Dogs
Social Hikes
Small-group outdoor adventures! For dogs of all sizes and breeds around various locations in/around Nanaimo.
On social hikes, up to 4 dogs are paired together. Each dog wears a GPS collar to maintain a constant connection.
For each group I attempt to select dogs who like each other and have similar play styles, hiking abilities, and size. So if your hound is a 40-pound dog who likes to wrestle, chase, and really engage with other dogs, I attempt to pair them with those who like the same.
It's not all based on size, though – some little dogs actually prefer to be with the bigger pals!
So if your dog prefers to go slowly along the trail, sniff around, and avoid intense or difficult hiking, again I attempt to put them with similar furry pals who won't be bored by this slow-paced adventure.
Hold up a sec!
While my small group sizes do offer a more tailored experience compared to companies walking larger packs, I also want to ensure we're on the same page on some key areas.
Groups can change
While I do my best, I can’t always base my social hike groups on dog size and personality.
My social hikers need to be OK with adventuring with a different dog than they’re used to, or going to a new location that may have sudden construction noises.
I cannot guarantee that dogs will not sometimes be challenged to get along with new friends and situations on social hikes.
Challenges can happen
My social hikers need to be somewhat “bomb proof”.
By that I mean they need to be OK with different types of trail triggers, and they get along with a variety of other dogs.
If your dog has any special requirements (afraid of loud noises, shy of large dogs, bossy with certain personalities, etc.) I recommend you book them for a solo hike instead.
To leash or not to leash?
My social hikes are predominantly off-leash. However, if a dog is actively working on recall with their humans, I have my own 25-foot leash to ensure safety.
Dogs who require being on a short leash are discouraged from taking part on social hikes, and should consider solo hikes instead. In any case, all dogs are fitted with a GPS tracking collar when hiking with Dee's Dogs.
Social Hikes at a Glance
Small groups
Social group hikes are intentionally kept to a small number of dogs, with a maximum of 4 dogs per social hike. This makes for a personalized hiking service, and also ensures safety for all participants.
Back roads
Social hikers must be confident in back-road settings. We may encounter loud bangs in the distance, ambient construction noise, airplanes overhead, and potentially other trail users on dirt bikes and 4×4 vehicles.
Screening
Social hikers must be vetted and approved through my meet-and-greet process. My dogs cannot have a history of major issues socializing with different dog personalities, as who they are hiking with may change from time to time.
Hike length
Socials hikes are offered in short or long durations. Short hikes last 45 minutes, and long hikes take 90 minutes. Note that your dog will be away from home for longer than the hike length to account for pick-up and drop-off.
Pick-up & drop-off times
Short social hikes
- Offered Monday to Friday**
- Hiking time is 45 minutes
- Drop-off is 1½ to 3 hours after the pick-up time*
Pick-up times:
- Mon: Between 12pm-2pm
- Tue-Thu: Between 9am-11am
- Fri: Between 9am-11am, or 12pm-2pm
Long social hikes
- Offered Tuesday to Thursday**
- Hiking time is 1½ hours
- Pick-up time is between 12pm-2pm
- Drop-off is 2½ to 4 hours after the pick-up time*
*Drop-off times vary due to factors such as the drop-off location, hike location, the amount of dogs on the hike, traffic, and any potential emergencies.
**Weekends offered upon advance request and by availability.
Prefer to avoid groups?
You're in luck! I offer solo hikes where it's just with me and your dog going on an adventure together.
Solo hikes are perfect for dogs who have trouble playing nicely with others, who are just learning their manners, or are easily spooked or anxious.
Social Hike Rates
-
Short Social Hike
Hike length Price*45 min. $33 + gst -
Long Social Hike
Hike length Price*90 min. $43 + gst
Fine Print
- All rates assume one pet per household; please inquire about rates for households with multiple dogs/pets
- Services are subject to availability
- All clients are required to accept Dee's Dogs terms and conditions
- Weekends offered upon advance request and by availability
- Additional fees may apply to:
- Dogs with behavioural concerns
- Additional requested duties
- Holiday and weekend services
- Casual clients
- Rates posted online are subject to change and do not include GST
