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Loose Leash Walking

1/20/2015

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Some dogs can be a real challenge to control on the leash, trust me, my own experience with leash training was a long and arduous process. Most of my walks were scheduled to occur after sun down so that my neighbors could not bear witness to my absolute humiliation and frustration of being dragged down the street by my thoroughly over excited and incredibly strong half Husky mix. 

More than once I cut the walk short in order to return home and gain my composure. I think that being in a calm state of mind is the BEST way to be when interacting with animals (and humans!) so, if I felt my blood pressure rising, I knew it was time for a break. Taking a calming pause and moving forward in a relaxed state of mind is best for you and your dog, remember, you are both meant to be enjoying yourselves!


The walk is something that is achieved between human and canine, it takes practice and a time investment. Youtube has some great videos on dog walking and, training classes are available everywhere. Leash manners need to be taught as there is no magic pill, this isn't the Matrix. If your dog is pulling you all over the place there are resources available to help you attain that perfect heeling walk that some other people make look so easy! 

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With some guidance and patience and, of course, a big bag of treats to reward progress, you too can master the pack walk without being dragged along against your will. I have spoken to many dog owners who give rave reviews on the life changing experience of using a harness or head collar in place of a leash and collar combination. If you are not sure how to use a collar, harness or halti, have a discussion with the sales staff of your favorite pet accessory store on proper use at the time you are purchasing the item. Improper use of any device can result in injury, so please follow proper instructions and ask for help when necessary. 

Many pet stores allow dogs to join their humans while they shop, so if sizing is a concern, take your pooch along with you. Describe the walking challenges you may be having and find out what works best for you and your dog. While you are there why not check out whether or not professional services such as obedience or leash manners are offered? 

All of us doggie folks know how it is to have a rowdy dog at the other end of the leash and believe me we have all had some frustrating experiences! Always remember that there are supportive and understanding people available to help you achieve your training goals. 

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Whatever I was initially doing was NOT working and the walks were starting to be a real pain in the backside and shoulder socket rather than the bonding and enjoyable pack walk that they should have been. Quite by accident, (eavesdropping pays off) I learned of a specific type of harness which turned my walks from night to day, literally and figuratively! 

The use of a front clip harness (back clipping harnesses allow dogs to pull, check your item to ensure you are purchasing the right item!) enabled me to gain control of Lacie (and myself) without causing her injury or pain. She still tried to pull but the design of the harness was such that she was unable to pull me forward any longer. Our daily walks improved so measurably I was able to start leaving the house while the sun was still in the sky. Lacie only wears a collar now to hold her various tags, the leash goes directly on the harness and off we go. 

Please note, this is the device that I found worked for me personally and for my dog. While I found that the use of a harness was a great solution, it may not necessarily work for you and your dog. The most important things to remember are, results are cumulative so hang in there, there are many resources available to help you achieve your goals and, you are not alone in your training challenges so keep up the great work!



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Action PACK'ed 2014

1/6/2015

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Since its launch only 6 short months ago, The Pack Project Inc. has made a markedly significant impact in the rescue world. From gathering and donating supplies to arranging transport to raising funds, our pack angels have been working together and tirelessly all in the interest of helping voiceless animals in need. 

The Pack directorship is a driving force of warmth, kindness and, loving support to a volunteer team that exceeds 70 members. Running a rescue takes huge effort and selfless dedication and, can be as consuming as a full time job.

It seems like there is always another emergency rescue to be made, more donations required, more more more to do, no matter how much has already been done. Keeping momentum going on the endless journey of advocacy and rescue requires stamina and heart and, an unflagging dedication to assist in any way humanly possible.   

Because we are SO proud of each and every Pack member and equally as grateful to all of you out there for graciously supporting our initiatives, we wanted to showcase an overview of our accomplishments!

Our stats for 2014 (remember, all this was done in 6 short months) are as follows:

3 Dogs were adopted (Don, Mia and Aura)
14 Dogs were transported for various organizations by ground
4 Dogs were transported by airplane with a Pack volunteer
120+ Dogs were microchipped at 4 different clinics (Regina x 2, Moose Jaw and Yorkton)
Thousands of dollars were raised through our fundraising projects.
Our Children's program was created and approved in both the Public and Catholic school systems in Regina.

The following supplies were distributed to Canadian animal groups ALL of which were donated to The Pack:

7000 lbs Dry Dog Food
3000 lbs Dry Cat Food
600+ packages of Cat and Dog treats
2800 cans of Cat and Dog food
40 Kennels and Crates
500+ Cat and Dog Toys
150+ Leashes and Collars
1300 Food Dishes
1200+ lbs Cat Litter
1000+ Blankets and Towels
200+ Sweaters and Coats
45 Pet Beds
1500 Puppy Pads
AND 100's of assorted items such as:
Poop bags
Litter boxes and scoops
Scratch Posts
Vitamins and minerals
Medical Supplies
Training Equipment
Grooming supplies
Shampoo
And,  even fun pet costumes!!

The following is a list of groups that were beneficiaries of supplies and aid during 2014:

Regina Humane Society, Regina
Regina Cat Rescue, Regina
Prairie Sky Dog Rescue, Regina
Carmichael Outreach, Regina
Prairie Animal Assistance, Regina
Moose Jaw Humane Society, Moose Jaw
New Hope Dog Rescue, Saskatoon
Saskatoon Dog Rescue, Saskatoon
Size Small Dog Rescue, Saskatoon
Angels of Hope Animal Rescue, Esterhazy
Guardian Angel Animal Rescue, Yorkton
Canine Action Project, Saskatoon
Canadian Animal Alliance, Regina
Pilots and Paws Canada, National
Collie Rescue Network, National
Strays That Can’t Pay Dog Rescue, Virden, MB
Bright Eyes Dog Rescue, Regina
Beautiful Mutts of Norway House, Norway House MB
Hillside Canine Fosters and Doggy Doula, Winnipeg, MB
Animal Rescue Team, Yorkton
Street Cats of Regina, Regina
SCRAPS, Moose Jaw

The rewards in rescue are all paid to the heart. Nothing compares to the feeling one gets from seeing an animal in good health in a happy home and knowing that your team somehow supported that life being saved. Looking at the list above reminds all Pack Project volunteers just how much has been accomplished by working as a team. 

Rescue can be a wild ride that most people have no notion of! There are volunteers out capturing big fat pregnant mama dogs, picking up abandoned dogs, saving dumped puppies, collecting owner surrendered animals, all around the clock. All for the love of animals.

In only 6 months I am proud to share that The Pack P)roject has surpassed its own expectations in delivering aid and assistance and is fully ramped up for a big year in 2015! 
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Donations of goods (accepted Sunday's between 2:30-4pm except long weekends:
1526C McAra Street
Regina, Saskatchewan
S4N 6C5
(306)580-PACK (7225)

Mailing Address:
1143 Lakewood Crt
Regina, Saskatchewan
​S4X 3S3

Charitable Tax Number: ​805139771RR0001
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