Monday, November 12, 2012

Walking with RespectaBulls

About a month ago when Emily from Our Waldo Bungie visited Portland, I was so excited to also meet up with Sarah from Married with Dawgs.  During a very long lunch, we talked about all things dog including the Portland Pit Bull Parade which Athena, B, and I have attended twice (see here and here). Sarah told me about a relatively new dog walking group that she planned to join with her dog Hurley.

The group is called RespectaBulls and it is a no dog greeting group that works much like the dog walking groups that we admire like Chicago SociaBullsKC Pittie Pack, and HikeABull.  RespectaBulls walks once a month in the Portland and Vancouver areas to provide a positive and supportive environment for handlers to work with their dogs.

Yesterday we joined RepectaBulls for our first walk.  As much as we love the Portland Pit Bull Parade, I felt that RepectaBulls was a much calmer environment (less than 15 dogs per walk) where Athena got to work on no dog greetings and keeping her distance from other dogs.  I think that this type of a setting will be an excellent addition to Athena's overall training.


Aside from the super cute dogs (all of whom were pitties except for one!), the owners in the group were so friendly and welcoming.  I love that many of the owners and dogs are reoccurring walkers from month to month which makes for a very supportive community.



A few of the dogs on the walk are up for adoption through the West Columbia Gorge 'No Kill' Humane Society in Washougal, WA.  Seen below in his fancy purple fleece vest (made by RespectaBulls group leader Amanda) is Barkley.  He's a two year old pittie awaiting his forever home while living in a foster home.  As you can see, he looooovvveeed the puppies!


Also up for adoption through WCGHS are Cutty (left) and Walter (right).  These handsome guys would be an amazing addition to any family!


During the walk, Athena pulled and pulled until we finally figured out that her sweet spot is walking side by side with the other dogs.  She is not fond of walking behind everyone!


We even worked in a little bit of training before the walk began.  Though, Athena made sure that she always had her eyes on her doggy friends so as not to miss out on any of the fun!


We really enjoyed walking with RespectaBulls and think that Athena enjoyed it too.  Hopefully these walks in addition to walks with the Portland Pit Bull Parade will become a part of our monthly routine!

17 comments:

  1. That sounds like a great group. Maybe between the two groups, one will actually be having a walk on a day I can make it to Portland.

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    1. We had a great time =) If you e-mail Amanda she can keep you updated on all of the future walks!

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  2. That sounds so great. I wish we had something more like that around here. The only walking group that I know of seems to have no rules and that certainly won't work for us. :-(

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    1. I understand, I really appreciate the rules that come with this new group!

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  3. Barkley is my favorite! That brindle butt patch is so stinkin' cute! I'm very jealous of your walk. Someone in our area once messaged me about a Phoenix area hiking group for pits but that hasn't happened. The best Athena pic is where she is getting a treat! Your little lady has great manners.

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    1. Omg, Barkley is my favorite too! If we were looking for another dog I would totally be considering him!

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  4. That looks like so much fun! And Athena looks nice and toasty in he pretty coat :)

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  5. What an awesome group! I'm a little jealous, I don't think we have anything like that here in Wichita. And, way to go to Athena for doing so well!

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  6. I love this! I may have to check this out :) Even though Rufus isn't a pittie, he's got a brindle coat that could make the pittie ladies swoon!

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    1. You should check it out =) There's even a Chihuahua that always walks with the group, so they are very accepting of all breeds!

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  7. I love how she kept her eye on the group while waiting for her treat! She is too adorable! Also, I'm glad you found a group that you feel will be a good fit for Athena - that is SO important!

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  8. I love the last photo! Sounds like a great thing for any dog, not just pit bulls:)

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  9. How fun! I think I need to get a group like that going here - it would be nice to meet other dog folks!

    Sam

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