Question 1

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

Mondays: WDM, Waukee, Urbandale, Clive, Windsor Hts. and Ankeny (currently full)Wednesdays: WDM, Waukee, Booneville, & Van Meter (currently full)Thursdays: WDM, DSM west side, Windsor Hts, Beaverdale, East Village, and Downtown.Fridays: WDM, DSM west side, Windsor Hts, Beaverdale, East Village, and Downtown.

Question 2

What if I'm not at home for pick up & drop off?

Accepted Answer

Please let me know how I am to enter your home (I am bonded and insured) and how you want me to leave your dog(s).  Keep in mind they may not smell great upon returning from their adventure.

See information about baths below.

Question 3

What if my dog pulls on a leash?

Accepted Answer

I do ask that dogs do not pull on leash and understand leash pressure. Even if they are free on ecollar, we will leash them up at times and expect good manners. If your dog needs help in that area (also to learn "follow" and a down with an implied stay) I have a program called Hikers First Steps that may be offered before hikes begin.

Hiker's First Steps,  $180 for 6 lessons total
As a foundation before starting pack hikes with us. With you we will work on leash pressure and follow, place, and a down-stay.​
​6 30 min lessons total (including 2 with owner). Material will be provided for homework during the week.
Two times a week for three weeks
Option to add e-collar training, including lessons with owner at additional cost. 
Recall will be added when they start pack hikes on a long line.​​

Question 4

How many dog's are in your pack and how are they transported?

Accepted Answer

Each pack has five or less dogs which is the maximum we are allowed in a vehicle with Pet Care Business Insurance. All dogs must have a harness that you provide, and we supply the buckle. Ruffwear and Kurgo are two harnesses we recommend that have crash tested options.

Question 5

What about ticks?

Accepted Answer

Ticks are unfortunately a part of nature but the benefits of being outside are worth the creepy-crawlies. All dogs should be on some form of preventative. We may spray them with an organic tick spray repellant unless you decline using it.

We do a quick once over on everybody as we are loading in the car, but we are not able to thoroughly check everyone in the time that we have and ask that you look them over well at home.

In the spring if ticks are really bad, for a few weeks we may leash them up and head to paved paths. This is less ideal but helps when ticks are in an abundance and helps us develop leash skills and manners with busy trails.

Question 6

Do you bathe them after each hike?

Accepted Answer

No, we leave that up to you. Save bath day for hiking days! If it's warm enough, we don't mind doing a quick rinse off with your hose and drying them off with towels that you leave out for us. This is one time your dog gets to go out into nature and be a dog- bathtime is worth it!

Question 7

What happens if there's bad weather?

Accepted Answer

If the weather or driving conditions are unsafe, we will visit a dog friendly indoor establishment, reschedule for Tuesday, or cancel- crediting the following month.When it's too cold for a full hike, we hike for short periods of time and then warm up in the car before heading out again. We do hike in the rain as long as it's not thundering and lightning or cold and coming down hard.

FAQ

What locations do you service?

Frequently asked questions