Train for the trail.
Earn the pack.

FOUNDATIONS

Trail-Ready Foundations

4 weeks · 1 weekly group session
For adult dogs new to off-leash trail work

$340

complete program · all materials included

Reliable recall on a long line, polite passing for hikers and other dogs, and a calm car ride to the trailhead. This is the prerequisite for any of our group adventure hikes.

Week	Focus
01	Name response · check-in game · long-line handling · car-loading drills
02	Recall on a 30-ft line · polite passing in low-traffic settings
03	Off-trail emergency stop (whistle conditioning) · wildlife disengagement
04	Graduation hike with a Trail Tails guide on a controlled local trail

Graduation: Pass criteria: recall under moderate distraction, polite passing of three on-leash dogs, and a calm 30-minute settle at the trailhead. Graduates receive a half-price intro hike.

BACKCOUNTRY

Backcountry Companion

6 weeks · 1 weekly trail session
For dogs already off-leash reliable on local trails

$560

complete program · all materials included

Multi-mile altitude conditioning, river-crossing confidence, and wildlife response. By graduation your dog can join us for 10+ mile high-country hikes from Brainard Lake through the Indian Peaks Wilderness.

Week	Focus
01	Fitness baseline · pack-fitting · altitude tolerance check
02	River crossings · slick rock confidence · paw protection intro
03	Wildlife encounter protocol: deer, fox, marmot, and elk
04	Storm response · taking shelter · re-grouping after lightning ducks
05	Pack manners in groups of 4+ dogs · scrambling steep terrain
06	Graduation: a real 8-mile backcountry day with a senior guide

Graduation: Wilderness First Aid–verified handler signs off. Graduates earn a Trail Tails embroidered pack patch and lifetime priority booking on summit hikes.

REACTIVE

Reactive Recovery on the Trail

8 weeks · private + small-group blend
For dogs that lunge, bark, or panic at other dogs / wildlife

$780

complete program · all materials included

A patient, behavior-science protocol for dogs that love the outdoors but lose composure on the trail. Built by our lead trainer, who is IAABC-certified and worked with the Boulder Humane behavior team for six years.

Week	Focus
01	One-on-one intake · trigger map · functional analysis on a quiet trail
02	Pattern games (1-2-3, Look at That) at threshold distance
03	Engage-disengage protocol with calm decoy dogs
04	Real-world rehearsal: low-traffic foothills with a controlled approach
05	Wildlife-specific work · prey-drive impulse control
06	Parallel walks with a stable group dog
07	Group hike trial with two graduate dogs and a guide
08	Maintenance plan and handler coaching session

Graduation: Pass criteria: dog can pass an unfamiliar leashed dog at 8 feet without reaction. Graduates may join "calm pack" hikes on a case-by-case basis.