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Our hiking program encapsulates all of the magic that enrichment has to offer. The dogs explore and socialize in nature providing them everything they need to stimulate their senses. The emergent experience curates a language between dog and hiker, one that allows the dog to know we have their best interest in mind and develops a trust that deepens their bond.
To be amongst nature, with its ever-changing seasons and the certainty of open space, each dog has an opportunity to explore a side of them that is not often offered: the agency to make decisions for themselves, to become creative problem solvers, and increase their confidence. The physical nature of our hikes allows them to use muscles they might not otherwise and develop skills that lead to one of the most important factors of life: resilience.
About Us
Our Mission
At Benji’s Backyard, it is our mission to provide every dog in our care the highest level of enrichment. We view them as fully capable and deserving of trust and respect. Every step along their life journey from puppy to senior is respected from a developmental perspective and thereby held in that light.
Our interactions are mindfully placed, always holding that our relationship is crucial.
We will never use tools that will cause pain or anxiety as we believe these to lead to a fractured relationship.
We will create a space that allows freedom of choice, freedom of expression, freedom of will, knowing that our relationship and cultivated skills are what creates safety.
We promise to promote a safe environment for all our dogs by placing them in compatible partnerships, guiding them to view each of us as a safe space and viewing the world through their lens.
We are focused on promoting enrichment for dogs to the community thereby leading dog caretakers to offer their pets and loyal companions a fuller life and to expect nothing less from any canine business or service provider.
Our Values
- Relationship-based: We believe our relationship with each dog and amongst the dogs is a critical component to making each hike an enriching and safe experience. We will never use tools that would compromise our relationship or cause pain or harm to the dogs in our care.
- Natural, Open Space: We believe natural settings and open space drive dogs to use their senses and natural skillset to manage their interactions and engage in activities that leave them fulfilled and build confidence.
- Set Them Up for Success: We believe that through the training of essential skills, the dogs can have more freedom and autonomy. They are born with a survival skill set and they can be trained to reliably acknowledge and work with their hiker.
- Continuing Education: We believe knowledge is power and continuing education for our team is the most effective method to keep us up to speed with the current science based approach to our work with dogs.
Our Team
Our hiking team comes from a variety of backgrounds and while there are differences among all of us, each agrees that this is a special and unique career choice.
“l love this job because it doesn’t feel like a job! I play with dogs at the beach!” - Chi
“To see the joy and happiness of these dogs every day is the greatest part of this job!” - Erika
These expressions from our team are just one way for you to understand how committed they are, because it's their passion to do so. Passion is a requirement to work at Benji’s Backyard. Additionally, each new hiker trains to be a Certified Dog Hiker through our training program and becomes Canine CPR and First Aid Certified. However, our learning is never complete. We are always learning from the dogs in our care. They are our best teachers!
Client Testimonials
Our mini Australian Shepherd, has been hiking with Benji’s Backyard three times a week since he was a puppy. Pickup time with his hiker is without a doubt one of his favorite things. The hikes have been super enriching, and I believe they’ve played a huge role in socializing him and 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 are responsible, affectionate, and knowledgeable. We also board Walter with Marie when we travel, and it gives us total peace of mind knowing he’s in such good hands. We couldn’t recommend Benji's Backyard more.
Our family is a big fan of Benji’s Backyard. The team is responsive, organized, and genuinely caring. They always give helpful updates on how my dog is doing and clearly look out for her best interests. Scheduling is super easy via their online platform, the staff is friendly, and the care is always top-notch. We’ve never had any issues or concerns, and I really appreciate their online store—it has such great options! Highly recommend! We can't thank you enough, Team Benji!
Not just for large dogs
When it comes to dog hikes, people tend to think of larger dogs, but little dogs need exercise too! We have small dogs and have been clients of Benji's Backyard for over 10 years - first 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 are experts at dog behavior and handling dogs - our older dog was sweet but stubborn, and our younger dog is loyal but reactive. For both dogs, the team at Benji's Backyard was able to adapt to the dog's needs so that they feel safe and confident - our dog runs to greet them when they come to the door, with an excitement and joy that they otherwise only show to us. We would highly recommend Marie and her team, for anyone looking for both exercise and mental stimulation for their dogs while they are away at work.