I started using a collapsible trekking pole when I was pregnant during an icy winter, but find I rarely use it when hiking. I usually grab a stick from the trail head, and that's usually more for protection that balance. We hike in coyote territory, and though I've never seen one and wouldn't expect to since I most often hike with noisy kiddos, I have been rushed by off-leash dogs a few times. (Once I thought that three off leash dogs were a pack of coyotes when they rushed me while I was sitting down for a brew at dawn. That was enough to spook me.) Even a friendly puppy can do damage to a little kid when they're excited and jump up. I'd never want to hurt someone's pet, but it is a safety concern.