Another highlight of our trip to California was dropping in on the weekly HikeaBull hike in San Jose. We had corresponded with founder and organizer Lark over email in the past, but had never met in person. We were excited to go for a beautiful five-mile hike in the sunny hills of San Jose, observe the group in action, and meet some of our e-friends and blog readers.
We rarely pass up a good hike with friends, but what we were really after was the structure, policies, and techniques that make Lark’s group so successful. We dream of starting up something similar in Austin someday — just as Two Pitties in the City have done in Chicago with their new SocialBulls club. But we were so curious — are all of the dogs dog-social, or do some less socialized dogs do well also? How do they ensure that everybody is safe and happy? How do they spread the word? How many dogs come on an average hike, and do they limit the available slots? How do they determine which dogs walk where? We got all we had hoped for out of the hike, and little sunburns on our noses to boot!
The HikeaBull group meets at the trailhead each week to introduce themselves to new group members and dogs. Everybody quickly mentions whether their dog has any issues — whether it be leash reactivity, fear of strangers, a tendency to vocalize a lot, etc. This way, everybody knows what to look for and how to manage the group well. Group leaders carry special colored bandanas for any dogs who need extra space around dogs or people, which is a visual signal to other participants to respect that dog’s boundaries. Designated individuals lead the group from the front and the back to make sure everybody stays together, and communicate with walkie-talkies about any pertinent info — off leash dogs, injuries, strange turns in the trail. Whenever possible, the steadiest, most dog-social dogs lead the group, in case of wildlife, off-leash friends, or dogs on retractable leashes.
When new dogs join the group, they tend to walk wherever they feel most comfortable. But Lark said that dogs who are more nervous around big groups or are not very well socialized tend to be happiest up front. These dogs often lead at the start of their first hike, and eventually drop back into the pack over the course of the hike — or a series of hikes. This gradual integration allows dogs to socialize at their own pace, and has been hugely helpful to a number of dogs who had never been able to calmly and happily interact with dogs they don’t know. On the Sunday we attended, about 20 dogs hiked with us. During one water break, Lark counted up five or six dogs who are normally considered reactive — but all 20 dogs behaved splendidly and comfortably.
Some dogs in the group have even made friends by walking together, and now spend time playing together outside of the weekly hike!
We got to meet some real beauties on our hike, including one devastatingly handsome foster dog, one sweetie with the cutest underbite, one lovely with the most golden sunny fur, and one Lollie Wonderdog look-alike!
As a sweet bonus, we got to spend a good bit of our hike catching up with our friend Jennifer, the mastermind behind everybody’s favorite Sirius Republic collars — and her celebrity elderbelle, Chilly!
A thousand warm thank-yous to Lark, Jen, and the whole HikeaBull crew. You were so welcoming and fun that we felt like we’d been friends with each of you our whole lives. We had a blast spending our Sunday with you!
Love and a Six-Foot Leash 
Wow – I wish there were a group like this in the upstate of SC! How much fun for the pups and their owners! Must every dog be a pittie (or at least part pit) or do they let other breeds join in the fun? Great pictures – as always!
All are welcome — when we hiked with them, there was a poodle-ish dog, a lab mix, and at least one little dog.
Awesome! Minnie’s mom said there’s a meetup near us, we’ll have to give it a try sometime. Izzy can be a bit reactive sometimes on leash, but the more good situations we can put her in, the better!
I’ve been waiting to see this one! I had been following the HikeaBulls group on Facebook and I kept wishing we had something like it here in Chicago. When I started communicating with Lark she was so helpful and supportive helping us set up our group here. It’s such a fantastic concept and I’m so proud of our group each week and dogs of all socialization levels are able to socialize through the pack walking. We even have a dog who was so leash reactive she would react if she saw another dog across the street, and she is now walking mid-pack! We still envy HikeaBulls with their amazing scenery and real hikes, but we have been able to have our group walks exploring the urban parks and hidden gems all around Chicago. Lark is amazing and we wouldn’t have our group without her. And I loved seeing all the beautiful dogs!
Wonderful photos. I finally made it to our first hikeabull hike a few weeks ago (I think the week after you visited). Sophie and I had a great time and I hope to get to join more hikes in the future.
Fabulous photos! It was such a pleasure meeting you, and I look forward to reading about your adventures in Austin.
It was so great meeting you too!
What a beautiful hike in so many ways!! Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea! I’ve been thinking about starting something similar in this area, as the only group walk that meets has a pit bull ban (thanks guys). I love the structure and security of leash walking as a group to help insecure dogs build their confidence. Plus, look at all those adorable faces!
Your travels are making me seriously jealous. You met Chilly! The Hikeabulls are super awesome!
I am intrigued by the Sociabulls walks and now by Hikebulls – I need to start a HoundSoundWalk here in Cape! This looks like so much fun, well organized and so good for the dogs! Thanks for sharing tips re: organization, the bandanas and the organizing of the dogs for safety and socialization. way cool!
That hike looks so beautiful! I bet it’s a fun workout.
Based on the last 2 photos, it looks like you found you 12-24 in time for the trip – did you?
I did! But it turns out I don’t have the 12-24 you have, I actually have a Nikon 10-24, which I did find. Hooray!
I love this! I always wondered how they worked with less social dogs, what an awesome group!
Beautiful views on that hike! We used to have a group to walk with, but I’d love to do something like this in my area!
-Corbin
What a beautiful hike! Looks like it was a blast!
Thanks for sharing the methods used to promote peaceful walks. It shows that having smart, attentive people can make a big difference in helping dogs feel comfortable with each other.
What a great thing! I wish there were more groups that did this. Maybe you can interview the leader further with how she got it all started, and their rules i more depth so others around the country could get such structured walks together. I know a lot of dogs would benefit, not just the bullies. Thanks for sharing this, I’m glad you got to go on one of these walks. Lovely photos too as usual.
Anna
http://www.akginspiration.com
I wonder if there is anything like this in Chicago for non-pittie rescue dogs? My little Whippet guy would enjoy this so much, he just loves hiking!! 🙂
Hi Rachael, Our friends at Two Pitties in the City welcome all dog breeds, not just pit bulls. They would love to have you! However, since Chicago is so flat, their group is more about walking than hiking. You should check ’em out! Aleks
Awesome! Thank you so much for the information!! 😀
What a cool idea. It looks like a blast for humans and dogs. And it must really be great socializing for those dogs with issues. Love it.
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