Walks are organized to take place at local parks, trails, etc. There is no cost, there are no lessons provided although trainer may offer advise where appropriate. This is an opportunity to walk with other dog lovers, dog enthusiasts, pet professionals etc. Participants may work on training and have some fun. Safety first Always!

Standard 6' leash - no retractable leads please.

Your dog should be wearing appropriate training gear. This is an on-leash walk, no off-leash exercises permitted. Appropriate gear includes Flat Collar, Head Collar (Gentle Leader, Head Halti, Snoot loop or other), Front Hook Harness (Sensation, Wonder Walker or other). No aversive gear. If you have questions regarding appropriate training or walking gear for your dog, please do not hesitate to talk to Donna Savoie, CPDT.

Come prepared to clean up after your dog, we don't want to leave any messes behind.

Children are welcome and are the responsibility of the parent or guardian. Safety first! Children 11 years of age and older are welcome to walk their own dog, as long as there are no safety concerns. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Donna Savoie, CPDT. Strong dogs who are still learning leash manners should be handled by an adult. Pack of Paws Dog Training reserves the right to require adults to handle the leash of any dog.

Bring patience, there is no agenda.

Got a puppy? This is a GREAT chance to socialize! Puppies should have had their full set of puppy shots, please ask your veterinarian if your new pup is physically ready to walk 1.8 miles over manicured terrain with other dogs and where other dogs and other animals have eliminated. Puppy owners should be extra cautious and ask permission before greeting other dogs. Not all dogs like to be approached while on leash. Puppies MUST be guaranteed a positive experience.

Be considerate of other dog/handlers, not all dogs like to be approached; please always ask before approaching and attempting a greeting. If your dog does not like to be approached, please raise your hand up like a “stop” and ask the approacher to stay at a suitable distance. Everyone who participates in the walk will understand and accommodate your dog’s needs.

Work your dog under threshold, if your dog needs to be 25 ft away from other dogs and handlers to be calm and to be able to think and learn, be sure you give him the space he needs.

When oncoming dogs and handlers approach our pack, please pull over to the side and give plenty of space to the oncoming team. So many dogs in a pack can be overwhelming to some dogs and persons and we want to be polite; we want to set ourselves and others up for success! We also want to set a good example for others.

If your dog is reactive or offers aggressive behaviors toward other dogs and/or people, these walks may not be appropriate for you and your dog until conditioning and training programs have been implemented and a certain measure of progress made. If you are unsure of your dog's ability to walk amidst other dogs and people safely, please schedule an evaluation with us.  Dogs who are unsafe or over threshold will be asked to refrain from participating in the walk until completing a training program and until cleared by Donna Savoie, CPDT.

If you are a Pack of Paws Dog Training client, cleared by Donna Savoie, CPDT to work a reactive dog during the group walk, it is absolutely your responsibility to insure the safety of your dog and others. Your dog will be kept at a safe distance so that if he does make a bad decision, no contact is made with another dog or person. Dogs and handlers who cause an unsafe or stressful experience for their dog or the general group will be asked to continue their training work in a different environment. At no time will the general public be put at risk.

Pack of Paws Dog Training reserves the right to ask any participant to refrain from participating in the group walk for rules infractions or for any reason.

Pack of Paws Dog Training assumes no liability or responsibility for the safety and welfare of dogs and people participating in walks. Each participant agrees to take complete responsibility for the action of their own dog, self and family members, before, after and during walks. At no time will Pack of Paws Dog Training or Donna Savoie be liable or responsible for the actions of each participant or any of the dogs. All participants will be considerate of any and all properties used and of other participants and their dogs.

Training with reactive dogs during the group walk may be possible after a full evaluation by Pack of Paws Dog Training. Our goal for you, your dog, other dogs and their families is safety and an appropriate training environment for stress-free learning


Direct any questions or concerns to Donna Savoie, CPDT at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 508-248-4677