Canine Coach Team Walk

Join us for a Canine Coach Team Walk at Lake Hodges with your dog and take a hike with new friends! Our walks are a fantastic opportunity to expose your dog to a new environment while enhancing your handling skills in a supportive and structured setting. You don’t have to be on the team to join. We can’t wait to see you there!

Before signing up, please take a moment to review the Team Walk Guidelines and How to Prepare sections on our Canine Coach Team Walk webpage.

UPON ARRIVAL

When you arrive, please find a spot in or near our circle in the dirt. Make sure there’s enough space for everyone, keeping at least 3 feet between each dog. Coach Ariel will start by introducing herself to the group, and then we’ll go around the circle so you can share your name and your dog’s name.

PARKING INFORMATION

You can park along Lake Drive, across the street in the dirt, or in the parking lot near the community park. Please note, this is not a grassy park it's the start of a dirt trail system surrounded by Eucaluptus Trees. Parking is free.

EVENT DETAILS

When: Saturday, December 14, 2024

Where: Del Dios Community Park starting at 20175 Lake Dr, Escondido, CA 92029

Meeting Time: 9:00 AM

Walk Distance: ~1.54miles ( Dirt trail along the access road of the Lake Hodges High Trail) towards the Lake Hodges Boat Dock. We will stop halfway at a small beach then walk back.

Walk Duration: Approximately 1 hour, with 1 break at the turn-around point.

Trail Difficulty: Easy, mostly flat, some rocks (54 ft Elevation Gain)

Trail Type: Out and Back

Terrain: Asphalt, Dirt, Pavement, and Sand

Environment: Outdoor, expect a more rugged setting than our last walk with low-moderate traffic, including mountain bikers, runners, and dogs.

Meeting Place: We’ll gather in the large dirt area near the community park info board before starting the walk together. Please arrive on-time or you may miss the group.

THINGS TO KNOW

This walk is a hike along a dirt trail. It can be rugged, and there is little to no shade in sections. Be prepared with water, appropriate clothing, and hiking or running shoes. Dogs will not need boots, but will need extra water. Since we'll be out in a nature, there may also be foxtails, rattlesnakes mountain bikes, sticks, rocks, squirrels, rabbits, lizards, and coyotes. Part of the trail drops into a little hidden gathering of oaks - so watch your step.

JOIN IN OUR DECOMPRESSION SESSION

Half-way through the walk at our turn-around point, we’ll give the dogs a chance to potty before moving to a designated area for a decompression session. This is a valuable time for many dogs to learn to “just be” around others. It’s also a great opportunity to practice commands like sit, down and stay if your dog is ready. We may do a few exercises depending on the amount of dogs and time left before we have to head back. Feel free to use treats and positive feedback to encourage good behavior!

Meet the Trainer! Coach Ariel Santa Maria from Canine Coach will be leading our walk! During the Decompress session, this is your chance to ASK QUESTIONS and seek advice from a professional dog trainer and gain valuable insights to help you and your canine thrive!

Formal Close: At the end of our time together, Coach Ariel will formally conclude the event. You’re welcome to leave at any time that suits you and your dog.

Ending Time: 10:30 AM

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TEAM WALK GUIDELINES

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please follow these guidelines:

Leash Policy:

Dogs must remain on-leash for the entire duration of the event.

Maintain a 3-foot distance between yourself and other handlers.

If the path is narrow, please walk in single file.

No retractable or bungee leashes are allowed.

Dog Greetings:

Dog greetings are not permitted during the walk or the decompression period. This structured setting is designed to help dogs acclimate to one another safely.

Distance Management:

Maintain a 6-foot distance from other dogs at all times to prevent nose-to-nose or nose-to-tail interactions. This helps build trust among participants and keeps everyone comfortable.

Awareness of Surroundings:

As we are in public spaces, please be aware of both your surroundings and your dog's behavior. Humans have the right of way; give others ample space by stepping aside when passing by. Lead by example for your dog and for others in the group. Pay attention to the movement of other owners and dogs in front of you. We may stop suddenly, or pause the walk momentarily to cross at street crossings or allow others to catch up if our team is separated.

What to Bring:

Please bring enough water for yourself and your dog, poop bags, and treats!

Prevent dogs from marking or pottying in inappropriate areas. Choose suitable locations for bathroom breaks and always clean up after your dog.

Post-Event Interactions:

If you wish to stay after the trainer concludes the event, please ask permission from other dog owners before allowing any dog interactions.

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to a fun and productive walk together!

HOW TO BE PREPARED

We encourage you to bring treats to use at this time as well as during the walk.

Check the weather prior to the Team Walk and make sure to bring water for yourself and your dog.

Closed toed shoes, and athletic attire is encouraged for this event. We try to keep a consistent speed but be prepared to walk slower or faster depending on the meeting location and number of atendees.

Feel free to pull off to the side and let others pass at any time. You and your dog do not need to stay with the group if it is not what is best for them at any time. We encourage you to advocate for your dog.

If your dog is stressed, anxious, or excitable around other dogs, we recommend you skip the Team Walk for now and see our private training page or other services.

VISIT OUR TEAM WALK PAGE

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lake Hodges, 20175 Lake Drive, Escondido, United States