Welcome from
Hoppes Hounds

What happens on our walks? 

My most commonly used motto is in regards to dogs is, 'Set the dogs up for success', and this starts from before collection all the way to drop off. Dogs who might be a bit nervous or struggle to focus, I work on calm collections.

 I only force free methods (treats, toys, or other things your dog finds reinforcing) and solely at your dogs pace. This might mean that for the first walk or more that we take things slow and I only offer solo walks until your dog is comfortable with me. If their humans are home I try to avoid chatting, so no one becomes bored or frustrated and they don't have to spend any long traveling that needed. My Collection route is planned according to final walk location, to keep it smooth and efficient so you will get a time slot(9-9:45 for example) for pick ups.

My walk locations are chosen specifically, scouted several times, and are often a little drive out from Epsom for our adventures. Travel times are kept to a minimum, but I strictly avoid high traffic areas/parks/etc. Areas are chosen based on risk assessment, which includes strict criteria on visibility, popularity, proximity to busy roads, horse riders, livestock, trainlines, and more.

Making the most of the beautiful areas Surrey has to offer, I uses the locations to provide a variety of canine enrichment, and breed specific enrichments. From meadow, and sweeping hills for zoomies, to cool river swims for the dogs and me in the warm weather months. We often play in the woods doing canine parkour over fallen trees and explore all the rabbit holes, and deer tracks through the sweeping woodlands.  On each walk we generally play lots of different games designed to reinforce eye contact, focus, recall, off lead heel and more. As each one of these skills is vital to our walks. 

Sometimes we have the perfect weather and the dogs are in the right mind frame, so we turn our walks into a impromptu run at their pace. This might be Canicross style, or your dog might free run along side me. For this your dog needs to be fit and healthy, and old enough, there is no upper age limit for this, as many dogs 10 years or older love a good run.  If you feel this is something that your dog can't take part in, let me know :) 

However with all of this comes a price, I believe in lettings dogs engage with their natural environment for maximum enrichment, as this promotes calm, happy, well balanced dogs! Sometimes it good to let your dog be a dog. This means they will get muddy and mucky when out with me, I am not a groomer, so I will not be bringing your dog back to you clean. If you do want your dog brought back to you clean, I am not your walker. 

I will towel them off before dropping them back, but let me know if you would like them left somewhere specific when dropped home. If you have fleeces, coats and your dog is happy to wear them leave them out for me to pop on before our walks. 

As always please feel free to ask if you have any questions.