Dogs on Open Space and Mountain Parks
Open Space and Mountain Parks offers dog guardians and their dogs many opportunities to enjoy the nature that's right in our backyards.
OSMP lands have 144 miles of trails, 90 percent of which are open to dogs. It is your responsibility as a dog guardian to read and understand the regulations so that everyone can enjoy their visit to OSMP!
- Dog Poop - The Music Video featuring Jeff Kagan - Hilarious! (streaming video, 3 minutes)
- Dog guardians registered in the Voice and Sight Program can purchase additional or replacement tags online and update household information (address, phone number, and email).
Dog Regulations
Dog regulations vary on OSMP lands. In some areas, dogs must be leashed. In other areas, dogs may be allowed off-leash if they wear a voice and sight tag and are under voice and sight control. Dogs are prohibited on a few trails.
Dogs must not be aggressive towards other people or dogs. It is illegal for dogs to chase or disturb wildlife or livestock. You must pick up after your dog on OSMP land. Don't leave it by the trail to be picked up later.
City of Boulder Ordinance requires all Boulder residents to license dogs that are four months or older.
Voice and Sight Dog Tag Program
Open Space & Mountain Parks is one of few systems on the Colorado Front Range which allow dog guardians to walk dogs off-leash. This opportunity is possible only if dogs are responsibly controlled under voice and sight control and display a voice and sight dog tag. It is a tough standard for both dogs and guardians.
Voice and Sight Dog Tag Registration and Information
Attention: Please take a moment to update your contact information if you a member of the Voice and Sight Dog Tag Program.
Keep Your Dog Safe
OSMP is home to wildlife that could kill or injure your dog. Coyotes can be especially dangerous to dogs -- never let your dog run with coyotes even if they seem to be playing. The easiest way to keep your dog safe from coyotes is to keep your dog on-leash. More information on coyote-dog interaction is available on Colorado Parks & Wildlife's "Living with Wildlife in Coyote Country" page.
Other animals that could pose a threat to your dog include black bears, mountain lions, porcupines, skunks and rattlesnakes. All of these animals are more likely to attack your dog if your dog is chasing them.
Other safety tips:
- Keep your dog from running in prairie dog colonies to prevent possible exposure to plague.
- Make sure your dog gets enough water and rest stops. Hot temperatures and excercise can cause heat stroke.
- Never leave your dog alone in a car during warm weather.
- When rock climbing or bouldering, make sure you or someone in your party is with your dog.
- Check yourself and your dog for ticks in the spring.
- Make sure to vaccinate your dog for rabies to ensure the safety of you, your dog, and others on the trail.
FAQs
What is voice and sight control?
Why is dog waste such a big deal?
How can I find out which trails allow dogs?
Where should I train my dog in voice and sight control?
What is voice and sight control?
Dogs are off-leash, but stay within your sight and under your control. This means that when you command your dog to come, it does so the first time. You must have a leash for each dog with you. Only two dogs may be off-leash at once (per person). Each dog must display a voice and sight dog tag. Everyone who walks the dog on OSMP land must be registered with the Voice and Sight Dog Tag Program. See voice and sight FAQs.
What is voice and sight control in the corridor?
Some trails require that visitors stay on the trail and also allow dogs to be managed under voice and sight control. The purpose for requiring people to stay on trail is to limit impacts to the area where the trail is located in sensitive resource and restoration areas. On trails where dog guardians or keepers are required to stay on trail and dogs can be managed under voice and sight control, dogs are allowed more than 20 feet away from the trail.
Why is dog waste such a big deal? Who cleans up after coyotes?
Besides its bad smell, dog waste can pollute water sources and encourage noxious weeds to grow. Coyotes and other wildlife eat what is available to them on OSMP land. Dogs eat dog food or table scraps, so their waste is different from wildlife droppings. Dog waste can harbor microbes and drain to Boulder's creeks and reservoirs. It is also rich in nitrogen, which encourages noxious and invasive weeds to grow.
How can I find out which trails allow dogs?
Look at the dog regulation map page.
Where should I train my dog in voice and sight control?
Public dog parks allow dogs to be off-leash even if they don't meet the voice and sight control standard.
Last Updated on Thursday, 09 August 2012 15:22
Open Space & Mtn Parks