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> What is Pack in the Park?
> When and Where?
> Rules
> What to Work on
> Get Involved
WHAT IS PACK IN THE PARK?
A Free Community Event
Pack Training in the Park (or just Pack in the Park) is a free service I offer to dog owners in Fort St. James. It’s a relaxed, real-world way to help your dog build confidence and focus around other dogs, people and different environments.
Pack training is a form of exposure training or counter-conditioning. The goal is to create positive associations with distractions — like new places, people, and other dogs — while helping your dog stay engaged with you.
This isn’t a formal class. Everyone works with their own dog at their own pace. I’m there to make sure everyone follows the rules and to help prevent any issues. I may offer advice or answer questions, but I’ll also be working with my own dog during the event.
Want to join us? Check the Fort St. James Dog Owners Facebook group or the Fort St. James Dog Training Facebook page for upcoming event dates.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Shara currently hosts Pack in the Park on Wednesdays at 11am, in Goodwin Park.
Shannon currently hosts pack in the Park on Sundays at 11am in Goodwin Park.
You can view our Google Calendar for the current Pack in the Park schedule. It is highly recommended to join the Fort St. James Dog Owners Facebook Group for the most up-to-date information about when and where Pack in the Park is taking place.
RULES
There are really only a few basic rules to remember:
1. All dogs must be on leash.
2. Do NOT let dogs meet face-to-face. They should be a minimum of 6 feet apart.
If your dog is visually upset or too excited and struggling to focus on you, this means you need to give more space and more further away from others.
3. Pick up after your dog! There are poop bags at public parks.
WHAT TO WORK ON AT PACK IN THE PARK
There are lots of reasons to attend Pack in the Park, but the most common is helping your dog stay focused on you around distractions. Whether you’re fine-tuning basic obedience or working with a reactive dog, the same foundation applies: distance, calmness, and control.
Start at Your Dog’s Threshold
Your dog should be calm, responsive, and able to follow cues — even if they’re interested in nearby dogs. If your dog is too excited, barking, lunging, or ignoring you, you’re too close. Add more distance until your dog is back in a workable zone.
Always respect other handlers’ space and comfort zones. Dogs should never be close enough to touch, no matter how friendly they seem. All dogs must remain on leash at all times — no exceptions.
Basic Skills to Practice
The Big Five
Every dog should know these five commands:
Sit, Down, Stay, Heel, and Come (Recall).
Pack in the Park is a great place to practice these with real-life distractions like other dogs, people, and new environments. I highly recommend taking my Basic Obedience Workshop if your dog does not know these basic skills!
Watch Me / Look
Teaching your dog to make eye contact on cue can be a game-changer for reactivity. Use it to redirect your dog’s attention before they fixate. Follow it up quickly with another cue to keep their focus on you.
More Fun Ways to Train
Trick Training
Tricks aren’t just cute — they build confidence and strengthen your bond. Use simple skills like sit or down as building blocks for tricks like shake, roll over, or even advanced targeting.
Want ideas? I offer a one-to-one Trick Training Session!
Barkour & Playground Skills
Ever heard of “barkour”? It’s like dog parkour — using benches, stumps, and safe playground equipment to teach fun physical skills. Start small with simple tasks like placing paws on a low surface. Always keep it safe, positive, and within your dog’s ability — especially for puppies and seniors.
Pack Training Guidelines
There are three golden rules to follow: keep your dog on leash, maintain at least six feet of distance from other dogs and their handlers, and always pick up after your dog by bringing plenty of poop bags. Following these simple guidelines helps keep everyone safe and makes Pack in the Park enjoyable for all.
What To Do
Use high-value treats since more distractions require bigger rewards. Make sure you use a sturdy leash that is five to six feet long to maintain full control of your dog. Teach and encourage your dog to focus on you by using a command like “watch me.” Keep enough distance so your dog stays calm and responsive. If your dog starts barking, jumping, or ignoring commands, you are too close—give more space and redirect their attention. Always carry at least two poop bags and clean up promptly.
What To Avoid
Do not use flexi-leads or leashes longer than six feet because they reduce control. Avoid letting dogs greet or touch each other; always keep space between dogs. Do not let dogs stare at each other as this builds tension; if this happens, move on and refocus your dog on you. Please avoid bringing small children. If children must come, bring an extra adult to supervise them and keep them away from the dogs.
GET INVOLVED
As Pack in the Park has grown, I’ve realized I can’t run it as often as I’d like on my own — and that’s where you might come in!
I’m looking for experienced dog owners who are interested in helping host these events. The more hands involved, the more often we can offer this opportunity to the community. If you’re confident with dogs and want to support others in a positive, low-pressure setting, I’d love to hear from you.
Since Pack in the Park is completely volunteer-run, we also appreciate donations of dog treats and poop bags. While owners are encouraged to bring their own, having a few extras on hand makes a big difference when someone forgets. If you’d like to help out in any way, please reach out!
Shara Walsh 