Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Our dog hiking programs encapsulate all of the magic that outdoor enrichment for dogs has to offer. The dogs explore and socialize in nature, providing them everything they need to stimulate their senses. This emergent experience curates a language between dog and hiker, allowing the dog to understand that we have their best interest in mind and develop a trust that deepens their bond.
Amidst nature, with its ever-changing seasons and the certainty of open space, each dog has an opportunity to explore a side of themselves that is often overlooked: the agency to make decisions, become creative problem solvers, and increase their confidence. The physical nature of our dog care services ensures they use muscles they might not otherwise engage, developing skills that lead to one of life's most important factors: resilience.
About Us
Our Mission
At Benji’s Backyard, our mission is to provide every dog in our care with the highest level of enrichment through our comprehensive dog care services. We view each dog as fully capable and deserving of trust and respect. Every step of their life journey, from puppy to senior, is respected from a developmental perspective, keeping their unique needs in mind.
Our interactions are mindfully placed, recognizing that our relationship is crucial to their well-being. We will never use tools that cause pain or anxiety because we believe these lead to a fractured relationship.
We are committed to creating a space that allows freedom of choice, freedom of expression, and freedom of will, with the understanding that our relationship and cultivated skills create a sense of safety.
We promise to promote a safe environment for all our dogs by placing them in compatible partnerships, guiding them to see each of us as a safe space, and helping them view the world through their lens.
Additionally, through our dog hiking programs and outdoor enrichment for dogs, we focus on promoting broad enrichment for canines in the community, leading dog caretakers to offer their loyal companions a fuller life and to expect nothing less from any canine business or service provider.
Our Values
Relationship-based: We believe that our relationship with each dog and among the dogs is an essential component in providing enriching and safe dog care services during our hikes. We will never use tools that compromise our bond or cause pain or harm to the dogs entrusted to us. Natural, Open Space: We understand that natural settings and open spaces are vital for our dog hiking programs, allowing dogs to utilize their senses and natural skillsets. This environment encourages fulfilling interactions and activities that boost their confidence. Set Them Up for Success: We believe that by training essential skills, our dog care services can offer dogs more freedom and autonomy. They are born with survival skills that can be honed to reliably work with their hiker. Continuing Education: We recognize that knowledge is power, and ongoing education for our team is the best way to stay current with the science-based approaches in outdoor enrichment for dogs.
Our Team
Our hiking team comes from a variety of backgrounds, and despite our differences, we all agree that this career choice in dog care services is truly special and unique.
"I love this job because it doesn’t feel like a job! I play with dogs at the beach!" - Chi
"Seeing the joy and happiness of these dogs every day is the greatest part of this job!" - Erika
These expressions from our team reflect their commitment to our dog hiking programs and their passion for outdoor enrichment for dogs. Passion is essential to work at Benji’s Backyard, and every new hiker is trained to become a Certified Dog Hiker. They also receive Canine CPR and First Aid Certification. However, our learning is never complete; we continually learn from the dogs in our care, who are our best teachers!
Client Testimonials
Our mini Australian Shepherd has been enjoying dog hiking programs with Benji’s Backyard three times a week since he was a puppy. Pickup time with his hiker is undoubtedly one of his favorite moments. These hikes have been incredibly enriching and have significantly contributed to his socialization, helping him become such a balanced, happy dog. After each hike, he's calm and actually tired (no small feat for an Aussie).
Marie and her team offer excellent dog care services; they are responsible, affectionate, and knowledgeable. We also board Walter with Marie when we travel, providing us with total peace of mind knowing he’s in such good hands. For outdoor enrichment for dogs, we couldn’t recommend Benji's Backyard more.
Our family is a big fan of Benji’s Backyard for their exceptional dog care services. The team is responsive, organized, and genuinely caring, always providing helpful updates on how my dog is doing while looking out for her best interests. Scheduling is super easy via their online platform, and the friendly staff ensures that the care is always top-notch. We've never had any issues or concerns. I also really appreciate their online store—it offers great options, especially for outdoor enrichment for dogs and dog hiking programs! Highly recommend! We can't thank you enough, Team Benji!
Not just for large dogs, Benji's Backyard offers excellent dog care services that cater to all sizes! When it comes to dog hikes, people often envision larger breeds, but little dogs need exercise too! We have small dogs and have been clients of Benji's Backyard for over 10 years - starting with our older dog, who eventually aged out and peacefully crossed the rainbow bridge at age 16, and now with our younger dog. Marie and her team are not only dependable but also experts at dog behavior and handling. Our older dog was sweet but stubborn, while our younger dog is loyal but reactive. For both dogs, the team at Benji's Backyard adapted their outdoor enrichment for dogs to meet each dog's unique needs, ensuring they feel safe and confident. Our dog runs to greet Marie and her team with excitement and joy, a greeting they only show us otherwise. We highly recommend Marie and her team to anyone looking for dog hiking programs that provide both exercise and mental stimulation for their dogs while they are away at work.