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 SociaBulls, KC 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!