RGV Dog Adventures Group (RGV DAWG) was created to:
1. Provide proper socialization for our dogs
2. Get out and socialize with other active and friendly dog owners
3. Promote responsible dog ownership throughout the RGV
4. Put the Rio Grande Valley on the map as a "Dog-Friendly" destination!
RGV Dog Adventures Group was loosely formed during the Spring/Summer of 2009 by Jen Ceballos. You can read my bio at the bottom of the page.
The reason I started this group? Her name is Audrey.
I was given a 9.5 week old purebred Field Spaniel for Christmas 2008 by her breeder (Gayle Pierce of ArgyleFieldSpaniels.com) Since Dec. 3rd, 2008, the day she came into our home, I knew she needed a lot of socialization. From the AKC Field Spaniel breed standard: A docile and fun-loving companion, the Field Spaniel sticks close to his family and wants to participate in any and all family activities. They may be initially reserved when meeting strangers, but quickly warm up to people.
"Initially reserved" with strangers quickly turned into "extremely shy" with strangers. So out we went into the public. From the day she came home we were going on 2-3 "Socialization Adventures" every week, everywhere from my Dad's office, to Lowe's, and various Parks, to even the parking lot of the Children's Hospital. She was meeting dozens of people every week and experiencing different locations.
What really helped her though was when we started meeting a couple other friends and their dogs weekly at what I would call "Illegal Dog Park" (we would let them off-leash in elementary school yards) followed by Roosevelt's bar in McAllen. Audrey loved other dogs and being around them helped her come out of her shell with people. At Roosevelt's I would always tell her when someone asks if they can pet her, "Go say Hi, you can't be shy in a bar!"
Since then we have continued to meet weekly (with few exceptions) at various local places around the Edinburg/McAllen area including parks, bars, coffee shops, restaurants, yogurt spots, etc. Most places have been very accommodating - some even going out of their way to bring us water bowls and/or dog biscuits. My goal from the beginning was not only to help Audrey with her socialization but also to help others with their dogs' (and their own) socialization. Because really, it isn't just the dogs who enjoy weekly socializing!
