Find the answers to our most commonly asked questions.
Q: How are the dogs rewarded?
A: Generally we use small milk bone type treats, which can be broken down into three pieces. There is also lots of eye contact with physical and verbal affection to make sure your dog knows that they are doing a great job!
Q: How do you keep the dogs from running off?
A: We train recall using praise and repetition as we engage the pack during the hike. A new dog will drag a twenty-five foot drag lead which we will gradually shorten through the training as we decide that the dog can be trusted. Once we have faith in their recall abilities the dog will graduate to being completely off-leash.
Q: Are all dogs off leash?
A: All dogs are off leash unless they are a new addition to the pack. New dogs will be kept close to the walker and go through the above process until they are trusted enough to be let off leash.
Q: Do you use E-Collars?
A: We sometimes use E-Collars for behavioral training when necessary.
Q: What types of trail etiquette does every dog have to learn?
A: Every dog must learn to obey the walker and not act agressive (no lunging or barking) towards the other dogs on the trail. They will learn not to jump on or intimidate any person or other pack member, to have good recall and return at the sound of a whistle, as well as how to properly greet and pass other packs on trail.
Q: Is the walker first-aid certified? Do they even have a first aid kit?
A: The walker is first-aid certified and will always have a kit on hand.
Q: Will my dog be walked by one walker or a variety of handlers?
A: We can only take so many dogs per day and we limit our amount of clients so we don’t experience rotating walkers or frequent pack changes. Having consistent handlers and pack members make for a smoother off leash experience.
Q: Can an owner accompany their dog on the hikes?
A: Of course! We encourage owners to join us so they can see exactly what their dog will be experiencing when it comes to training, amount of exercise, and how the walkers will be interacting with them. It is also an opportunity for us to answer any unresolved questions and give the owner clear demonstrations of how we manage the pack.