"A well trained Dog is a free Dog"

An important component of Island Dog Sports is dog walks - to promote friendships, both canine and human. For the 'Hard Core Hikers', to the weekend (now I'm so sore I can hardly move) walker, to somewhere in between, dog walking can be fun for you and your dog. We all want a loyal fitness buddy who will walk, and hike, stay on the trails, still be obedient while having fun and then fluff out. But most of us have a furry friend who is constantly marking, tugging, etc. - not exactly the walking/fitness companion you had in mind. Does this sound familiar?

Joining up with us will teach you and your dog that hiking under control and getting fit is fun and easier to accomplish than you think. You will learn how to condition your dog and yourself so you both can avoid outdoor athlete problems. Whether we are in an off leash area or on leash, you and your dog will become very skilled at enjoying both. Now you won't have an excuse when your furry walking companion gets his leash and is looking at you with that, "Come on, let's go!" It's all about participaction.

The Trail Blazers is about having fun and learning with your dog in different ways, no matter what your age or abilities. For some it might be agility or flyball, but for others, it's simply getting out with your dog and learning to walk safely and in control. Seeing a group of happy dogs walking under control and having fun is the whole purpose of our club......did I mention FUN for both dog and handler ! We learn and practice good trail manners and how to share the parks with other users, so that we, and our dogs are welcome everywhere.

We're exploring different parks and trails and using different levels of walking challenges, which in our view adds a whole new dimension to the idea of going for a walk. No more routine around the block; our canines get scenery! As well as our trail walks in local parks, we're branching out and will be attending organized walks such as the Victoria Blossom walk in April. If it can be walked with dogs, we're going to try to be there.

The Trail Blazers has over 40 members at this time, of all abilities, ages, shapes and sizes. We've got puppies to seniors in both canine and human forms. Not everyone comes along on every walk, but they do come when they can. We've all participated in Trail manners training with the Dog Company. An evaluation of your skill level and abilities is a prerequisite to joining our club to ensure it is safe and fun for dogs, handlers and other visitors in the park and on the trails. We want to set a good example with our dogs' behaviour so we are welcome everywhere.