ALL DOGS MUST BE ON-LEASH UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN ASSESSED AND PASS THEIR OFF-LEASH TEST.
We recommend 15'-30' long lines so your friend can explore freely.
Long Lines available for rent.
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OFF-LEASH ASSESSMENT & AGREEMENT
I understand that off-leash hiking privileges are not automatic and require approval from Hocking Hills Working Dogs (HHWD) staff.
OFF-LEASH ASSESSMENT Must Be Completed ON-SITE, BEFORE HIKING the property.
My dog must pass an on-site behavioral assessment conducted by a HHWD staff member before being permitted off-leash on the property. Assessment criteria include reliable recall, appropriate social behavior with people and dogs, and handler control.
HHWD staff reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to deny or revoke off-leash privileges at any time if my dog's behavior is deemed unsafe, disruptive, or unsuitable for off-leash activity.
I will immediately re-leash my dog before re-entering close proximity to the HHWD facility site. This boundary exists for the safety of staff, clients, and other dogs entering or exiting the facility. I understand that failure to re-leash my dog in the designated boundary area may result in immediate removal from the property and/or termination of my hiking privileges without refund.
I accept full responsibility and liability for my dog's behavior, actions, and interactions with other dogs, people, wildlife, and property while on HHWD trails, whether on-leash or off-leash.
DISCLAIMER: All information provided through Hocking Hills Working Dogs (HHWD) hiking programs, including the Hiking Club and Day Pass, is for informational and recreational purposes ONLY. Participation in these services does not create a veterinarian/client/patient relationship, guide/client relationship, or any other professional service relationship, and nothing provided should be interpreted as medical, veterinary, professional trail guidance, or wilderness safety advice.
Hiking, outdoor recreation, and activities involving dogs carry inherent and significant risks, including but not limited to:
-- Injury or death to participants or dogs from falls, slips, trips, collisions, or environmental hazards
-- Dog-to-dog altercations
-- Encounters with wildlife
-- Exposure to extreme weather
-- Becoming lost, disoriented, or separated from the group
-- Equipment failure or malfunctions
-- Allergic reactions, illness, or medical emergencies
-- Property damage or loss
Although many dogs and handlers may experience benefits from structured outdoor recreation, such as improved fitness, mental enrichment, and socialization, no specific results, outcomes, or safety are guaranteed. Each dog and handler is an individual, and responses to hiking, trail environments, and off-leash activity can vary widely.
There are certain injuries, illnesses, behavioral issues, and health conditions for which hiking, off-leash activity, or outdoor recreation may be unsafe or contraindicated and could negatively affect your or your dog's overall health and safety.
It is strongly recommended that all dogs be examined by a licensed veterinarian for any physical or behavioral concerns before participating in HHWD hiking activities. Any and all hiking or outdoor activities involving your dog—including, but not limited to, off-leash activity, trail hiking, exposure to terrain and wildlife, and interaction with other dogs—must first be cleared and approved by your VETERINARIAN before you participate. You are solely responsible for following your veterinarian's recommendations and any restrictions provided.
HHWD hiking programs and activities are NOT a substitute for veterinary examinations, treatments, or diagnoses, nor are they a substitute for professional wilderness guide services, search and rescue services, or emergency medical care. These services are intended as recreational opportunities and do not replace appropriate veterinary care, outdoor safety training, or emergency preparedness.
As recreational program operators, HHWD and its owners, staff, contractors, volunteers, and affiliates do not diagnose or treat illness, disease, injury, behavioral disorders, or any other physical or mental condition in animals or humans. We do not prescribe medical treatment, pharmaceuticals, or make changes to prescribed medications, treatment plans, or veterinary recommendations. Always consult your veterinarian with questions regarding your dog's health or fitness for outdoor activity.
WAIVER & RELEASE OF LIABILITY
I understand that participation in hiking, outdoor recreation, trail use, off-leash dog activity, and related programs at Hocking Hills Working Dogs (HHWD) may involve physical exertion, exposure to outdoor elements and environmental hazards, use of rental equipment, interaction with other animals and participants, and activity in remote natural areas, all of which carry inherent and significant risks of injury, illness, property damage, or death to myself, my dog(s), and/or others.
