Bay Woof features PIDO’s off-leash skills courses

PIDO Chair Diane Livoti wrote a feature that appeared in Bay Woof: Point Isabel Regional Shoreline may be small, but it’s the busiest park that allows dogs off leash in the East Bay—and making it work takes skill.

In 2023, Point Isabel Dog Owners (PIDO) launched Off-leash Skills 101, a free, 90-minute training workshop held right in the park to help dogs and their people navigate off-leash life safely and successfully. Created with veteran trainer Birgit Hafermann, the program focuses on essentials like recall, awareness, and preventing conflicts.

Now one of PIDO’s most popular offerings, the workshops have strengthened the off-leash community and even inspired some participants to pursue Canine Good Citizen certification.

The next of these small, free sessions are tentatively scheduled, pending permits, for April 25 and June 13, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. near Mudpuppy's Tub & Scrub. Professional dog trainer Birgit Hafermann shares tips and techniques for successful off-leash dog walking. Email skills@pido.org to reserve a spot or get on the waiting list.