PUBLIC LANDS -- I've been told by a reader/dog owner that by writing about my uncomfortable experience with loose dogs at Mount Spokane, in Sunday Outdoors, I'm paving a way for a ban on all dogs in the state park.

I disagree and suggest that people who disobey the park leash law could be leading the way to a dog ban.  All it would take is one dog attack on a human or leashed pet to prompt a lawsuit that could cause a knee-jerk reaction that would lead to a ban on pets in parks.

I understand that people want to let their dogs loose. The issue is where they choose to do it.

I'm wondering if I could make a bundle of money by developing a cattle prod hiking stick.  That way, if a loose dog persisted in threatening me or my on-leash dog, I could give it a quick shock to deter the immediate problem.

At the same time, I'd be delivering a lesson and an important training moment that might deter the dog from bothering the next person.

Win-Win.  

What do you think?