Dog Walking Club Guidelines

Core Beliefs

We believe dogs are family.
We believe that the human/dog bond is strengthened through quality time spent with a community of people who have similar interests and beliefs about pet care.
We believe dogs learn best using positive, fun, and enriching training methods.
We believe collaborations with pet professionals benefits our members by offering the best educational resources for learning and growing.
We believe that time spent in the natural world reduces stress, increases happiness, and improves the health of dogs and their people.
We believe that all dogs, regardless of temperament, ability, size, breed, or age, should have equal access to safe, clean, welcoming, and positive, multi-sensory enrichment play areas.

Inclusive Statements

We are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all humans regardless of gender, age, gender identity, race, health status, national origin, relationship status, sexual orientation, disability, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and religion.
We also welcome dogs of any breed, size, age, ability, and temperament, regardless of being neutered or spayed.

Event Guidelines

When attending one of our events, it is assumed that you have read and agree to these guidelines as well as agree to act accordingly.

Events are open to all dog lovers. You do not need to bring a dog to join in on the fun.
Safety is our number one priority for both dogs and their people. If you or your dog has a medical condition related to the environment (i.e. allergic to bees, etc.) please make your Adventure Guide team aware.
ALL dogs must be on an 8-foot or shorter leash. No flex or retractable leashes are allowed. These leashes are NOT appropriate when walking with a group of dogs.
We are focused on force-free, positive dog training methods and do not allow aversive tools to be used at any of our events. This includes but is not limited to prong/pinch, choke, bark control, shock, and spray collars. Martingale collars are allowed since they are not used for correcting a behavior and are used more for safety. Head halters are allowed if used properly and your dog is not doing anything to injure themselves while walking (i.e. sharp head snaps, dragging face on ground). Education and guidance will be provided as needed.
Always carry pet waste bags (biodegradable preferred) and pick up as needed. It is also REQUIRED that you carry water for your dog. We also recommend water for yourself as well as a protein snack for longer walks/hikes for both.
When walking on a trail, please stay to the right side and allow bicyclists, joggers, horses, and other dogs and their people to pass on your left. To avoid uncomfortable and unsafe social greetings, guide your dog to the right side of your body with a cue word or treats. It may be safer to ask your dog to stop and wait as well depending on their comfort level.
There will be people walking at different speeds, however, if your small leashed dog is slowing down please carry him/her. Little dogs get tired and it makes sense to help them when needed, but let them finish the walk on their own four paws. This improves their confidence\
Limit social greetings at the beginning of an event (especially during times of high respiratory infections among dogs). Many dogs do not like their space invaded and this time is better spent getting your dog to feel relaxed and confident in this environment. After the event, when the dogs are tired, is a better time to meet and greet with owner permission.
We encourage people of all ages to join in on the fun. However, please make sure younger children are always in your care and understand the proper way to greet a dog when given permission by the dog guardian. They should also be able to recognize the signs a dog exhibits when it is uncomfortable.
ALWAYS ask another dog guardian if it is OK to greet their dog before approaching.
Since we will be walking/hiking in many different areas, including forests, fields, farmland, etc. it is recommended that your dog is treated for worms, ticks, and fleas.
During tick season, we recommend spraying yourself and your dog with an all-natural spray. Flee and Tick will provide at each event and also have available for purchase.
If our team observes behavior from your dog such as nipping, snapping, lunging, growling, or strong staring at other dogs, we will help you find ways to redirect your dog and make them more comfortable in this environment. In some cases, the environment may not be suitable for your dog and they may be more comfortable returning home. We want participants to feel welcome, safe, and included at all events.
There is a maximum of two dogs per person. We recommend a double-headed leash if walking two dogs. Occasionally, we limit events to only one dog for maximum happiness. This information will be available in event postings.
We discourage leaving an event early, however, if you decide to leave a walk/hike, At that point, you become responsible for your own navigation.
When the group meets other dogs, please keep your dog safely by your side using treats or a cue word. A group of dogs can be very threatening to a dog walking solo, and its owner. The same applies to small children, let’s not be the ones who give a child a lifelong terror of dogs!
If your dog is unwell and infectious, please do not bring him/her to the group walk. If we witness your dog coughing, sneezing or exhibiting any type of nasal discharge, you will be asked to leave the adventure. There is a very contagious respiratory infection circulating among dogs and we want to limit the risk of spreading.

Vaccines

For the safety of all dogs and people, ALL dogs must be up to date on the Rabies Vaccine and wearing current tags at events.

Although not required, we highly recommend dogs also have the DAPP/DHPP (Distemper/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza/Parvovirus) and Kennel Cough vaccines especially if your dog is regularly exposed to other dogs (i.e. in a doggy daycare setting) or is immuno-compromised.

If your dog has recently tested positive for giardia, please do not attend an event until you receive a negative fecal test for your dog. Please be prepared to show proof of the Rabies Vaccine at each event if asked.