09/12/2025
🐾UPDATED PACK WALK RULES🐾
This is a structured training walk, designed to recreate working pack migration elements, foster proper social and leash behaviors, improve neutrality to distractions, and manage and work through triggers and reactivity in an inclusive, supportive pack environment for both dogs and humans.
In other words, this is no regular walk!
RULES:
*Dogs must be in control of the handler at all times.
*All dogs must arrive on leash and stay leashed for the entire duration of the walk.
*All dogs must walk in a heel position at all times, in pack formation (single or double file, staying in pace with the pack). Dogs can of course relieve themselves as needed, but they should not be allowed to roam freely out at the end of the lead for any extended period of time.
*Improper behaviors must be corrected: excessive barking, lunging, reactivity, etc.
*No cross-body, waist, bungee, or flexi-leashes are permitted. Haltis and Gentle Leaders are also not allowed. All of these pose significant safety risks for dogs and people. If you elect a wearable leash, the leash must still be held in your hand for proper control at all times.
*Leashes must be properly used: No wrapping of leashes around or under legs, abdomen, etc for "control" of the dog. (That is a training issue that can be addressed with proper leash handling and training. Using leashes improperly is a safety hazard and not permitted.)
*No face-to-face interactions between dogs are permitted (this includes pack walk member dogs, and other dogs alike).
*No interactions with passersby, including allowing people to greet and pet your dog while participating in the pack walk.
*No political or otherwise potentially sensitive discussions, please. This is a safe space for all.
All of the above rules ensure the educational and developmental efficacy of the pack walk, as well as the safety of all pets and people involved. Allowing social interactions at the pack walk defeats the purpose of the working migration concept, and creates social pressure and anticipatory charge for the dogs when coming to future pack walks. (We will create opportunities for social engagement and introductions at other times, as well as in training sessions.)
Any violations of the above rules will result in the dismissal of the handler and dog from the pack walk. In some cases, violations will result in a permanent ban from future pack walk participation.
