Socialization Walks Regulations
Participation rules:
- If I do not know your dog, we will meet for an individual walk with a behaviorist before the first group walk.
- Only healthy, vaccinated, and parasite-free dogs are allowed to participate in the walks.
- Participation of female dogs in heat is decided on an individual basis.
- The use of prong collars, choke chains, electronic collars, or any aversive tools is strictly prohibited during the walks.
- In cases of physical or verbal violence toward a dog, the behaviorist has the right to ask the participant to leave the session.
- A maximum of two adult handlers per dog may participate in the walk.
- Participants consent to the recording of parts of the walks, which may be used by HAUgwart for educational and marketing purposes.
Handler’s responsibility:
- The handler bears full responsibility for any damage caused by their dog.
- The dog’s handler must be an adult and physically capable of safely holding the dog on a leash.
- The handler agrees to follow the behaviorist’s instructions — this ensures the safety and comfort of the entire group.
- Each handler must provide their dog with access to water.
- Each handler is responsible for cleaning up after their dog.
- Any absence must be reported no later than 24 hours before the walk (by phone or text message). Failure to do so results in the full fee being charged, as it blocks a spot for other participants and affects the organization of the group.
Rules during the walks:
- The walk lasts approximately 60 minutes.
- Dogs should wear comfortable, safe harnesses or collars (preferably a guard-type harness).
- Flexi/retractable leashes are not allowed. A 5 m training long line is recommended.
- Please arrive on time at the location indicated by the behaviourist.
- Do not allow dogs to interact on your own initiative, either before or after the walk — this may disrupt the controlled introduction process.
- At the beginning of the walk, all dogs remain on leash. Any decision to allow dogs off-leash is made individually and may apply only to part of the group.
- During the walk, dogs may require greater distance from one another. Distances between dogs are determined by the behaviourist and should not be reduced without their consent.
- Dogs are not forced into direct interactions. Simply walking with the group, observing, and communicating at a distance is a valuable experience.
- Please inform the group about approaching cyclists, runners, dogs, or other area users to ensure safety.
- Dog treats are not used during the walk.
- We focus on canine communication: observing how each dog feels in a given situation and looking for solutions that help them feel more comfortable.
- The behaviourist leading the walk decides on the route, pace, and structure of the session — their guidance is mandatory.
- Walks usually take place regardless of weather conditions. Cancellations may occur in cases of very strong winds or heavy rainfall. Any changes will be communicated no later than one hour before the session.
Dates and payment:
- Walk dates are published in the HAUgwart Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1510022766341020/
- Registration for a walk takes place in the comments under the relevant post in the group.
- Payment for the walk can be made via BLIK (to the number provided by the behaviourist) or in cash after the walk.
- Any absence must be reported no later than 24 hours before the walk (by phone or SMS). Failure to do so results in the full fee being charged, as it blocks a spot for other interested participants and affects the organisation of the group.