Thru -hiking the AT with dogs?

My AT section hike this year kept me running into a guy who had his black lab with him for his thru-hike. Generally if they are well behaved, I think the AT is pretty dog-friendly, except of course the no dog rule in GSMNP and Baxter SP. I think there are some folks that might shuttle the dogs around the park for you. The AT being a more "social" trail brings with it some additional dog etiquette issues – is everyone cool with the dog(s) staying in the shelter? Do you keep them on a leash? etc.

I think whiteblaze has a lot of these questions answered in their dog forum:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=439

Thanks chris I will check that out. Ali

Dogs are also not allowed in AMC huts and lodges in the White Mountains.

Thanks, we dont ever stay in huts to gross and not enough privacy. Ali

There is an excellent article on WhiteBlaze written by a veterinarian that should be required reading for anyone taking their dog on a long hike.

It's vitally important to hike your dog's hike and not yours. In other words, keep close track of your dog's condition and get off the trail if he starts hurting. The dog won't tell you; he'll keep going until he collapses.

You'll note from searching the WhiteBlaze archives that the mere mention of the word "dog" makes 50% or more of the regular posters jump up and down and start screaming imprecations at all dogs and dog owners. Keeping your dog on leash and out of the shelters will be a big help. I believe that it is mandatory to use the shelters in some places (although those may also be the places that ban dogs).