
"Can you catch joyrides on wagging tails?"
- Angel Dogs, Allen and Linda Anderson
"Dogs wander in their own universe and
resist being judged according to human standards. We, do justice
to a relationship with a dog when we honor it as it is... a
dog, a creature who, for all we may understand about it, is still
fraught with mystery."
- Mark J. Asher
"The greatest pleasure of a dog is that
you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not
scold you' but he will make a fool of himself also."
- Samuel Butler
"If dogs' prayers were answered bones
would rain from the sky."
- Turkish Proverb
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A Note From Inez, Strutt
Your Mutt Owner
All exercising services and out of town care require an initial 45 min
free consultation. This time gives the opportunity to connect and ensure
this is the right option for you and your doggie. It also gives space
to discuss a possible exercise schedule and rate options. In addition
it allows me the time to gather important information from you so we
can act appropriately when needed whether out on the trail or when you
are out of town.
I
also provide a trustworthy referral service to a network of pet care
professionals that hold a high standard of Pet Care protocol. SYM provides
this referral service free of charge and ensures that you find the right
person and service. I am devoted to finding you the safest most loving
options for your animal and home while you are away.
SYM PRECAUTIONS
Strutt Your Mutt conducts itself with top-notch professionalism and takes
the utmost precautions to ensure the highest quality of safe exercise
and care.
BELLS AND GPS COLLARS
Some dogs (usually roamers)
are equipped with bells. This is done for sound locating and also greatly
assists in alerting wildlife that a group of dogs are moving through
the forest. New dogs can be equipped with a GPS collar if there is a
concern that they might disconnect from the pack in the initial stages
of orientation. (See NEW DOGS below) This can be a wonderful tool but
I have found through the years that it is mostly a "wow" factor
and unnecessary for the most part. A pack is a dog's security and
the alpha is the caretaker. Most dogs do not roam far and will check
in frequently. If your dog easily flees from the pack or is not interested
in moving as a group then this may not be the right service for him/her.
GROUP NUMBERS
Because SYM offers three 1-hour hikes per day it allows
us to keep our groups smaller. Through my experience of being out on
the trail I have found this to be much more pleasurable and practical.
Situations can and will arise while hiking, smaller numbers allows for
quick and efficient responses to an injury, altercation between hounds,
or what ever ol' Mother Nature may throw our way. SYM is dog first
aid certified and a first aid kit is carried at all times.
NEW DOGS
All new doggies are integrated slowly. New
dogs are not put into already organized packs. SYM hand selects two to
three dogs from an existing "tribe" and
a special, "Orientation Run" is set up to welcome your pup
and to make sure that this is the right service for your furry family
member. This also gives SYM the ability to see how your dog interacts
and communicates with the other dogs selected. It is less stressful on
the new doggie to have the space to maneuver and also gives SYM a clearer
understand of the dynamics that your dog will bring to the trail. Two
orientation runs are recommended before entering into a larger group.
But all dogs have different spirits and some (especially ones that are
use to running with friends) can acclimate fairly swiftly.
COLLARS & TAGS
All dog must be collared with license
tag and ID phone number tag. SYM does provide "IN CARE OF STRUTT
YOUR MUTT" tags with SYM's
number if tags are lost during an outing. SYM tags are in place on all
dogs attending A Dogs Day and Sleepovers.
TRAIL SWITCHING
With my experience,
I have found trail switching to be a much needed management tool. Trail
switching basically means that SYM does not use the same trail or area
for all hikes. This is very helpful in maintaining the packs attention
while out on an outing. Switching up the routes keeps dogs focused on
the leader and heck…we all enjoy new scenery! Strutt Your Mutt
operates responsibly on public lands. A special use permit is issued
yearly for SYM's trail and road access. This permit is obtained
through the US Forest Service. All areas or hikes (North, South, East,
or West) take place out of town in wooded and open areas (terrain may
vary) that give the dogs wonderful "frolicking!" SYM devotes
great time and energy into locating a variety of areas so that the groups
of dogs are happy, exercising their bodies, minds, and spirits and keeping
everyone as safe as possible during our outings. SYM also accesses with
permission some private properties.
WEATHER
Central OR weather can have
its challenges. Whether it is heat, thunder and lighting storms, or blowing
snow. SYM monitors the weather and most of the time operates rain, snow,
or shine! But there are times when adjustments need to be made, thus
schedules will change as needed. Notification to a change in schedule
will all ways be communicated ASAP. And special arrangements will be
made if the changes do not accommodate your needs. SYM will always follow
through with another option!


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