Looking for the opportunity to meet up with other dog owners and their dogs for playdates or group walkies around Canberra? The Canberra community offers many options to get together with other like-minded dog owners.
Doggie meetups give your dog a chance to socialise, as well as practice good on leash and off leash behaviour. Humans get to meet like-minded people who love their dogs. And maybe even get some advice or help with doggie issues.
Here's our top suggestions for Canberra social dog groups.
Canberra Dog Walks meetup
Yes, this is our very own Canberra Dog Walks meetup group. We schedule regular social group walks most weeks, usually following a favourite Canberra Dog Walks self-guided route. That means an off leash opportunity (for reasonably obedient, well-socialised dogs); interesting stuff for humans like great views, historic buildings and cool sculptures; and an optional coffee at a dog friendly café at the end of the walk.
We run these on a not-for-profit basis and ask a very modest $7.50 from each participating adult to help towards our costs.
Go to the meetup page to see more info. Join up (it's free) if you'd like to know about, and rsvp for, upcoming walks.
Curtin Vet Clinic walking club
The veterinary clinic at the Curtin shops organises a walk every Saturday morning at 7.30 am. The route takes about 45 minutes to an hour following a loop through Curtin's pretty off leash areas, although most walkers keep their dogs on leash. You don't need to register ahead of time; just turn up by 7.30 at the clinic at 31-35 Curtin Place (located at the far end of the car park adjacent to Theodore Street).
Westies of Canberra
A 'Wild of Westies'? If you are lucky enough to be owned by one of these awesome little dogs, you might want to join in the shenanigans organised by the Westies of Canberra. This group aims to provide fun, informal get-togethers for West Highland Terriers and their owners. Go to the club's Facebook page and request to join for the wildest fun ever.
Pug Grumble Canberra
What's there to grumble about when you are surrounded by cute, adorable pugs having a ball together?!? Canberra-based 'Pug Grumble' is a friendly group of pugs (or kind-of-like pugs) who meet up about once a month in various locations around Canberra to have a play and let their humans socialise. Grumbles are organised through the Pug Grumble Canberra Facebook page. It's a private group so you'll need to apply to the page admin to join. If you know a pug that needs a good grumble, or rumble, don't miss out on next month's event. Details and more info at Pug Grumble Canberra Facebook page.
Whippets of Canberra
A whippet whirlwind! How else would you describe a large number of high energy super canine athletes getting together in one spot? You can brave the whirlwind by checking the Whippets of Canberra Facebook page for the date and location of the next whippet meeting which occurs on a semi-regular basis at different locations around Canberra. This informal, welcoming group also participates in an annual worldwide whippet walk.
ACT Beagle Club
It's easy to track down this super friendly club - just follow the enthusiastic woofs! All beagles, part-beagles and 'honorary beagles' (any other dogs) are welcome. Group walks are usually held on the first Sunday of each month. The club also organises playdates, scent hunts, sports days, and more. See the club's Facebook page or email actbeagleclub@yahoo.com.au.
Canberra Dachshund Group
'Personality plus' is how dachshund owners would describe their gods - er - we mean dogs. This friendly dog loving group meets mostly monthly on a Saturday or Sunday at 2.00 pm at the Yarralumla Dog Park, and other outings for special events like Floriade. Details and more info at the group's website page and Facebook page.
Other dog walking groups
For other breed get-togethers, try searching Facebook or the internet using the search terms 'Canberra' or 'ACT' and the breed of your dog.
There are also many off-leash areas in Canberra (not enclosed dog parks) where locals come regularly to exercise their dogs, and where you may meet other dog owners who are interested in a local walk.
See our blog on Canberra off leash meeting places for ideas about where to start.
