DOG Hike and Training at West Palisades

Join me for a few fun-filled hours with your best friend. This event will be a little different than the other 'hike with your dog' events I have done in the past. In addition to the dogs playing around before we hike, I have a special guest, Mailey E. McLaughlin - Behavior & Training Coordinator and Training Instructor for the Atlanta Humane Society, who is donating her time to show us some training tips. Training is something that should happen every day, not just when you first get your dog. Come with an open mind, think about behavioral challenges you have with your dog, what measures you continually take to provide a safe and happy environment for your pet, etc. The idea is to have fun, learn something you didn't know about your dog, and to better your relationship with your best friend.

The itinerary will be a little of everything: Playing, training, hiking.
The first half hour (11am - 11:30am) we will let the dogs run and play in the field at the beginning of the trail. Bring their favorite toys to play in the field with. I will have a big water bowl and water for all dogs. From 11:30am - 12:00 noon, Mailey will work with us as a group. Around noon or so when Mailey is finished, we will put any belongings/dog toys not needed on the trail in our cars, then begin our 5 mile hike. We will stop at the half way point on the other side of the bluffs and let the dogs play in the river for a bit before returning to our cars. Bring a towel if your dog likes the water.

About Mailey
Mailey E. McLaughlin, M.Ed., is a Certified Dog Trainer through the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP). She is the Behavior & Training Coordinator and Training Instructor for the Atlanta Humane Society, offering Basic and Intermediate classes and private lessons, and has been training professionally for 9 years. She specializes in adopted/rescued dogs and small dogs. She is a certified Pet First Aid instructor and a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, as well as a Professional member of both IACP and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Mailey believes every dog is trainable with the right motivation, and enjoys helping owners become calm, clear leaders in their relationships with their dogs. Mailey also has a private training business as The Pooch Professor, offering “Manners for Your Maladjusted Mutt.” Her non-dog hobbies include reading, scootering, and recreational tree climbing.

From I-285 East
Take exit 19 U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway) South 1.5 miles to the unit entrance on right, just beyond the BP Service Station. Do not cross the Chattahoochee.

From I-285 West
Take exit 20 U.S. 41(Cobb Parkway) South 1.5 miles to the unit entrance on right, just beyond the BP Service Station. Do not cross the Chattahoochee.

From I-75 North
Take Exit 25, Mt.. Paran Road. Left on Mt.. Paran Road to U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway). Turn right on U.S. 41 for 1 mile cross the Chattahoochee and take an immediate left onto entrance road.

From I-75 South
Take Exit 25, Mt.. Paran Road. Right on Mt.. Paran Road to U.S. 41 (Cobb Parkway). Turn right on U.S. 41 for 1 mile cross the Chattahoochee and take an immediate left onto entrance road.

Directions Web site: http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/pacesmill.htm
The entrance to the parking lot is on the same side of the road as the BP Station. The entrance road dips down and crosses under Cobb Parkway (Highway 41).

If you want to purchase an annual parking pass for Chattahoochie River NRA parks visit: http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/feesandreservations.htm

Parking fee is $3 unless you have an annual parking pass