Sunday Pack Walk & Contest!

Yesterday we had our first NYC pack walk!  Five pitties and five humans braved Central Park for our first walk.  We learned a lot of things we did "wrong" but we know one thing went right: Havi was totally confident in her pack.  I know sometimes it seems Havi is the perfect pup (which she is), but she has major leash aggression issues.  Well, the second Havi started walking with her pack, she was golden.  She didn't act out or even bother to play with any of the other pitties.  She knew she had a job to do, and that was to walk with her pack.  She seemed most comfortable at the back of the pack, with adoptable Pinky from That Touch of Pit.

We were stopped about four times for people to ask if the pups were pit bulls, if they could pet them, and to ask what were doing!  Aside from Havi barking at a few runners and a few pups, they were focused, proud ambassadogs!

Check out these awesome photos, courtesy of Jen from That Touch of Pit.

Gerti from Prettie Little Pittie

Havi

Pinky from That Touch of Pit

Remi

Lucy, That Touch of Pit and pack leader!

We learned we did a few things wrong on our first walk, and got some great advice from Chicago Sociabulls, Hikeabull, and KC Walking Club to do it "better."

So without further adieu,  our rules:

The route will be set in advance so everyone knows where we're going and we can prepare for the terrain (and possible distractions, ie. singers, roller bladers, etc.)  It will be drawn out the route on a Google map, and emailed it to all participants in 24 hours before the walk.  It will include rest stops so that all involved (humans and dogs) can re-hydrate, re-focus, etc.

We will include people without dogs (so please bring a partner, or friend). If an incident occurs, they will be the ones who can swoop in a stop it. Other people holding dogs can't solve a situation involving dogs.

Everyone should bring their dog's most high value treats.

No retractable leashes

 No face to face greetings

Give each dog at least 1 yard of space

Next Week's Walk

      We are going to start a MeetUp Group to RSVP through, email address, as well as a Facebook page shortly. However, this week's walk will take place on Saturday, February 4 at 10:00AM.  If you would like to participate, please email us at TwoGradStudentsandaPittie@gmail.com.  Please include your human name, dog name, dog breed guesstimate, contact information, and issues your pup is working on.  Also, you may email us just to be included on our mailing list!

     Contest Time!

     We need a name and we need YOU to help!  Please leave your best idea for a name for our group in the comments.  Havi will vote!  What do you win?!  The pride and glory of having named the NYC chapter of the pack walk groups!