Everybody was keeping it together until a couple of geese waddled across the walkway at Canatara Park.
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That’s when a few of the four-legged participants in Saturday’s group dog walk started to bark and pull at their leashes.
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But it was only for a moment or two. The geese wandered away unscathed, and the dogs quickly regained their focus.
“They’re doing very well,” said Jenna Heuvelmans, owner of Happy Dance Dog Walking and Training in Sarnia, who organizes the regular free walks.
Close to 20 dogs, with their owners took part on a cool morning Saturday, walking in a line on leashes through the city park and around Lake Chipican.
“We have them about every month and a half,” Heuvelmans said.
All are welcome and she spreads the word on social media, and through classes she runs.
“It’s good for the dogs to get out, for socialization and exposure to other dogs, with other dog owners,” Heuvelmans said. “Letting your dog free, just willy nilly, isn’t the best way to socialize dogs.”
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Heuvelmans was inspired to organize walks in Sarnia after hearing about them being held in another Ontario city. She said, “Who doesn’t like a free event with their dog?
The first one in Sarnia was held in January and about 40 dogs and owners turned up.
Volunteers help her at the events, and dogs waiting for Saturday’s walk to begin were offered a treat of whipped cream in small paper cups.
If owners are nervous about taking part in a group walk for the first time, Heuvelmans said she’s there to offer tips.
Heuvelmans, who opened her business in 2021, said she has long been interested in training dogs.
“I started as just a dog walker and now I’m hiring dog walkers and I’m transitioning to dog training,” she said.
“The dog training world is going more positive” and “more about consent, compassion, and I’m just here to help spearhead that movement in Sarnia,” she said.
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She came up with the name for the business from her typical reaction to seeing dogs. “I’m doing a happy dance; they’re doing a happy dance,” Heuvelmans said
Heuvelmans previously worked as a child and youth worker and in the service industry. “I think I’m still in the service industry, technically,” she said.
“I’ve always just been kind of like a helper.”
Heuvelmans said she offers “reactivity classes” for dogs “struggling with any kind of emotion,” such as excitement, fear or frustration. “I help them through that in a group setting,” she said.
Laurie Gardiner and her dog, Klassie, who have been taking the classes, attended their first group walk Saturday.
“I want to get her used to walking with other dogs,” Gardiner said. “This is a great chance to do that.”
The group walks begin at 10 am and while most are held at Canatara Park, a May 25 walk will be at Blackwell Trails.
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