The 'kid(s)' are picked up at your residence (or other preferred site), curbside, with a 5 minute ETA convenience call for each pick-up.
Trip:
The trip vehicle is an SUV with back seats removed, thus there is plenty of room in back for a foursome.
The ride out of the city will be approximately one hour, with open window car surfing along the way (weather permitting). For most dogs, the ride itself is a thrill, seeing all the sites, and oh the anticipation. I've noticed the 'kids' get particularly excited when they start seeing lots of green.
Trips generally consists of two periods of hiking and some car rest time in between. Water will be carried as needed for each hike. And, with parental permission, some meatty treats either before or between hikes are enjoyed as well.
A blanket provides for a nice snooze on the ride back, and if not too pooped, more window surf time can be enjoyed.
Drop-off:
Twenty (20) minute and five (5) minute ETA convenience calls will be made for each household prior to drop-off at curbside. Never will a dog be left without a parent present; please make it a priority to be present upon our arrival, your dog will be eager to share with you their joy from the day's outing.
Guidelines and Safety:
I have four dogs whom I regularly take to wooded areas for recreation. Of course, these are my dogs, and for them I am the alpha, thus they are very mindful of my whereabouts, understand my words and know the importance of complying with my commands.
It is important that your dog has been parented well; they should understand limits and have experienced consequences for breachments. They should have a set of words they understand and to which they will respond. Their temperament should be very good and they should be averse to confrontation, yet inclined to sociable interaction with dogs and people.
I always have at least two hike veteran dogs on a trip and do not take more than two 'green' dogs (first trippers) at a time. I, also, prefer to introduce dogs from the same household to the experience one at a time. Most dogs are intrinsically pack oriented, as are people. Every trip includes at least two dogs who fully understand my position in the pack, are veterans of many hikes and adhere to my commands. Having reliable veteran hike dogs along makes the task of leading and controlling new additions to our jaunts manageable. The new 'kid(s)' on the hike will early on follow the pack, who defers to me, giving time for a relationship to build between myself and each new addition.
Of course, there are the hunting breeds which require much more attention. While any dog can find joy in chasing small mammals, the hunting dogs have an instinct for tracking, chasing, flushing or otherwise being focused on snaring prey. These dogs need to have had plenty of outdoor off-leash obedience training. The idea is not to kill their joy in a woodsy romp, but to allow them to enjoy their instinctive nature in moderation while insuring their safety and the safety of others, including the wildlife.
Anything worthwhile carries some risks, e.g. leaving the house. While I employ much oversight and due care on all of our adventures, it is a fact that any time spent outside of one's own living quarters cannot carry a fulproof guarantee of safety. It is, also, my experience that the only guaranteed safe life is a forlorn one.
Guardianship:
I love my dogs immensely, and express it to them frequently. This affection is not limited to my own 'kids'. I am a good guardian; I have rescued distressed dogs, returned lost 'kids' to their homes and nurtured sick/injured dogs, as well. While I enjoy and need good human interaction, I find humankind to be not so 'kind' and take pleasure in the joy I can give to our 'best' friends.
Fees:
Currently there is only one rate. A very affordable introductory rate of $45/dog/trip. This includes the 'your place' curbside pick-up and drop-off service. Fee is payable at drop-off, via cash or check.
