The Hiking K9

03/12/2022

Truth.

12/07/2021

Sorry y’all 😇😂

11/25/2021

Happy Thanksgiving Hikers! 🖤

Set your dog up for success this holiday seasons with three easy steps:

🔸 TAKE A WALK! What better day to start a busy and stressful day for your dog than a structured walk to exercise their body and mind.

🔸 PLACE! Utilize their ‘place’ to allow them time to decompress, take in any new guests, calm down, and keep them from getting into the food.

🔸 CRATE TIME! When it gets too much for your dog, do them the favor of guiding them to their safe space to rest. Days like today can be very overwhelming for them. Look for signs of panting, pacing, whining, and inability to settle. These indicate our furry friend is feeling anxious and is relying on you for some help.

In reality though, it’s okay not to include your dog. If it is more stress than it’s worth, give them a walk before the activities start and then crate them. A stress-free day for everyone!

We are so, so thankful for all of you! 🖤

11/20/2021

Your dog doesn’t work to please you. They do it to please themselves. Let’s talk about it!

Think of a reward and what it means to your dog. They do something good (A), you give them a reward (B): treat, or a toy, or praise + affection. They do it again, you reward again and so on.

With consistency, this behavior becomes habit. They learn that A = B.

The key here is that the dog dictates what the reward (B) is. After all, it is the DOG’s reward, NOT YOURS.

So when they lay down on cue, it is because they are set on earning their reward, not because it makes you happy.

Dogs are instinctual animals. They quickly learn what will and will not earn them a reward and will behave accordingly.

And because I know this will raise the question, your verbal or physical praise can be (and often is) a valuable reward to your dog.

11/17/2021

“Why is my dog reactive?”

Short answer: 🤷🏽‍♀️

Long answer: It could be a number of things. Reactivity is a blanket term for any number of things like

-under socialized
-over socialized
-fear
-frustration
-lack of structure
-lack of leadership
-hyperactivity

and the list goes on! The good news is that you’re not alone and there are ways to resolve or manage this behavior.

The first step to start your journey is through relationship building. Establishing a line of communication and confirmation of trust will be the foundation of your relationship! 🖤

11/17/2021

🎁🎉 HOLIDAY ANNOUNCEMENTS! 🎉🎁

We have a fun December planned!
✨Thanksgiving through New Years we will be accepting donations. (All pet foods, blankets, toys, etc.)
✨Dec. 4th -Camden Holiday Parade @ 6pm
✨Dec. 18th -OPEN HOUSE 11am-2pm
Open House, lite refreshments, door prizes, discounts, & Santa Paws!! 🐾🎅🏽 Come get yours or your pets photo taken with Santa. While your here check out the new facility! 22 Sarah Circle, Suite B, Camden De

✨November 25-26 CLOSED
✨December 24-27 CLOSED
✨December 31- January 3 CLOSED

(Only leashed, social friendly dogs for open house please)

09/29/2021

You’re not a robot, which means your dog isn’t a robot either.

So when you’re going about your day, whether it’s good or bad, tiring or exciting, keep in mind that your dog also has emotions.

They have off days, just like us! Sometimes they are genuinely just not in the mood. I’m sure you can relate, right?

So, yes, they know better than to bark at the front door or whatever it may be that day. But again, they’re not robots! Have patience, provide extra guidance when needed, and most importantly...

Meet them where they’re at 🖤

Is there an unusual amount of stress that you hadn’t considered? Are they just tired? Are they feeding off your energy?

Give them a break. This doesn’t mean allowing them to do whatever (especially things they’re not supposed to do). Add in additional structure and rest time, and give them space.

This is why establishing a strong relationship is so important. Understanding when you’re dog isnt feeling it will only build trust when you meet them where they’re out give them a little break!

09/14/2021

09/06/2021

We love these collars!

Happy Labor Day! 🇺🇸

Our virtual sale starts NEXT WEEK! September 13-15th.

08/26/2021

A little bit of leadership goes a long way 👏🏼

When I first started working with Layla, her reactivity to the world was so intense. I have been very clear and fair with her since day 1 about what I expect when out on a walk.

