Paws for Louise

Weekend Walkies

Weekend Walkies is great exercise and socialisation for your dog and for you. It is held fortnightly on Saturdays at 4pm, held earlier at 3pm when the evenings get darker. We meet at Thornton-le-Dale Car Park and leave at 4.10pm prompt. Car Parking is £1 after 4pm or free, off peak. Cost is £3 per dog, if you have more than one dog it is £2 per dog. This is mostly to cover insurance. Walks last from an hour to two hours dependent on weather or route. Walks centre around Thornton-le-Dale and use public rights of way. Sturdy footwear/Wellies and suitable clothing, e.g. a coat when raining, is essential. Any owner and their dog can join. It is a pay as you go system and you don't have to attend every walk. Walks will be every fortnight come rain or shine - we went in the snow earlier in the year!

For Your Dog

Weekend Walkies gives your dog a chance to socialise with other dogs and people. Your dog can make friends, learn social skills and have fun while playing and walking. It is a great socialising opportunity as we will meet other animals such as horses, cows, ducks and sheep. The group of dogs will vary every time as new people join regularly. Dogs vary in personality as well as temperament. We have from the extremely outgoing to the very nervous in our group, every dog is welcome!

For the Owner

Exercising your dog can become a chore especially on weekends when you want to relax. Coming on Weekend Walkies puts the fun back into walking even when raining!! It is not just socialisation for your dog but for you too. Every person that comes with us is a dog lover so muddy paws, slobbery chops and noisy woofs are normal here.

If you have a dog that lunges at other dogs whether it be in play or aggression*, if you have a dog that is nervous or frightened* by other dogs or if you just want to socialise your dog, THEN WEEKEND WALKIES IS FOR YOU! No matter what your dog is like they are welcome here!

Unfortunately, dogs under seven months will not be accepted for health reasons, as their bones are too soft because they are still growing and are, therefore, too young to participate in these long walks.

However, once you have attended Puppy Classes, you are more than welcome to join in the play sessions at the end of each subsequent Puppy Class until your pup is old enough to attend Walkies.

I find that any dog in a group situation adapts to find his or her role, learns social skills to eliminate unwanted behaviours like lunging at passing dogs or learns to be more confident around other dogs. Aggressive dogs must wear a muzzle to protect everyone. You will find that your dog will find his/her place in the group no matter what problems you have had in the past. I have successfully rehabilitated many dogs with behavioural issues using this group and one to one sessions. Adding fortnightly Weekend Walkies to your dog's routine is the best way to get a well balanced happy pet.

*Please note that if your dog has a behavioural problem such as aggression, a one to one session is required before you can attend the walks, to evaluate and train your dog beforehand.

Weekend Walkies Rules

• All dogs must be on a lead at all times unless recall training is sufficient, the terrain is safe to do so and Paws For Louise has advised you that you can.
• Aggressive dogs must be muzzled at all times.
• Paws For Louise is not responsible for the loss of any dog during the walk.
• You may need to bring refreshments for you and your dog.
• All owners must stick to the route marked on the map, where provided, and any deviations are taken at your own risk.
• The cost per dog per walk is £3.00 (Saturday Walk) or £6.00 (Sunday Walk), subject to change at any time.
• The main meeting point is Thornton-le-Dale Sports Field (March to October) or Thornton-le-Dale Car Park (November to February), but you may be required to drive to another start point.
• Paws for Louise is not responsible for your car which is parked at your own risk.
• Each walk will be 1 hour on a Saturday and commences at 4pm (3pm GMT) or between 3 to 5 hours on a Sunday and commences at 10.30am.
• Paws for Louise reserves the right to refuse or withdraw any dog or person if deemed dangerous to the public or other participants. Disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Leads, collars, head collars or harnesses only are permitted, chains and half checks are banned.
• Stout waterproof footwear and a waterproof coat are required to be brought and worn by all participants when required.
• Any walk may be cancelled or shortened due to bad weather at Paws for Louise's discretion. No refunds are available.
• These are socialisation walks; advice may be sought from Louise whilst the walk is in progress. Difficult queries may be deferred to be dealt with by a one to one session.
• All participants must stay with the group until the end of the walk, as all will be registered at the beginning and checked out at the end unless other arrangements have been made.
• All walks are scheduled and developed by Paws for Louise and associates.
• Paws for Louise is not responsible for any personal loss or injury during the walk.
• Each participant must agree to these conditions - no exceptions.
• The Sunday walks are strictly restricted to current and past clients only. New clients must attend the Saturday Walkies first.

Please phone 07875 535654 or e-mail pawsforlouise@hotmail.co.uk, if you would like to attend or for more information.