I've heard that leg hold traps are an increased danger to dogs while hiking.

Here is a good video about avoidance and removal and first aid.
http://www.outsideonline.com/templates/ipad_video_player?id=268637872#ooid=F0MGc4bzouIFQGYTPtDj8eDelZVC2AY7

Michael - you gave me heart failure! I was afraid that Bodhi had been caught in one!

Sorry, Amy.
I wouldn't wish that on any dog.

In Oregon, we have had  several initiative petitions to ban their use, but they all failed.

there is something even worse out there, that my dog has been caught in before. It's called a conibear trap which is considered a 'body trap' for trapping beaver, racoons, fishers, etc. If I hadn't been hiking with a friend who helped remove it, I am not sure I could have by myself since it was a 220# one. It was a few years ago (I think I posted then about it, but never hurts to mention it again)

They get their heads caught in them because meat or something is put on the other side of it, to attract the animals to enter it. They can quickly suffocate by the pressure on the airway, or even crush the skull. This link shows how to remove them if you are fortunate enough to still have time.

http://www.trapfreeoregon.org/page3.html