Exploring the trails on public lands is made more enjoyable when your faithful companion, your dog, is along for the journey.

Before heading out over mountains and across streams, it’s important to know the rules, expectations, limitations and safety precautions necessary for a fun experience.

Check the regulations before taking a dog, since rules can vary widely from parks to wilderness areas. Spokane County has leash laws, as do wildlife refuges.

National parks don’t allow dogs on trails, but many park-service managed national recreation areas, such as Lake Roosevelt, allow dogs.

http://www.spokesman.com/outdoors/stories/2014/jun/08/hiking-with-dogs-prepare-for-the-trail/