By signing this agreement, I knowingly, voluntarily, and freely assume any and all risks associated with my participation and that of my dog(s) in HHWD hiking activities, including but not limited to the Hiking Club, Day Pass, and any related programs or services offered on HHWD property or trails.
I acknowledge that hiking, trail use, and off-leash dog activities are physically and mentally demanding and may involve, without limitation:
-- Uneven terrain, hills, slopes, rocks, roots, mud, water crossings, and natural obstacles
-- Exposure to weather conditions including heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, storms, and lightning
-- Encounters with wildlife, insects, reptiles, and plants (including poisonous, toxic, or allergenic species)
-- Running, jumping, climbing, descending, and navigating natural and manmade features
-- Close proximity to other dogs and handlers, with the possibility of dog-to-dog conflict, bites, or injuries
-- Remote locations with limited or no cell phone service, no immediate access to emergency services, and significant distance from medical facilities
-- Use of leashes, collars, harnesses, and rental equipment (including Totem Compass devices) that may fail, break, or malfunction
-- The possibility of becoming lost, disoriented, separated from the group, or stranded due to injury, weather, or navigation error
I further understand that HHWD does not and cannot guarantee the behavior, health, or safety of any dog, including my own, and that the nature of these activities may result in bites, scratches, slips, falls, strains, sprains, fractures, lacerations, puncture wounds, concussions, or other injuries to persons or animals, as well as damage to or loss of personal property.
I further understand that participation in these activities does not guarantee any particular outcome, including but not limited to fitness improvements, behavioral improvements, successful navigation, or safe completion of any hike or activity.
RELEASE AND INDEMNIFICATION
I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Hocking Hills Working Dogs (HHWD), its owners, officers, members, managers, employees, contractors, independent contractors, decoys, trainers, volunteers, agents, representatives, affiliates, and any landowners or entities permitting use of the property (collectively, "Released Parties") from any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action of whatever kind or nature, whether known or unknown, in law or in equity, arising out of or related to any injury, illness, death, loss, or damage to myself, my dog(s), or my property that may occur before, during, or after my participation in HHWD hiking activities, whether arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties or otherwise, to the fullest extent permitted by law.
I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any and all costs, damages, judgments, settlements, and expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or related to such claims, including claims brought by third parties as a result of my actions or the actions of my dog(s).
REPRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I represent and warrant that: I have disclosed to HHWD any known behavioral issues, reactivity, aggression history, medical or orthopedic conditions, limitations, or other relevant information pertaining to myself and/or my dog(s) that could affect safe participation in HHWD hiking activities.
My dog is currently vaccinated as required (Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella) and is in good health and suitable physical condition to participate in hiking and off-leash activity.
I have read, understood, and will comply with all HHWD rules, including the requirement to re-leash my dog in the neon green boundary area near the facility site.
I understand that HHWD reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to decline or discontinue participation by myself or my dog(s) if, in its judgment, such participation appears unsafe, inappropriate, or disruptive, and that no refunds will be issued for removal due to safety or behavioral concerns.
I have adequate personal health insurance and dog liability insurance (if applicable) to cover the cost of any injury, illness, or liability sustained as a result of my participation in HHWD hiking activities.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO RELEASE
I understand that HHWD may capture photographs, video recordings, and other media during hiking activities, events, and programs for purposes including, but not limited to, education, social media, advertising, and marketing.
By signing below, I grant HHWD a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable license and permission to use, publish, reproduce, modify, and distribute such media featuring my likeness and/or that of my dog(s) in any medium now known or later developed, without expectation or requirement of compensation or further approval.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE
By signing below, I acknowledge that:
I have carefully read this disclaimer, waiver, and release in its entirety.
I understand its terms and agree to be bound by its provisions.
I understand that by signing this document I am giving up certain legal rights, including the right to sue the Released Parties, and I sign it freely and voluntarily.
I have had the opportunity to ask questions and seek independent legal counsel if desired.
This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Ohio and is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted by Ohio law. If any portion of this agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.
By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to the terms of this waiver and release.