Why Guatemala?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Doglando Member,

 

For years I have been traveling the world going to developing countries to learn from the domesticated dog itself... street dogs, free-roaming dogs, and village dogs.

I recently got back from a trip to Guatemala. I knew that place was going to be incredibly special...

 

I didn’t have any particular reason that I wanted to visit Guatemala. When I was saying aloud the names of the countries I was interested in going to, something about Guatemala vibrated my soul.

My family and I spent 7 days in Panajachel, a town in the southwestern Guatemalan Highlands, 90 miles from Guatemala City, in Sololá.

There were so many great things about this trip, that I don’t ordinarily get to experience as part of my travel when I am there solely for the purpose of following dogs for long hours each day.

 

Of course, that’s super fun too!

 

 

 

This region has so many villages all around Lake Atitlán, in the Sierra Madre mountain range.

 

 

The best part is the ease of travel!

The local villagers are super friendly, food is delicious, and you can even drink the tap water... although there is filtered water available everywhere.

 

The street dog population is prolific. It’s a great place to pick a spot and sit down for the day and watch all sorts of dog-to-dog interactions and dog-to-human interactions.

 

Of course, following them is so much fun and you get to really feel and experience firsthand, the number one need of a dog: movement!

Why a Street Dog Retreat?

I have been documenting street dogs, village dogs, and free-roaming dogs for almost two decades now. Those who have followed my work for any length of time, know its influence on our work at Doglando.

In order for us to cumulatively transform in dog care:  

  • dog “ownership” / “parenting”
  • dog training practices
  • rescue work
  • breeding
  • ...all of it!

We must turn to the true domestic dog.

I want to share this wonderful once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with you.
I believe that you will leave with a new perspective on what it means to be caring for a dog.

 

You will redefine so many terms you use in your everyday language, like...

  • love
  • care
  • exercise
  • food
  • needs
  • movement
  • aggression
  • anxiety
  • fear
  • socialization
  • training
  • exposure
  • pack
  • groups
  • friendly
  • unsocial
  • relationship
  • purpose
  • motivation 
  • positive reinforcement

and the list goes on...

We know you will appreciate this rich learning experience so much!

To make an impact in the world of dogs it’s going to take all of us.

 

Maybe not all at once... but the influence of a small group of like-minded, passionate, open-minded, curious, and accepting people can powerfully shift even those who are highly resistant.

I know you will appreciate this rich learning experience so much!

To make an impact in the world of dogs it’s going to take all of us.

 

Maybe not all at once... but the influence of a small group of like-minded, passionate, open-minded, curious, and accepting people can powerfully shift even those who are highly resistant.

What this retreat entails...

A lot of walking, exploring, adventuring, eating, drinking and laughing, this retreat is about opening our minds and having deep conversations.

Here is a brief itinerary for the week of the retreat:

 

 

 

 

We can't wait to see you there!