Posted on 02/20/2021 at 1:51 p.m.
Initiative. A Facebook page offers dog owners in Vernon and its surroundings to meet for walks in the great outdoors with their animal at least once a week.
Jhoan Santa and his bull terrier Kratos enjoy their group walks. (Photos: Da. G./PN and J. Santa)
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The page is now followed by around 150 people and has already enabled the meeting of several dog owners and the organization of long weekend walks. Jhoan Santa is almost surprised by the success of the Facebook page “Promenade entre Toutous à Vernon” », Which he launched last August. The 30-year-old graphic designer was initially looking for playmates for Kratos, his almost 3-year-old bull terrier. “He’s a little shy,” Jhoan remarks. Having already had an animal of the same breed ten years ago, I know how important it is for their socialization that they meet other dogs from a young age. But that goes for any dog. The lack of socialization can develop in some of the aggressiveness. “
Kratos became tireless
Since mid-January, a long walk between doggies takes place every week, in the great outdoors, in places conducive to their freedom. Deep breaths in the forest, “from one hour thirty to two hours”, in Bizy, on the heights of Vernonnet or in Vexin-sur-Epte in particular, already have their followers. The meeting place and the meeting place are simply fixed “by creating ‘an event’ on the Facebook page”.
The one organized on January 17 in the area of the former LRBA even brought together almost fifteen dogs and their owners. “There was everything, big, small, bull terriers, an Australian Shepherd, a bulldog,” Jhoan says. The owners must have been between 30 and 50 years old. “
But not just any old way. Jhoan Santa calls for the responsibility of the masters. “Whoever wants to register and come, but you have to know your dog well and have it well in hand. The muzzle may be recommended initially if the dog has behavioral problems. There can be some tension on a first date, because there is a lot of excitement. They are not used to having so many dogs around them. “
In a few months, Jhoan is already measuring the benefits of these walks on Kratos. “He’s less fearful. And these walks, he awaits them impatiently. Kratos is a real couch dog. He does not take off and sleeps until noon. When I just take him out for his needs, it never lasts very long. He is in a hurry, to come home quickly to get warm. On the other hand, when he understands that it is the day of the big exit, he is indefatigable. “
All specialists in canine education and dog behavior agree that a calmed animal is a dog that expends itself. Notice to amateurs
Practical information
More info on the Facebook page: Promenade entre Toutous à Vernon.
Advice from a dog behavior specialist
Good or bad idea these walks between dogs? The answer with the Eurois Patrice Foucault, expert in dog training for thirty years.
Patrice Foucault is an eminent specialist in dogs and their behavior. Multiple champion of France and intercontinental with his animals, breeder and owner of a pension in Acquigny, he notably trained the two Belgian Malinois shepherds of the municipal police of Vernon. “If they are well framed and the owners are very focused on recalling their dog, this type of walk is very beneficial for the animal., emphasizes Patrice Foucault. Its socialization with its congeners is very important in its balance and to avoid fights. It also participates in its socialization with man, outside of his master. But you still have to be careful. A dog who discovered these pack walks for the first time could behave badly, or be taken to task by other dogs, who do not yet know him. Better to start with two or three dogs, the time of acclimatization. You must also be careful in the event that the pack crosses another dog. In any case, there must be a maximum of 15 to 20 dogs in the pack. “
Watch out for vaccination
Patrice Foucault also invites owners to be responsible and vigilant. “There are precautions to take. It is necessary to ensure that all dogs are microchipped, in particular in order to be able to trace them in the event of a problem. Owners of categorized dogs should also be asked to present the compulsory license to keep and to everyone an up-to-date vaccination record. I also suggest to those who have not done so to vaccinate their animal against kennel cough, very contagious and can be fatal in very young puppies and old dogs. “
Yes. G.
Practical information
More info on www.patricefoucault.net.
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What the law says ?
Releasing the bridle to one’s dog in the woods and forests is authorized on condition that the animal imperatively remains under the effective supervision of its master (or of the person responsible for it) and is not away from it by more than 100 m. By surveillance, we wait with a glance, within earshot or any sound instrument allowing its recall. Otherwise, the dog is considered to be in a state of straying.
No more restrictions
from April 15 to June 30
Each year, from April 15 to June 30, a ministerial decree dating from 1989 however requires canine owners to keep their animals on a leash outside of forest paths. During this period, the wandering of the animal in cultivated land or not, meadows, vineyards, orchards, woods and in marshes and on the edge of watercourses, ponds and lakes, is prohibited. This aims to prevent the destruction of birds and all species of game and to promote their repopulation. In the event of non-compliance with this regulatory provision, the offender incurs a fine of up to € 750.
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