Despite the return of wet, snowy weather, dog owners in the Greater Moncton Area didn’t let the cold keep them inside. This weekend, they gathered for a new social training session designed to help dogs and their owners build confidence around other canines.
Peter Woodworth, a professional dog trainer based in Riverview, N.B., launched the group to provide structured socialization for dogs that struggle with distractions or interactions in public spaces.
“Many owners let their dogs off-leash in public trails without reliable recall, which can lead to dangerous situations,” Woodworth explained. “As a pet owner, you’re responsible for keeping your dog under control at all times.”
On Sunday morning, a small but enthusiastic group met at Point Park to practice essential skills, including maintaining their dog’s focus and encouraging calm, respectful greetings with other dogs.
Woodworth emphasized the importance of body language in communication. “We often send mixed signals without realizing it—our words say one thing, but our movements suggest another. My goal is to help owners build clear, positive communication with their dogs.”
During the session, participants worked on leading their dogs away from distractions, introducing them to unfamiliar objects like raised platforms, and reinforcing good leash manners.
“The goal isn’t dominance,” Woodworth said. “It’s about guiding the dog in a way that makes them feel secure and connected to their owner.”
Encouraged by the positive response, Woodworth plans to expand the initiative with weekly Tuesday night walkabouts, additional Sunday social training sessions, and educational workshops for dog owners at Moncton MEC.
