Group walk last weekend (2015.01.10) in Bowring Park
So it all started off with an idea I had. A lot of people laughed when I explained what I wanted to do. A lot said it was too much work and not enough benefit. Many said that it was too dangerous and even more felt that nobody would come. The negativity did get discouraging. I often relate on one walk about 8 months into forming the group, I was in Bowring Park in the winter and there were only two of us on the walk.
Fortunately I did not listen to anybody else and decided to put my idea into action. I felt that all kinds of groups existed…sports teams, clubs, and such…why not a dog group that ACTUALLY met. Not at a dog park. Not only on an internet forum. I wanted an actual group that met that anybody could join regardless of training background. But here is the kicker…I wanted a group that was open and WELCOMING to all dogs, regardless of their disposition.
Ohhhhh…that was a toughie.
I am happy to report that 8 years later, we have a membership of around 5000 between the Facebook group and the email list. Most members are from Newfoundland. If we accepted EVERYBODY who requested to join, we would have five times the number but we try to keep it to Newfoundland and actual clients in an attempt too weed out fake accounts and such. To put that in perspective…our group is larger than most communities, many towns and some municipalities. It is pretty inspiring when you think of it like that. The group has done a TON of good work and perhaps it is my bias but I am told that the group has a lot of respect from the community at large.
One of the themes I have seen posted many times recently is a comment such as…
“I would like to come on the walks but I am too nervous my dog will act up”
“Cannot wait to be able to join the walks but need to get more control first”
“I would be too embarrassed to join the walks as my dog can be a real butt head…”
I am not saying these statements are not valid. By all means, it is ALWAYS best to work on proper control, developing proper manners and communication with your dog. However, there comes a time when you have to bite the bullet, take charge and come.
Remember, there are all types of dogs on the walks ranging from tea cups to mastiffs. These dogs have all types of personalities and dispositions. We have dogs that are so submissive, if you look at them, they will roll over on their backs and pee on themselves. We have others that are so aggressive, you look at them, they will want to lunge and eat your face off.
You want to know something all these dogs have in common? They all love the walks. They love the walks because of the controlled interaction. The rules offer the dogs a safe place to come where they can interact with other dogs and other people and not be overwhelmed. It is a safe place for them to get over their eccentricities. They develop friendships with the other owners and their dogs. It is a beautiful thing to witness happen. I look at all the bromances (and honestly I will not even list them because their are too many), and it is wonderful.
“But I do not know anybody there…I am trying to convince my friend to go but can’t”.
Look, the dogs are not the only beings on the walk with things in common. All the owners have one big thing in common…they all LOVE their dogs. Come on out, strike up a conversation. Hey, I know something that would keep most of the people busy talking on the walk for an hour…
“You have such a beautiful dog…what’s his story”…that is worth at least an hour conversation :) Hell, some of the members of our group can keep up a running dialogue with you whether you want them to or not…yes, the gift of gab is alive and well in many of our members.
Pretty soon, it will be like you have always come. You will find your place in the pack. One warning though….Saturday and Sunday mornings, you better make sure you are coming because your dog will be pretty peeved if you don’t. Members frequently tell me that come Saturday starting at 11:30, Sunday’s starting at 9, their dogs start looking at them and whining…”Is it time yet”, “Can we go now”. The parking lot is very exciting and when I call out “Ok, let’s go”….plug your ears because the howls start. Five minutes later, all the dogs are walking side by side, and people are passing commenting “My what a well behaved group of dogs”.
Molly not impressed she is not attending the walks
“But my dog hates the snow and cold”… Pick up booties and jackets for your dog
Sydney and Annabelle sporting winter wear
“But my dog is too small”…We have many dogs that weigh five pounds and less…they come on the walk year round.
Ty is one of our smallest members and also walks year round
Heck, we even have dogs whose owners think it is so important for them to be on the walks that when the snow is too deep, they put their dogs in backpacks and bags and carry them.
Lindy being carried through the deep snow one walk
“But my dog will bite”…I can help you work through all of that. In the meantime, as you are working it through, you are more than welcome to use a muzzle. Muzzles are common and allow the owner a chance to work properly with their dog and the dog a chance to develop other skills to use in order to interact correctly.
Have not convinced you yet?
Ok…if you are really nervous…set up a one on one with me. I can come to your home and help you out. We can set you up with a plan so that you can get the communication going, start socializing your dog correctly and very shortly, you will feel comfortable to join.
Koby showing how much he loves the walks
Remember, on the walks many people have been in your shoes. Read the success stories. That is just the tip of the iceberg. As long as you are trying to obey the rules, you will get a lot of understanding and support.
I am always there to help out. If you are having a lot of trouble, just call out to me. I will come, grab your dog for you and get you walking him. It happens all the time and is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Still not convinced? How about joining up with an obedience class. Of course, I prefer if you come do my program. I know that it is a quality program and I know the class will more than prepare you to join the walks.
After the one on one and the course, you really have no excuses…bite the bullet and come on out.
Your pup will thank you. Who knows…the next Santa Claus Parade, the next Walk for Arthritis, the next Walk for the Dogs, the next Pet Expo….perhaps you and your dog will be front and centre
Stewie exhausted after one of his first walks
Ken