http://home.aol.com/DrBatch

Dr. Batchelor founded D.H.O.G. in December of 1993.

     Dr. Batchelor founded the Dog Hikers of Georgia in December of 1993. The club meets every Sunday morning at 10am near Red Top Mountain at a special secluded area perfect for dog hiking. (See specific directions to the hike below)..Seen above, Gator and Cameron Batchelor mellow out during a recent dog hike. Gator is a former Seeing Eye Dog and also a former winner of the Atlanta Dog Jog( 1000 dog running race at Piedmont Park in Atlanta where dog runs with owner). Cameron and Dr. Dan are recent winners of the Atlanta Dog Jog. On our dog hikes, we meet on Sunday at 10am near red top mountain at a trail not listed on a map or in a book. The trails are the best around since they follow Lake Allatoona for almost the entire distance. Its a secluded area and the dogs are able to hike, swim, and play for 2 hours without intruding upon other humans. Many dogs come to the hikes including Jack Russels, Dobermans, Whippets, Rottweillers, Golden Retrievers, Collies, Beagles, Pekineese, Labs, Greyhounds, Portugeese Water Dogs, Australian Cattle Herders, etc etc. We have had as many as 67 dogs come on our hikes at one time. Usually, however, there are from 20-30 dogs on each hike. There have been articles on the Dog Hikers with photographs of our members in action in the Atlanta Journal, Marietta Daily Journal, Creative Loafing, Neighbor Papers, Atlanta Sports and Fitness Magazine, Running Journal, Dog Fancy Magazine, and we have been interviewed on local television and local radio stations. Cameron Batchelor was recently on the nationally televised "America's funniest videos"  program as he barked and smiled while running on a treadmill. There are absolutely no fees and no dues in any way, shape or form related to the hikes. All that is required is a strong heart and strong legs. Occasionally, we rent a Pontoon boat and take all of the dogs to a secluded island at Lake Lanier or Lake Hartwell for a picnic. We are the only club in the South specifically designed for dog hiking, however, you do not need a dog to hike with us. Many people come and hike without a dog since it is a safe, social way to exercise with other people that enjoy animals..All you need to bring with you during the hike is a water bottle. The hikes involve many hills, therefore you should be in a state of good physical fitness to join us. No children are allowed on the hikes. The pace is moderate(15 minutes per mile walking pace). Directions to the hike- 10am Sunday morning ongoing year long dog hikes near Lake Allatoona Dam: take I-75 north from Marietta and go 20 minutes or so and then turn onto exit 285, Red Top Mountain exit. Follow the signs to the dam and park in the dam parking lot near the Batchelor Clinic van. 24 Hour Dog Hiker hotline 770-992-2362  LEGAL NOTICE: Hike at your own risk. We are not responsible for injuries sustained during the hike.