March Hound Hike to feature Cold Nose Companions trainer

The expansive Veterans Legacy Woods, formerly Wicked Woods Golf Course in Newbury Township, will be the site of the Geauga Park District’s March Hound Hike, featuring a special guest from Cold Nose Companions Dog Training of Chardon.

Registration is open now for the hike on March 4, from 3 to 4 p.m. To sign up, visit geaugaparkdistrict.org or call 440-286-9516.

Before coming out, organizers ask that attendees pack their own bowl with water, poop scoop or bags for clean-up, and towels for paws before they reach the car seats, according to a news release. Also, requirements include that only one dog is permitted to attend per handler, pets must be kept under control at all times on a leash not exceeding 8 feet, and participants displaying aggression or excessive barking will be asked to leave.

“This one is going to be one of our shorter walks,” Naturalist Karie Wheaton stated in the release. “Cold Nose Companions will give a brief five-minute introduction to start us off about who they are and what they offer. Then they will offer a great piece of advice participants can try out on the hike, and we’ll take the yellow loop, then extend the hike longer if we all feel so inclined.”

“I’ve really enjoyed having Cold Nose Companions out with us because instructor Megan offers expertise on walking in the parks with dogs since this is not my expertise,” Wheaton added. “A lot of the participants sought her out for questions last time, and she even stuck around after the hike for some specific advice. Partnering with Cold Nose Companions has definitely been a great asset to our Hound Hikes.

“We hope it inspires more dog-walkers to join us for more hikes.”

The next Hound Hikes will take place April 29, at Big Creek Park; May 13 at Walter C. Best Wildlife Preserve; and June 11, at Whitlam Woods.

Registration for these hikes will be open March 2 for Geauga County residents and March 27 for outof-county residents.

The Cold Nose Companion trainer will offer advice participants can try out on the hike