Local Bernese mountain dog owners gather for community walk in Guelph

More than 100 people and 50 Bernese mountain dogs gathered in Guelph for a community walk.

More than 100 people and about 50 Bernese mountain dogs gathered at Cox Creek Cellars in Guelph on Sunday for a community dog walk.

The event was organized by Freiberners, a Bernese mountain dog breeder based near Guelph.

Founder Karina Freiburger said the event was aimed at bringing together dog owners after the winter months.

“We’ve been breeding dogs for 10 years now and we really like to have the community approach,” Freiburger said. “[The event is] just a great way to bring everyone together. It’s been a long winter, so we thought, why not just get everybody out and have a good time.”

Participants walked through the winery with their dogs before sitting down to enjoy drinks and pizza made in-house.

Freiburger said the idea for the event grew out of previous activities, including several puppy yoga sessions, which drew participants from across the region.

“I just saw how much people were willing to drive from all over the place to be around Bernese mountain dogs, or they have them and they want to meet new people in that same community, so we thought, why don’t we do something where…just everyone who loves the breeds is getting together,” Freiburger explained. “To be honest, we thought maybe we’d get about 20 dogs if we’re lucky, and to see this kind of turnout is phenomenal.”

Cox Creek Cellars Event Manager Connor Creighton said the community engagement at the event was exactly what the winery had hoped for.

“We always want to try to have a few big public events every year that bring people out…to see our property and see what we do here, and just a chance for people to get together somewhere outdoors that’s really nice,” Creighton said. “From what I can tell, I see a lot of happy faces, and I see a lot of pizza going out on time, a lot of drinks in hands and everyone seems to be having a good time.”

Attendee Trish Lewis said the event provided a chance for dogs and owners to socialize.

“[I] never had seen anything like this, so it’s great just to meet all the other dogs in the area and make some friends for him and socialize him,” she said.

Organizers said they plan to host similar events later this year, with the fan favourite puppy yoga expected to return.