Dog Camp: A Guided Group Hike
More than exercise — a structured adventure that builds confidence, social skills, and calm energy.
Why Camp Matters
You want your dog to live a full, happy life — but it’s not easy.
Walks don’t burn off enough energy.
Daycare feels chaotic, not calming.
You don’t always have the time or safe place to let your dog be truly off-leash.
At the end of the day, you’re left with a restless dog at home — and the guilt that they deserve more.
What You Really Want
A dog who gets to be a dog — running, sniffing, playing, and learning in a safe space.
A calmer companion at home.
The peace of mind knowing you’re giving them their best life.
At Southern Berkshire Dog Camp, we use The Balanced Pack Method: a blend of structure, free time, and calm reset moments.
Dogs hike calmly as a group, with clear guidance and expectations.
We build in moments of emotional regulation — “doggie meditation” — where the pack settles and resets.
Dogs get free time to play, sniff, and explore, but always within safe boundaries. Think of it like supervised recess: freedom within structure, with me coaching them if energy gets too wild.
This balance helps dogs learn impulse control, practice recall, regulate their emotions, and grow more confident in a social setting.
Like a School Day — For Dogs
Structured Lessons: Guided hiking and recall practice build skills and confidence.
Supervised Recess: Dogs get freedom to play, explore, and make choices — with a coach to guide them.
Quiet Time: Calm reset moments help the pack settle so excitement doesn’t turn into chaos.
And yes — dogs are going to be dogs. There’s a good chance they’ll come home dirty, because they’ve been running, playing, and living their best life. If a spotless pup is your top priority, Camp may not be the right fit.
Is Your Dog a Fit?
Camp isn’t for every dog—here’s how to tell if it’s a match.
Perfect For Dogs Who Are:
12+ months old
Spayed or neutered
Friendly with other dogs
Comfortable in the car
Have basic recall/off-leash experience
Not a Fit If:
Under 12 months
Intact
Unsafe around other dogs
Don’t yet have recall/off-leash skills
The Results You’ll See
When your dog joins Camp, you’ll notice:
External: A fit, social, happy dog
Internal: Relief and peace of mind knowing their needs are met
Ripple Effect: A calmer home and a deeper bond with your pup
Answering Common Questions
“How can one person possibly handle 10–15 dogs at once?”
Camp isn’t a free-for-all. With structure, training, and clear expectations, the pack moves calmly — more like a school field trip.“My dog won’t listen in a group like that.”
That’s exactly why Camp works. Dogs naturally follow the group and model good habits.“I don’t think a few hours is enough to really tire my dog out.”
Because Camp balances play and relaxation, dogs leave fulfilled on every level — mentally, emotionally, and physically.“What if my dog isn’t ready yet?”
That’s okay. We start with a trial day. If Camp isn’t the right fit yet, private training can help them get there.
From Our Clients
Real stories from the dogs and people who make Camp what it is.
“Erica has been a Godsend for us and our dogs. Once he was old enough, our puppy started going to camp and is not only sooo happy to go, but has learned invaluable tools for group hikes, recall, safety, and socialization.
When we adopted our second dog, her prey drive and lack of socialization made her especially difficult. Erica gave us simple, doable tools to help her thrive. She’s an amazing trainer — I don’t know where we’d be without her.”
— Alden, Camp & Training Client
“Erica is absolutely amazing! Her knowledge, patience, and love for the dogs is immeasurable. She’s helped socialize, exercise, and support our young dog’s growth — and Granger is beyond thrilled to spend time with Erica and his friends. The photos and updates are always such a joy! Erica loves what she does, and you can tell — the dogs love her back.”
— Heather, Camp Client
Moments of calm, connection, and trust — the heart of every Camp day.