future, we need to put in the work.
The choice is simple: Train your dog, or leave them at home. 🐾🧗♂️
Gear Up for a Well-Trained Crag Dog
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