Dog About Town: Start the New Year Right With Treks, Training and More

Do your resolutions for the new year include getting more exercise? Odyssey Pets hosts free pack walks at 10 a.m. on the first Sunday of the month (weather permitting), including this weekend. The instructor-led outings include tips and last approximately 40 minutes. Shopping will follow, with 5 percent off foods and 10 percent off everything else in the store. 14999 Preston Road. 972-407-1166. facebook.com/odysseypets.Or maybe your to-do list includes working on your dog's manners. Odyssey can help with that too. They offer a "Tips, Tricks, & Training Class" at 11 a.m. every other Saturday, including this weekend. Along with working on minor behavioral problems, such as jumping and pulling, you can learn basic tricks and how to "talk dog" in the hourlong classes. $25. Dogs must be up to date on vaccines (rabies, distemper and Bordetella).Four-leggers are also welcome at the Dallas Trekkers Walking Club's outings, including Saturday's in Rockwall. They will meet at 9 a.m. at Harry Myers Park, 815 E. Washington St. The route will include the courthouse square, lake views and part of an old Interurban rail bed. They also host weekly group walks throughout the area (see site for details). Leashes are required. dallastrekkers.org.And DOGSDFW is kicking off the new year with a hike at 11 a.m. Sunday at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano (in photo at top, by mypetfurtographer). They'll meet by the restrooms. Wearing good walking shoes and warm clothes and bringing water (for you and your dog) is recommended. Newcomers are welcome. 6701 W. Parker Road. Free. facebook.com/DOGSDFW.Also on the schedule•The Shacks at Austin Ranch dining and dog park has live music Friday nights, weather permitting. This month's lineup: the DuoTones on Jan. 5, Alex Francisco Caruthers on Jan. 12, Cole Collins on Jan. 19 and Droo D'Anna on Jan. 26. They are also offering a free yoga class at 9 a.m. Sundays (bring a mat and a towel for that one), and your four-legger can play in the complex's dog park while you work up a sweat. 8500 Windhaven Parkway in The Colony. facebook.com/theshacksaustinranch.  Continue reading...