We walked past a house at the exact moment a man opened his front door, releasing his 3 large dogs who ran across the yard barking and growling. This was extremely nerve racking for even me, so imagine how Layla felt. The Layla I used to know would have been uncontrollable.

The Layla with me now looked to me as I stepped in front of her, holding my arms out, and yelling “No.” This Layla did not react, though her raised hackles showed me how uncomfortable and nervous she was. This Layla looked to me for direction and was patient while allowing me to handle the situation.

This Layla did not happen over night, or even over a month. Be very, very clear with your expectations. Create a channel of communication, then be undeniably consistent.

If you and your dog are struggling with reactivity, you’re not alone! Reach out if you need help, confirmation, or even just words of encouragement. And always remember, leadership goes a long, long way.

🖤 Love,
Justine

08/12/2021

Hey hikers 👋🏽

It has been such a busy and packed summer, and I am so grateful for it!

Now that all board + trains have been wrapped up for the summer, I am not booking anymore for this year. I will open up my schedule to begin booking in January later on in the fall.

All clients currently enrolled in lessons will continue without issue. I will only be accepting a limited amount of new clients for lessons going into the fall.

For all past or current clients, boarding is still available to you

I’m finally going to enjoy some much needed time with my family 🖤

Thank you for your support, referrals, and dedication to giving your dog the best life!

08/02/2021

When can I let my dog just be a dog?

The question I get asked by just about every client.

To gain a better understanding, I like to get clarity of what is meant by “be a dog.”

Do you mean bark and growl at other people or dogs on a walk?

Do you mean to pace anxiously around the home?

Do you mean the demand barking and whining, jumping on the counters, and digging through the trash?

Or do you mean running around and forgetting you exist?

Giving your dog structure and setting boundaries IS letting them be a dog. Because they have them in place, these dogs get to live a life that many others don’t even know exist. They aren’t anxious, stressed, working through fear, or restricted to their backyard.

Set the boundaries. Add the structure. Then let your dog enjoy the life you’ve created and they’ve earned 🖤

07/30/2021

Update on leashes ❗️

My most recent order of slip leads still has not shipped. Apparently too many of the colors and I ordered are now on back order 😬

I’ll let everyone that I ordered for know when they ship and then message once they arrive 🖤

07/28/2021

Welcome, Dakota 😍

Yes. Small dogs need training too!!!

Don’t let this tiny body fool you! Dakota loses his mind (like screams bloody murder relentlessly 😅) when he hears the doorbell ring and sees other people on walks.

He’s here to work on a much calmer state-of-mind while working on a solid off-switch. Being tiny doesn’t mean we have to let bad habits slide 😉

07/12/2021

Welcome, Loki 🖤

Remember the puppies, Thor + Hela? This is their big brother!

Loki is here for a major confidence boost and mental reset, the best parts of ✨state-of-mind✨ training.

My favorite thing about working with such nervous dogs is watching them grow more comfortable in their very own skin. Because Loki is so anxious, he isn’t always able to take food or focus on play, which makes finding a meaningful reward more difficult.

I’m using the e-collar to help build his confidence and it’s already made such a difference! I can’t stress just how important clear communication is to any dog, but especially an anxious and fearful one 🖤🖤🖤

07/09/2021

The Bath House is taking new clients! 🙌🏽

We have opened our books back up for
✨🐾✨N E W C L I E N T S ! ! ✨🐾✨
That’s right, we are taking all your friendly recommendations and neighbors again.
🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉✨🎉
Spread the word. We still have the 15% OFF referral program for your kind recommendations to NEW clients. 15% OFF their first visit and for you at your next after theirs. Just ask the newbies to name drop you when they drop off. We’re ready to meet some new pets! 🐾

07/08/2021

Meet Thor (brown) and Hela (merle) ⚡️🤩

These cute puppies are just 9 weeks old and have been here the past 5 days for their PupStart!

The PupStart is a total of 5 nights while we work on:
✅ Potty Training
✅ Crate Training
✅ Healthy Socialization
✅ Exposure

They will be back when they’re older for their obedience training.

