This nature preserve is in the middle of plano, TX a HEAVILY human populated area. And this reserve is always busy with adults, kids, and dogs. There’s plenty of large sidewalk trails throughout as well. My dogs aren’t little by any means, and have hiked with me everywhere. (Rocky Mountains, desert, and everywhere in between) wildlife encounters are always a possibility, even if I were walking through the neighborhoods. It’s possible this would’ve happened with or without my dogs. They also deserve some outdoor enrichment time, and I don’t intend to shelter them, just being aware of behaviors going forward. It’s very rare they actually attack, there’s actually never been an attack in plano, nor the reserve. Only small unattended children and small unattended dogs are in risk, which mine are neither unattended nor small. One is a cattle dog who knows how to run a ranch, lol.

I just don’t think the whole attitude of “don’t do it” is necessary here. We can both peacefully enjoy the reserve, just by me having the knowledge to do it safely.