Professional dog hikers are becoming increasingly popular in Los Angeles and for good reason. Many owners are reaping the benefits of having their dogs join group hikes. While dogs benefit from high intensity exercise, small pack socialization, and mental stimulation, owners come home to a tired, happy dog.
Fitdog Sports has been leading Canyon Hikes for several years and recently launched a web app making it even easier for people to book their dogs for adventures.
But not all Los Angelenos are necessarily stoked on seeing hikers with groups of dogs on their local trails. What they have yet to realize is that there are many ways professional dog hikers benefit their community.
Why you want professional dog hikers in your neighborhood
Here are a few reasons people should be open to having dog hikers in their neighborhood:
It curbs noise pollution
Have you ever had an especially barky neighbor? Bored dogs will “guard” their house by barking out of windows, through gates, or at doors. Professional dog hikers provide a break in monotony for these dogs. Rather than playing “king of the castle” all day, dogs channel their energy through exercise and nature. Say goodbye to relentless barking!
Your hikers know what they’re doing
While dog walkers tend to be regular people who happen to like animals and need extra cash, professional dog hikers, on the other hand, are just that: professionals. They are knowledgable about dogs and are trained to handle multiple dogs at once on a trail. Therefore, dogs are in better hands with people who understand behavior, health, and social dynamics.
Hikers have reverence for the trails
Dogs hikers are usually people that not only love dogs but also love nature. Having respect for nature and national and state parks is definitely top of mind for these guys. Dog hikers understand trail etiquette and pick up after their dogs and dispose of trash properly. They are also diligent about picking up other people’s trash and dog poop.
It fosters community
It can be strange seeing a bunch of fleet service vans on your block. But having professional dog hikers means the local dogs are getting to know each other making the neighborhood a bit more peaceful from a doggy territorial perspective.
Your dog can participate!
If there are hikers frequenting your neighborhood, that means your dog can join in on the fun. All different dog breeds, ages, and personalities enjoy hiking. Find out how to get started with Fitdog Sports by scheduling a Sports Assessment for your dog.