HIKE A BULLS 2013
Sunday, May 12
Burchfield Nature & Art Center
2001 Union Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-G_fmUXfD2Lzmtj2s
* IT IS NOT JUST A WALK IN THE PARK, IT IS WHERE FRIENDSHIPS ARE MADE *
ADDITIONAL 2013 DATES AND LOCATIONS!
5/19 - Westwood Park, Lancaster NY
5/26 - NO WALK (Happy Memorial Day Weekend!)
6/2 - Como Lake Park, Lancaster NY
6/9 - Botanical Gardens, Lackawana NY
6/16 - Burchfield Nature Center, West Seneca NY
6/23 - Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park NY
WHAT IS HIKE A BULLS?
HIKE A BULLS is a fun filled hourly hike/adventure of people and the dogs that they LOVE! It is great exercise, a way to positively bond with your dog, and to make lasting friendships. You will be in great company of many other dog lovers! In addition, you will have the guidance of our experienced dog trainers and handlers for support, obedience drills, raffles and dog care guidance.
HIKE A BULL started as an initiative to get the bully breeds that we love out and about in our community, to showcase their love, devotion and great public manners. But it quickly became a wonderful social hour for all dog lovers and breeds.
All the Necessary Details:
* Walks are held Sunday Mornings Starting at 10:00 am
** ALL BREEDS OF DOG ARE WELCOME! BIG OR SMALL WE HIKE & TRAIN WITH THEM ALL **
HUMANS are asked to bring a donation for bullies in need, plenty of treats, poop bags, a sturdy collar and leash (a 6' lead is recommended), water for your dog, any obedience questions, comfortable clothes, athletic shoes, and your friends!
HIKE A BULLS is a free program, but we seek and encourage donations during each hike. All donations will go directly to help more needy bullies in our community and to educate a bull's community outreach programs. Please remember that these walks are at locations that have already been scouted out by our Pack Leaders, include obedience drills, free behavior advice and any assistance at the beginning of every HIKE A BULLS walk.
NEW TO HIKE A BULLS? We ask that all first timers: Please pre-register at www.educateabull.org (go to forms and applications). You only have to register once, then you will receive weekly hike a bull location & meeting point emails.
The Rules for Safety:
As safety and enjoyment to all is our greatest concern, please read the following rules of HIKE A BULLS.
All dogs must be dog friendly and non-leash reactive around other dogs. We strongly believe in positive dog to dog interactions.
All dogs must remain on LEASH! Not only is this a courtesy to other hikers on the trail or walks, it is the law! We also believe that off leash activity has a place and time- but just imagine if your dog spots a deer and takes off after it. This could be incredibly dangerous!
Please - NO RETRACTABLE LEASHES! - They are a wonderful piece of equipment, but provide little to no control while walking.
All dog owners must have their dogs under their control at all times. They should never be allowed meet other dogs face to face or let them jump or mount each other. They also should not be allowed to jump on people.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY HANDLING ISSUES OR UNWANTED BEHAVIORS WITH YOUR DOG WE SUGGEST EMAILING OUR PACK LEADER, BETH @ FUREVERFIX@AOL.COM FOR A YAPPY HOUR ONE ON ONE TRAINING SESSION.
We must always follow each of the locations rules and regulations. Also pick up after yourself-We want to be welcomed back after all!
Your dog should be in good shape! Dogs are no different than people, please start off small and then work up to more strenuous hikes.
All dogs need to be up to date on vaccinations. Always safe guard your dog as well as other dogs in attendance! Please take into consideration flea season, intestinal parasites, ticks and other seasonal problems.
Hiking and exercising with your dog can be incredibly rewarding! You also get the additional bonus of having experienced dog trainers and handlers to help with obedience exercises.
HIKES would always be cancelled if the weather conditions are extreme. ( And not just a little rain :)...we mean extreme!!
We are looking for Pack Leaders for the 2013 Season:
Are you available on Sunday mornings from 10 am to 11 am?
Are you familiar with obedience commands and heeling manners?
Want to join a winning bully breed rescue team?
If interested, please contact Kate - kates@educateabull.org
HIKE A BULL 2013 Schedule
Every Sunday Morning Starting at 10:00 am sharp
STAY TUNED: More 2013 dates to be announced! Our Pack Leaders are drumming up more exciting locations for all to enjoy around WNY! Our season runs from May to November.
MEETING POINTS- WHERE WE MEET AT EACH LOCATION:
Botanical Gardens- The parking lot on your left when entering from South Park Signal
Burchfield Park- 2001 Union Road- There is only one parking lot- you can't miss us!
http://www.mapquest.com/mq/2-G_fmUXfD2Lzmtj2s
Chestnut Ridge Park- The parking lot by the ski tow and toboggan chutes
Como Lake Park- The Lancaster Place Parking Lot
Elliott Creek Park- The Parking Lot across from Shelter #15 (across from the baseball diamond)
Emery Park- Person's Drive North, proceed to the parking lot next to the shelter #2
Westwood Park- First parking lot nearest to the Pavement Rd park entrance
HIKE A BULLS EVENTS:
Canine Good Citizen Certification Testing dates to be announced!
