Are you looking for fun ways to socialize your pup while meeting new people who share a reward based training philosophy? This is a group for dog owners of all breeds, many of whom may face discrimination based on breed, disability. size, or reactivity: the “Underdogs”.

Our group’s mission was initially focused on educating the public in an effort to combat the negative perceptions that are wrongly associated with pit bull-type dogs. However, it soon became obvious that dogs are subject to discrimination based on a variety of factors beyond just breed type. Dogs who are vocal, fearful, large in size, reactive on leash, pull hard on lead, uneasy around dogs or humans, and those that just need their space, all seem to be wildly misjudged by those who are ill-informed or ignorant about these behaviors. Consequently, what started as a group aimed at to socializing our dogs in a safe, friendly environment has grown into much more.

Today, the Monmouth County Underdogs has expanded its role in our community. We are a place where owners can take comfort in knowing that they or their dogs are not being judged; a place of exchange for owners to share resources, ideas, and stories; a group that is happily able to provide local shelters and rescue groups with different types of philanthropic support and an organization that proudly advocates for the use of only positive, reward based training techniques and equipment.

We schedule weekly Meetups (on-leash walks, attending local events, volunteering, etc.) to provide owners and/or their dogs with opportunities to socialize. If you are an owner who shares our reward based training philosophy and are looking for a way to have fun with your dog, then this is the right group for you!