It seems that you may have had some bad experiences while canoeing, Glenn, as you seem to have lots of anger towards dogs. Fortunately for me, this is not the case. Yes, I have seen a couple dogs that I believe should not be taken canoeing, but BY FAR, way more that have been a pleasure to meet.
I don't need to be around my dogs while on brief canoe trips any more than I need to be around human beings or televisions.
While not a must to have along, both dogs and humans can be a great enjoyment for me. TV, not so much.
98% of the dogs I've met in public places are insufficiently trained to be there. (I include my own dogs in that statistic.)
I am out walking my dog for at least an hour every day, and run into dozens of dogs. While there are certainly lots of dogs out there that are not trained near well enough, I would put that number closer to 50%. Others, while in my mind not trained enough, are still very good socially, and do not cause problems.
97% of dog owners I've known don't know how to sufficiently train dogs, especially to function in public places, and even more especially in wilderness places. (I include myself in that statistic.) 90% of these people, however, have an erroneous belief that they do know how to train dogs sufficiently.
In my experience, this number is way out of whack, as I would bet close to half the people I know bother to train their dogs properly, with all the basic commands. Could be that I hang with a crowd with the right disposition that desires proper training. Most friends and relatives dogs all listen very well. Not that they are all angels, but who of us are.
Most people who take dogs in public places, including public canoeing places, are simply selfish.
Are you suggesting dogs should be just locked up at home? I completely (and emphatically) disagree with this statement, and believe that people who do this should not be dog owners at all. All dogs need, and deserve, proper exercise, and should be taken for it daily. This exercise is paramount for a happy dog, who is easier to train, and less likely to cause trouble.
As a turn of this coin, it could be thought of as selfish, for one to think that the great outdoors was created only for them, and not for others to enjoy in the way that works best for themselves. For many of us, our pets are a huge part of my life. This is a conscious decision I make when I get a pet. It is to be part of the family, and not just something cute to look at.
I do respect areas where dogs are not allowed, and fully understand that the few have ruined it for the many, but still prefer to have my fur friend at my side, as he (and others prior to him), have been the best paddling companions I have ever had.
Be it considered selfish, or not, I most definitely enjoy the experience of canoeing with Jasper, and know he enjoys the experience too. In no way are we stopping others from enjoying themselves either.
They're like people who used to take boomboxes. They only think of the pleasure the animal or electronic thing gives to themselves and not to the all the annoyance--often not visible, because people try to be polite--it causes to others.
I have actually never seen anyone with a boombox while canoeing, but certainly would not want to myself either. The same can be said of any personal activities, in that people just need to show respect. For example, guitars are the same, as I enjoy them, just not going on and on for long hours at a time. Or, the amorous couple who doesn't realize sound carries over water, that while an activity I can enjoy, not one I want to have others share with me.
