Safety is our #1 Priority. For this reason, we have established the following safety polices for our off-leash group adventure hikes.
In order to join an off-leash group adventure hike dogs must first...
* Possess basic off-leash reliability. This involves having experience coming when called, following the lead of their human and returning to their human in a woodland location. We at J and R's Pup Squad strongly believe that no one needs to be perfect, including dogs. We will support your dog in their growth and development by practicing off leash skills throughout each hike, including come, staying close, paying attention, sit, stay, wait, leave it, taking turns, impulse control, among others. Dogs may begin hiking mostly on leash or part on leash/part off leash. As they progress, we will slowly give them more and more off leash time. Dogs will spend their entire hike off leash once we see that their communication with us is solid, that they are paying full attention to us throughout the hike and when they have reached excellence in reliability.
* Possess a demonstrated ability to get along well with dogs and people. (Dogs with a history of aggressive behavior will not be accepted into off leash group adventure hikes or any group outings).
General Information
* We ask for a two or more outing per week or an 8 or more outing per month commitment on a generally consistent basis throughout the year.
* Pick up for the 1st hike is between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., drop off is between 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. Pick up for the second hike is between 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m./drop off is between 1:15 and 3:30. We can give clients a narrower 60 min window for pick up and 90 min window for drop off for hikes, and/or a 5-30 min heads up before arrival. We sometimes spend extra time on hikes when we can, which may make drop off a little later. We can update you on the drop off time by request. We will generally need a 90 min- 2-hour window for neighborhood walks.
* During hikes, both for safety and fun, we spend time on and off main trails. As the woods offers a variety of conditions, especially through changes in season and weather, it is not possible to always avoid water and mud during off leash hikes. We are happy to rinse and wipe your dog at drop off if you leave a towel and access to water. We can also send a text to meet you at drop off.
* Our off leash hikes serve as an excellent place to build upon, develop and reinforce off leash skills and training. Nevertheless, our hikes do not serve as a substitute for an owners participation in their own dog's training. This is something that we can discuss at our initial meet and greet.
* Although we are constantly watching, instructing, redirecting, and communicating with dogs throughout off leash hikes, at the same time taking safety precautions regarding terrain, weather, and skill level, there are occasional natural and unavoidable risks associated with off leash hikes. Clients must have knowledge of and a reasonable perspective of these occasional unavoidable risks. This is also something that can be discussed at the initial meet and greet.
* Although toy dogs who have reached off leash proficiency can enjoy off leash time, most toy dogs will spend at least part of their hike on leash to ensure their safety.
* We offer a complimentary meet and greet for new clients.
* We provide a list of references to new clients.
* We do not charge fees for cancelations or schedule changes.
* All of our services are subject to availability.
* New clients will be asked to provide documentation showing that their dog is up to date on their shots, along with the name and address of their veterinarian and an emergency contact telephone number.
* We are open in all weather conditions, and on many holidays (with a few exceptions). We provide as needed weekend services to our existing clients. We will close when roads are unsafe for driving.