Pack Walk Group Class

Pack Walk Group Class

Work on your dog's behavior out in public and around distractions

Our Pack Walk Group Classes are a great way to continue to work on your dog’s behavior under the supervision of one of Highland Canine’s professional dog trainers.

These classes allow you to work on leash skills with your dog in a controlled setting. Throughout the six weeks of the class, your dog will gain experience of new surroundings, new sounds and new smells. Our Pack Walks provide your dog with controlled socialization, which is essential to building a well-rounded canine companion. 

Class Information

  • This class includes six one-hour pack walk sessions in your local area.

  • Class sizes are limited to 4-5 dogs to ensure sufficient instructor-handler assistance. 

  • Handlers are required to bring treat pouches, waste disposal bags, a 6ft non-retractable leash, a towel, and water + water bowl for their dog. 

Class Prerequisites

To participate in our Pack Walk Group Class, dogs must have completed our Basic Obedience program or Puppy Group Class (or equivalent). 

Class Curriculum

Week 1

  • Overview of the Pack Walk class provided by trainer
  • Review etiquette for walking on trails
    • How to pass by other people and/or dogs on trails.
    • The group will walk in a single file line, with the group leader rotated during each lesson.
  • Dog to dog introductions
    • Each lesson will begin with all members of the group introducing their dogs to one another in a calm and controlled fashion, as instructed by the trainer. In the first week, anticipate this will take approximately 15-20 minutes. The time for these interactions should be reduced after the first week.
  • Pack walk
    • The first lesson will likely be scheduled in a spacious location (such as a public park) to build space and encourage familiarization between dogs.

Weeks 2-6

  • Dog to dog interactions
    • Dogs will be briefly introduced to one another at the beginning of each lesson to encourage a calm and relaxed disposition on the walk.
  • Pack walks
    • Walks will be scheduled to take place in a variety of locations in your local vicinity – from rural places like parks and trails, to urban environments like downtown areas. This ensures that your dog is able to generalize their behavior in a number of different settings. 
  • Obedience practice
    • Dogs will have the opportunity to practice obedience skills (ex: down-stays, sit-stays) as members of the public (with or without dogs) pass by. Naturally, your dog will also be able to work on their skills around novel sounds and stimuli during the program.
  • Narrow paths and walkways
    • Handlers will work on how to guide their dog behind them/to the side of them on narrower paths. 
  • Etiquette at restaurants or coffee shops
    • Handlers will learn how to get their dog comfortable under a table or chair in environments such as coffee shops.
  • Visits to dog-friendly locations
    • As part of this curriculum, the instructor will incorporate visits to dog-friendly stores to ensure that leash handling skills can also be applied in indoor, real-world environments. 

NOTE: Curriculums may be subject to slight variations depending on location.

Remember to check out our calendar to see when our group classes are taking place in your area! You can also contact us for more information.