Large Dog Socials in Richmond, Ontario
Run wild. Socialize with purpose.
Large Dog Socials are professionally supervised, off-leash socialization sessions designed for dogs 30 lbs and over — set outdoors in the Ottawa west end, every Saturday and Sunday morning. Coming soon.
Pre-Register Your Dog →For dogs 30 lbs and over. Under 30 lbs? See our Small Dog Socials.
What Are Large Dog Socials?
Large Dog Socials are a weekly, professionally supervised off-leash socialization experience for dogs 30 lbs and over. They are not a dog park. They are not a drop-off service. They are not a free-for-all.
Every session is run by Street Wise Canine trainers with 20 years of experience working with the full spectrum of dog behaviour — including nervous, fearful, reactive, and socially underdeveloped dogs. Every session takes place outdoors in a natural environment in the Ottawa west end. Every session follows the same two-phase structure that allows every dog to move at their own pace.
Large dogs have specific social needs that a standard dog park simply cannot meet. They move fast, play hard, and communicate in ways that require space — real space, not a crowded fenced lot. Large Dog Socials give them that space, with trained eyes on every interaction from start to finish.
How It Works
Long-Line Decompression Walk
Every session begins with a guided long-line decompression walk. Dogs arrive on a 15–20 foot long line. Handlers walk through a natural outdoor environment — no on-leash greetings, no forced introductions, no pressure. Dogs decompress at their own pace, process the environment through scent, and begin to notice other dogs from a safe distance. Our trainers walk with the group and provide real-time coaching on reading body language, recognizing stress signals, and understanding what your dog is telling you. This phase runs approximately 20–30 minutes.
Off-Leash Forest
When a dog demonstrates genuine behavioural readiness — loose body, active nose, settled nervous system — they are individually released into the off-leash forested area. Entry is staggered. Each dog goes in when our trainers determine they are ready, not when a clock says so. Dogs who are not ready remain on the long line for the full session. That is a legitimate outcome. That is often exactly what that dog needed. Sessions run for one hour total.
Sessions are one hour. Outdoors. Rain or shine. Dress for the Ottawa Valley — mud happens, mosquitoes happen, and your dog will love every second of it.
Is Your Dog a Good Fit?
Large Dog Socials are designed for the full spectrum — not just the easy dogs. Here's who belongs here:
Dogs who are a great fit
- Nervous or fearful dogs who need a low-pressure, nature-based environment
- Reactive dogs working on rebuilding confidence around other dogs
- Dogs with limited or negative off-leash social history
- Social dogs who need appropriate supervised outlets
- Dogs who have never had a fair chance at real socialization
- Dogs whose owners want to learn how to read and advocate for them
- Dogs with conditioned basket muzzles who have been excluded elsewhere
Dogs who need a conversation first
- Dogs with a known bite history involving other dogs — please contact us before registering so we can discuss preparation and fit
- Dogs who are not yet muzzle conditioned but have significant bite risk — we can help you get there first
- Females in heat
- Dogs in active medical distress or recovering from surgery
Not sure if your dog is ready? Fill out the pre-registration form and we'll reach out. We'd rather have that conversation than have you miss out.
What to Expect at Your First Session
Arrive staggered
Dogs arrive within a rolling window before the session starts — not all at once. This prevents a chaotic parking lot full of dogs within leash-length of each other. Your dog's first impression of the space starts here.
Gear up
Bring your dog on whatever equipment they are currently comfortable with. You will need a 15–20 foot long line for Phase 1 — don't own one? Contact us before your first session and we can help sort you out. No food or treats in the session area.
Head out on the long line
You and your dog begin the decompression walk with the group. Our trainers are with you. This is where you start learning your dog's language in real time.
Your dog gets released when they're ready
Our trainers will tell you when your dog is showing readiness for the off-leash area. You don't decide — we do. That's what you're paying for.
Watch your dog be a dog
Off leash in the forest. Moving, sniffing, communicating, playing, or simply existing near other dogs without pressure. This is the work.
Leave different
One hour. Your dog's nervous system has done more work than a week of backyard fetch. You understand something about your dog you didn't know before. That's the point.
What We Ask of You
Large Dog Socials run smoothly because everyone follows the same guidelines. These aren't suggestions.
Handler Rules
- Arrive within the staggered arrival window — late arrivals disrupt the group and cannot always be accommodated
- No on-leash greetings in the parking area or before entering the session space
- Bring your dog on whatever equipment they are currently comfortable with. A 15–20 foot long line is required for Phase 1 — if you don't own one, contact us before your first session.
- Biothane long line required for Phase 1 — 15 to 20 feet
- No retractable leashes at any point
- No food, treats, or toys in the session area unless directed by a trainer
- Phones away — your full attention on your dog is required at all times
- Do not intervene with other dogs — if you see something concerning, get a trainer's attention
- Do not comfort or hover over your dog in the off-leash area — follow their lead
- All dogs must have current vaccinations — proof required before first session
What to Wear
- This is an outdoor session in the Ottawa Valley
- Dress for the weather — sessions run in most conditions
- Waterproof footwear strongly recommended — mud is part of the experience
- Insect repellent recommended during warmer months — mosquitoes are real and plentiful
- Layers in shoulder seasons — mornings can be cool
Session Details
Exact location, times, and launch date will be sent to pre-registered participants first.
Built for This Landscape
The Ottawa Valley gives us something most urban dog trainers never have: real land. Forests that let dogs scatter and decompress without walls closing in. Fields where a big dog can actually run. Morning air that carries a thousand scents worth investigating. Large Dog Socials were designed for exactly this environment — and for the dogs and owners of this region who have been making do with dog parks that were never built for them.
Safety, Supervision & Your Responsibilities
Off-leash socialization between dogs is inherently dynamic. Our trainers are experienced, sessions are supervised, and our structure is designed to minimize risk — but incidents can and occasionally do happen. All participants are required to read and sign a liability waiver before attending their first session. You are responsible for your dog's behaviour at all times. Our trainers reserve the right to ask any dog to remain on long line for the full session, or to ask a dog to leave if their presence creates a safety concern for other dogs or handlers. These decisions are made in the interest of every dog in the session and are non-negotiable.
Liability waiver is completed as part of the pre-registration process on our Register page.
Large Dog Socials FAQ
Questions specific to our large dog sessions. For general questions about Dog Socials, see the FAQ on our homepage.
Ready to Rewild Your Dog?
Sessions are coming soon to Ottawa west end. Pre-register now to hold your spot and be first to receive session dates, times, and location details.
Pre-Register for Large Dog Socials →Have a dog under 30 lbs? Small Dog Socials