That's handy to know, unfortunately my car has no aircon (and being little, gets warm quickly) which is my main concern, need to make sure we head off before it gets too warm for open windows to keep the dogs cool enough. We've had to totally abandon the group walks we used to go on as they started at 1 - just about do-able for short trips, but by the time we finished at 3-4ish it was way too hot to be driving in. What's the parking like, is there a specific car park and is there any shady spots I can park in?

There is no need for any dogs to get overheated. They can just bimble along in the shade mostly at whatever speed suits.

There is a bit of parking at Westhumble Station which is free and quite shady. At that time on a Saturday morning it should be empty and has about 20 spaces. If that is full there is a bit more across the road at the j/w Crabtree Lane, or failing that there is Ryka's cafe carpark which is massive, across the A24 opposite the Burford Bridge hotel. Or, The Stepping Stones pub has a car park and as we will be going in there they won't mind. Or, on the Boxhill side of the A24 there is a service road where there is a carpark next to the stepping stones across the river. So parking won't be a problem, but I suggest we try the station carpark first so we can meet those arriving by train.

Early is fine with me! MM can just let me know what time she wants me in Richmond. Only takes 15 mins or so for me to get there by train . Ooh... Excited now its all coming together! And we're still 2weeks away!

S x

Where do I look to find out where you are meeting as I may be able to come aswell - though I won't know anyone.

Hello there!

Don't worry, this is our first walk and most of us haven't met each other before either! You'd be most welcome (especially if your bringing a ridgeback I love them!) we're meeting around Boxhill and Westhumble train station around 8.30. Are you driving?

Can I just please ask for a quick low down on everyones dogs just so that I know roughly what to expect, it will help me when handling Cain. It will also help the other dogs so we know how to react around them e.g. We are aware that Kia is shy. So
a) how is your dog with other dogs? For my benefit, how do you think them likely to respond to Cain?
b) how is your dog with people? Any other shy dogs out there?
c) anything else we should know?

I just think this info would be helpful for all to be aware as a few of the dogs coming have little quirks.

So I'll start
a) Cain is big and boiterous and coming on the walk to socialise. He can be very rough and plays by jumping and paw splatting, although can play surprising nicely with little dogs and loves young makes who play as rough! Had fear aggression but hasn't had an aggressive interaction in quite a while now. He will be muzzled initially, more for your peace of mind, I will take it off later if everyone is happy
b) He's good with 99% of people, he can react to the odd person who scares him but I'm sure he'll be absolutely fine in our group, he's never had a problem with other dog walkers
c) Nope, I think that's all his issues lol!

good idea!

Kiki
a) Good with all dogs, never had any issues. She's used to Casper and his boisterous nature so I imagine she will be fine with Cain
b) Kiki is fine with people, going from her behaviour on other walks she will probably ignore people unless they have food in their pockets She can sometimes be a little barky if people approach "her" space but never seen this behaviour on a group walk, only at home/on "our" farm (it's ours in her eyes!) but once she's said hello she's fine
c) Kiki has a high prey drive so if you spot a rabbit up ahead, a warning shout would be appreciated! She may be too distracted by all the dogs but if I'm on constant lookout it's not because she's got a problem with dogs but because she does run off after small furries. She's been fine with small dogs in the distance though so this does only apply to rabbits, squirrels, etc.

Casper, if he comes along
a) He can be reactive on lead but has been absolutely fine on group walks. If there's going to be an issue it will be at the start of the walk but hopefully he should be fine. I'll be muzzling him just incase though because he can be boisterous and initially doesn't realise dogs, especially smaller ones, don't always appreciate being grabbed on the neck to play with a dog they don't know If he doesn't kick off at the start then he'll probably be one of the most tolerable dogs of Cain's playful behaviour, he's had dogs pester him constantly on walks and he tends to just ignore it/run back to mummy
b) Fine, never had an issue. Probably will keep checking in with me because he's a typical clingy GSD
c) Not really. If anyone does have a nervous smaller dog coming with them, I'm happy to keep Casper on lead at your request. He doesn't have any malice in his actions but I can see how his behaviour could scare a nervous dog as he's a bit in their face to begin with - but once he's met them he's quite gentle (he followed a little JRT around on our last group walk like he was smitten with her)

Good idea!

Well, a) Kia is fine with other dogs. Depending on how much she likes them she either plays ('chase me, chase me!! ) Or will just ignore them. She is used to playing with larger dogs and is very quick so don't think Cain's overenthusiastic play will be a problem!

b) A bit nervy around new people. But fine if ignored. Just don't be fooled into stroking her when she first comes up, she's just doing her initial sniff! She gets better quickly though and soon relaxes. If she does have a problem with someone she just makes noise! Best just to ignore her (and if anyone fancies it, dropping treats for her when she's near will be a great help to get some positive meetings on the go! ).

Having said all that she has surprised me recently by being more than willing to meet some new people So I'm obviously doing something that's boosting her confidence!!!

c) That covers it I think!!!

Sarah x

Are there any treats she can't have? I've got some homemade treats in the freezer - just porridge oats, liver and chicken stock baked into 'brownie' and broken up, but I can make some non-liver ones or bring some other treats along - got a couple of bags of Nature's Menu treats which are good for chopping into little titbit sizes. Or I've got some fresh fish in the freezer I keep meaning to do something with so I could bake some 100% fish treats if she likes fish.

hi

just my pennies worth..... i think we should act as blank canvases not make up any ideas or judge dogs till seen with own eyes... thats what i always do

She hasn't had any reactions to anything I've given her so far so I think she's ok And she has a bit of a soft spot for liver... She'll do anything for liver! Just ask Mother*ship!

S x