Frequently Asked Questions
Pack Hike Plus
Why do you require a minimum of two days per week?
Consistency is an important part of maintaining a healthy pack. Regular attendance allows us to build a relationship with each dog and get to know their individual personality, history, triggers, and any issues that may arise.
Does my dog need basic obedience before joining Pack Hike Plus?
Dogs should have a basic foundation of obedience before joining Pack Hike Plus. They don't need to be perfectly trained, but they should be comfortable with basic handling and have enough of a foundation to participate successfully with the pack. If your dog needs some additional preparation, we may recommend starting with our Basic Obedience Package before joining Pack Hike Plus.
What skills do you practice during Pack Hike Plus?
Throughout our outings, we practice loose-leash walking, impulse control, recall fundamentals, and long-line work, along with calm behavior around other dogs and everyday distractions. These skills are practiced throughout the outing in real-world situations rather than as a formal training session.
How do you decide which dogs hike together?
We consider each dog’s personality, energy level, social experience, and comfort around other dogs when building our packs. The Meet & Greet is an important first step, giving us a chance to get to know your dog and determine which pack may be the best fit. As we spend more time with each dog, we continue learning their individual personality and temperament, allowing us to build compatible groups and maintain a safe, balanced, and comfortable pack.
Joining the Pack
1. Schedule a Meet & Greet
Every new dog begins with a Meet & Greet. This gives us a chance to get to know you and your dog before they join the pack.
2. Get to Know Your Dog
We’ll talk about your dog’s temperament, social experience, energy level, and what they’re comfortable or uncomfortable with. We also consider the different motivations and instincts that influence how they respond to other dogs, movement, excitement, pressure, and new situations.
3. Determine the Right Fit
Using what we learn during the Meet & Greet, we consider whether our pack environment is a good fit for your dog and which service or group may suit them best.
4. Begin Building the Relationship
Once your dog joins us, we continue getting to know their individual personality, temperament, and comfort level. As they become familiar with us and their pack members, we can make thoughtful decisions that help maintain a safe, stable, and positive pack environment.