For information regarding the CGC program, go to: http://www.akc.org/events/cgc/program.cfm
Non- HIKE A BULL Members: $20.00 per Test/Dog
HIKE A BULLS "YAPPY HOUR":
We are dedicating the 11:00 hour each Sunday for one on one or small group training sessions for dogs in need. We know that some of our previous members' dogs may have gotten out of practice with other dogs or that some dogs need extra attention- so we have designed YAPPY HOUR to help these dogs. The donation fee for YAPPY HOUR is $20.00 and by appointment only to ensure safety and effectiveness. If your dog has outbursts, is chrontically barking, pulls constantly on leash or needs some obedience brushing up- this hour is for you. Call Leader of the Pack;Beth Ann Klein at (716)824-2040 to make a YAPPY HOUR appointment.
Have a training or behavior question for us? Don't wait until Sunday! Feel free to contact us with any issues or questions at bethk@educateabull.org.
HIKE A BULL LEADERS OF THE PACK and PACK LEADERS
Eight wonderful volunteers lend their time, expertise on dog training and energy to ensure you have a positively safe experience each and every Sunday.
As Pack Leaders, we instruct a large group of dogs and their owners, give humane training and behavior advice and make sure all HIKE A BULL and park rules are being followed by our members.
YOUR SEASON LEADERS OF THE PACK & PACK LEADERS:
**Beth Ann Klein** Dan Komanski**Jamie Browarek**Lynn Browarek**Tonya Mellentein**Pat Barrett**Dawn Komanski**Marissa Komanski**Tori Zajac**Nathaniel Konikoff
BETH ANN KLEIN-LEADER OF THE PACK
Beth has over 13 years experience in training, rescuing, and rehabilitating dogs. She is highly respected in her community by other rescue groups, veterinarians, pet care professionals and trainers. She started her pet care career working for our local SPCA and also worked many years for a local veterinary office. She is a professional dog trainer of her training & behavior consulting business, On Your Best Behavior since 2003. Beth Klein is the founder and President of educate a bull. She is the proud owner of Tobias; a 12 year old rescued mastiff mix and Stella; a rescued pit bull terrier. She shares her home with many rescued foster bullies, which you will meet each week at HIKE A BULLS. You are in good hands when you attend our weekly dog socials.
DAN KOMANSKI-LEADER OF THE PACK
Dan has been a devoted volunteer of educate a bull for years. He is a regular attendee at HIKE A BULLS and recently has taken over the program. He can be seen every week with a dog or two or three...helping attendees with training and behavior questions. Dan is a full time Compliance Officer. In his spare time he does a lot of D-I-Y work on his house, but enjoys playing, walking or just plain relaxing with his broad of bullies - Brutus, Ceasar and Delilah.
DAWN KOMANSKI- PACK LEADER
Dawn Komanski and daughter; Marissa can be seen at most HIKE A BULLS and events giving educate a bull a helping hand. They are true animal lovers and have a passion for the breed. They surround themselves with bullies and are always there to help HIKE A BULL attendees with their dogs. She is a full time Wire Transfer Operations Specialist.
JAMIE BROWAREK- PACK LEADER
Jamie is an animal lover inside and out! Even though she is just a teenager, she has known, trained and loved many critters. She feels blessed to be a part of educate a bull. Jamie can be spotted at most educate a bull events and HIKE A BULLS with her rescue dog; Anna. Jamie is also an avid horseback rider. She has been taken lesson for years. She has a passion for pit bulls and horses.
MARISSA KOMANSKI- PACK LEADER
Marissa has had dogs in her life from the time she was born. Dogs are a big part in her life, and with bullies Brutus, Ceaser, and Delilah her life is complete! She has been an EAB volunteer with her parents Dan and Dawn Komanski, and loves it. In her opinion, there is nothing better than to walk your bullies on a crisp Sunday morning! Outside of volunteering with the EAB bullies, Marissa enjoys dancing, singing, and is an avid learner in and out of school. She is a junior at City Honors school.
TONYA MELLENTHIEN & PATRICK BARRETT- PACK LEADERS
Tonya and Pat have been animal lovers their whole lives, but have only become dog owners recently. Tonya adopted Murphy, an American Bulldog/American Pit Bull/Sharpei mix from the City of Buffalo Animal shelter in August of 2009. Pat took ownership of Sky, an American Pit Bull Terrier mix, in January of 2011, when a family member was no longer able to care for him. While not walking their dogs, Tonya is a high school teacher and Pat is a machinist. Both look forward to being Hike-a-Bull leaders and helping educate people about the job of owning a bully!
Our sincerest thanks to past HIKE A BULL Pack Leaders; Jenn Russell & Trisha Crowley. Through schedule changes and other obligations, they no longer are available. We were very lucky to have you help us make hike a bulls the wonderful program it is today!
SEE YOU ON THE TRAILS!!