Taking a strong dog to Missouri State Parks

According to Missouri State Parks pet rules, a pet must be on a leash no longer than 10 feet at all times. Portable fences and shock collars do not satisfy this requirement. Pets may not enter park or historic site buildings, public swimming areas or beaches.

• Clean up after your dog and carry your own bags.
• Keep the dog under control and quiet.
• Do not leave a dog unattended. At a campsite it belongs inside the camping unit or tent, not outside on a leash.
• Rule breakers may be cited or removed from the park.

The Cabins for Canines page lists parks where dogs may stay in designated units, among them Big Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Mark Twain, Johnson's Shut-Ins, Bennett Spring, Meramec, Roaring River and Washington State Parks. The limit is two dogs per unit, and a dog must be supervised at all times, or crated if you step out.

Outside the unit the 10-foot leash applies, and dogs cannot be tied to buildings, fences, trees or vegetation.

The Prairie State Park pet advisory explains that pets are generally not allowed on its trails because bison roam freely. The two exceptions are the Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People trails. Leashed pets may use the campground and picnic area.

A dog that stays composed on a short leash around hikers, children, other dogs and wildlife makes park trips easy. One that lunges at every passerby makes them stressful. Ask any professional to show the dog walking calmly in a public place.