Welcome to The Hike, you cute and crazy pups
🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

06/21/2021

Hey hikers!

I’ve been in Seattle the past week and am still out here. The PNW is treating us so nicely with a streak of sunny days ☀️👌🏼

Later this week, I will be in Oregon into the following week with limited cell service. Please be patient as I catch up on calls and emails after returning to Delaware the first weekend in July.

Love y’all 🖤🖤🖤🖤

p.s. Welcome to the hike, Opie! 🌲🐾

06/10/2021

We now have an opening for a 1-Week Board + Train for July 17th - 25th

Let us know if you want this spot!

06/07/2021

Happy Monday from our mascots and the reason we get up every morning (literally, to take them out to 💩)

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

06/06/2021

HEAT WARNING!

It’s been incredibly hot the past week, so we want to share some tips on how to best protect your companions from heat exhaustion or strokes.

Overall, try to avoid spending more than 30 minutes outside at a time during the hottest parts of the day.

And remember to 🖤

06/05/2021

Updated Policy on Consultations:

Due to a few same day cancellations and no shows, we will no longer be offering complementary in-person consultations. Going forward, the cost to schedule a consultation will be $40 and is due at time of booking. This amount will be credited towards the training package that you choose to sign up for.

If you cancel or do not show up, you will not be refunded.

*Free 30-minute phone consultations will still be offered.

Thank you for understanding 🖤

06/04/2021

Happy Friday hikers!! 🖤

I’ve been told by several of you that your reviews are not showing up on Google. I also haven’t received any notifications of any reviews, so I’m trying to figure out why they are not being published by Google 🙃

In the meantime, feel free to leave your reviews right here on our page!

And p.s., don’t forget to do your homework assignments 😆

06/02/2021

Let’s talk THRESHOLDS 🚪

A threshold is any type of door, gate, or boundary that enters/exits into a separate space. How your dog passes through the threshold will dictate how they view the space they are entering.

Take a look at the picture below. What are they staring at? I promise I don’t have any sort of treat or ball around me 😆

So really, WHAT are they staring at??

ME!

All three of these dogs have learned that open doors don’t mean “Go!” They are asking me permission to cross pass the gate.

Permission = Eye Contact 👀

If your dog rushes through the front door the moment you open it for a walk, their mindset will be just that: rushed. And taking a rushed dog on what is supposed to be a calm stroll around the neighborhood is never a relaxing time 🥴

Respecting thresholds means waiting politely and calmly until given permission to cross. Once your dog has offered a calm sit or down accompanied by solid eye contact, you can release them.

WHY RESPECT THRESHOLDS?

🔸They demonstrate clear boundaries
🔹It enforces structure into your routine
🔸They help build engagement + focus on you

Now try it! You’ll be surprised just how much a difference it will make in your relationship 🖤

05/31/2021

To all those who have served, who are serving, and who have lost their lives in service. We thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and your bravery to protect our country’s freedom.

We salute you with pride and gratitude 🇱🇷

05/27/2021

Welcome to The Hike, Charlie! 😍

This handsome firecracker is here to learn some A+ leash manners to go along with his owner’s active lifestyle. We’re focusing on building his confidence while also keeping a calm mindset, two things that are sure to set him up for a long life of success 👌🏼

05/26/2021

If I don’t give them something to do, they will find something to do.

Let me repeat that. If you don’t give them something to do, they will find something to do.

Can they handle that? I mean, can you handle them making their own choices without any guidance? Because I’ve tried that before, only I ended up with a hole in my drywall. And a torn up couch. And a dog who paces back and forth whining. And barking at strangers from the window.

So what do I ask them to do? Nothing. When play time is finished and walks have been completed, I ask them to do nothing. This looks like laying down in their bed being relaxed, stress free, not anxious, and perfectly content 🖤

05/21/2021

Happy Friday Everyone!

Layla wants to know what fun adventures you’re taking your dog on this weekend? 🐾

With the warmer weather coming in, keep in mind the temperature of pavement. 🥵 Go on walks earlier in the day or later in the afternoon when the pavement is cooler. You may also want to consider alternate forms of exercise, such as a sniff through the grassy park!