Good ol’ fashioned nature is a beautiful thing, bearing no boundaries and offering experiences that no man-made object could ever top. Being outside brings about a sense of freedom and excitement. Nobody or no being understands this more than our friend “the dog.”
Some dogs are inside all day while their owners are working or running errands. Their basic and innate needs are often not fulfilled in their domesticated lifestyle. Although they will love you unconditionally, these animals want to run, play, and romp around outside for as long as possible. Thanks to Richmond resident Josh Rickey and his hound Marshall, dogs in River City have a greater opportunity to chase critters, fetch sticks, and simply get some exercise.
Rickey was traveling in West Virginia when Marshall entered his life. Once home in Richmond, Rickey found himself sneaking out of work to take Marshall on midday walks. On the weekends Rickey and Marshall took advantage of the James River and its numerous surrounding trails by going on what Rickey dubbed “adventure walks.” Marshall wasn’t the only dog benefitting from Rickey’s adventures, as his friends’ dogs were welcome to join in as well. Once the demand became overwhelming, Rickey realized that his walks were becoming more than a hobby. On his 30th birthday, as a gift to himself, he quit his corporate job, turned his Richmond hikes into a fulltime job, and Canine Adventure was born.
Rickey couldn’t do it alone. He needed a team. Now, more than six years later, his crew consists of 34 dedicated, outgoing dog lovers located all over Richmond, who are highly trained and trusted with Richmond’s canine companions. And they’re working not only with people pleaser-type canines but also with the dogs who need exposure to proper human contact. Although Canine Adventure does not provide dog training, they care for those dogs who need extra personal attention or confidence building or have high energy or learning needs. Rickey fully believes and has proof that a regular routine with their handlers will help dogs work through behavioral issues.
Finding ways to help dogs when they exhibit varying types of worrying behavior is very important. For instance, pet owners can opt for CBD oil for dogs to help their furry friends fare with anxiety. Additionally, CBD also has anti-inflammatory properties, so it is believed that it can help dogs with inflammations of all kinds. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound that is found in the cannabis plant. Using the extraction method, CBD is extracted from hemp plants; the extracted compound is then combined with a carrier oil to create CBD oil.
Besides CBD, playing them dog anxiety music to help ease their minds during stressful times, or instilling commands in them when they are misbehaving can yield positive results.
“It’s all about seeing dogs at their best and bringing out the best in them,” Rickey explains. “Any person who regularly touches your dog will have a profound impact on their behavioral patterns. This can be positive or negative. As an organization, we strive to ensure that the time we spend with dogs has a positive impact on their behavior and overall obedience.”
Even with Canine Adventure’s numbers reaching 400 to 500 dogs per month, each visit’s focus is the dog at hand’s individual needs. Canine Adventure offers three services: Adventure Walks, Midday Walks, and Pet Sitting. Adventure Walks are typically 4- to 6-mile hikes around the river and parks with more time spent on whatever activity the dog enjoys the most. Some dogs could swim all day, while others would rather hit the trails and stay dry. Midday Walks keep the pet closer to home, giving the dog a chance to step outside for a bathroom break and stretch its legs. Pet Sitting is for the animal who will be home alone for an extended period. Canine Adventure personnel will visit multiple times per day to walk, feed, play fetch, or simply hang out at the house while the animal naps. Rickey insists that with his programs it’s up to each dog how it will spend its time.
In an effort to further grow Canine Adventure, Rickey recently added a new program to his business called Tails and Trails, which allows dogs and owners to go on Adventure Walks together. Rickey says that the new program both inspires people and empowers dogs. Beyond a great avenue for exercise, Tails and Trails can help dogs with “social and environmental awkwardness” by giving their owners an opportunity to receive training tips and feedback from the experienced Canine Adventure team.
“People who engage in activities with their dogs regularly will have happier, healthier, better-behaved dogs,” Rickey says.
Canine Adventure also offers the opportunity for people in the community to sponsor Adventure Walks for dogs at rescue organizations like the Richmond Animal League and the Richmond Animal Care and Control. Not only does this sponsorship program give the dogs some much-needed exercise, but because Canine Adventure documents these walks on their social media channels, the program can also help these adoptable canines find their forever homes.
“Dog people, i.e., people who really engage with their dogs in their daily lives, are different than non-dog people in many regards,” Rickey says. “I think it results from spending time doing things together with their dogs, bridging the communication gap between species, developing patience, dealing with the unexpected, and experiencing honest joy and enthusiasm. When was the last time you did a dance at the front door because you were going on a car ride?”