Get outdoors. Go on an Adventure Hike.
What is an Adventure Hike?
Adventure hikes occur every Thursday.
All Adventure Hikers must be dropped off to our K9 and Co facilities at 140 Parkwood Road Macgregor. After check in, we will embark on a 1hr hike on a component of Canberra’s Centenary Trail. After the hike, K9’s will be let out into our day care yard for an hour of free play before going into their runs for some rest time. Pick up is 3:30pm to 5:30pm.
Note: To qualify for this service you must be an existing K9 and Co customer or your dog has passed our K9 behavioural assessment.
Why the Adventure Hike is right for you.
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EXERCISE.
Exercise helps our pups maintain a low blood pressure and healthy lung capacity. It supports the development of lean muscles and healthy bones, which is vital to balancing their energy expenditure and keeping a healthy weight.
Without adequate physical activity, your pooch will likely become bored and lethargic, which can lead to destructive and aggressive behaviour - think torn up couch cushions, unnecessary barking, and those other pesky “quirks” that we’d rather avoid.
To paraphrase Elle Woods, “Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins make [dogs] happy. Happy [dogs] just don’t [destroy their parent’s homes].”
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TIDY HOME.
A tired dog is a good dog. Adventure Hikes recalibrate your dog’s physical and mental energy, making them far less likely to look for unique ways to utilise their energy (such as chewing shoes or digging up your veggie garden!).
This means you can go about your day knowing you’ll return to a clean home and a happy, worn out and well-behaved pooch who probably wants nothing more than a big cuddle and an even bigger snooze.
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FUN SOCIALISATION.
Furry friendship provides endless benefits and is one of the best things you can do for your dog’s wellbeing.
Watch your dog become multi-lingual as they learn the intricacies of how dogs communicate with one another. - sounds, gestures and all. Learning proper ‘dog manners’ equips your pooch with the behavioural tools to more confidently handle and adapt to new situations. Above all, socialisation provides the mental and physical stimulation all dogs need to live happy, well-adjusted and healthy lives.
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IMPROVED LEASH TRAINING.
No two consecutive Adventure Hikes are the same. This means they continually expose your pooch to new environments, scents and stimuli for them to test and develop their leashwork against.
This constant ‘newness’ can help more timid dogs to overcome fears of the unknown, reducing their anxiety and boosting their confidence. As an added bonus for those COVID-puppy-parents among us, a frequent Adventure Hike can also reduce your pup’s separation anxiety, making her feel safe to venture out with new dogs and people.
Pricing.
Adventure Hikers can choose from pay-as-you-go (single hike) or packaged pricing. K9 and Co offers competitive pricing, so whatever your choice, rest assured you’re getting value for money.
$550 for 10
$65 per hike in a 10 pack
Our best-valued pack, preferred by the frequent Hiker, gets you $650 value (valid for three months from first booking). That’s a $100 savings compared with our single-visit pricing.
$65
Single hike
Our best option for the occasional Hiker, at $65 per hike on a pay-as-you-go basis. Great for pups and parents who are new to K9 and Co.
Have questions?
What will my dog do during an Adventure Hike and where will it go?
Check out “A day in the life of an Adventure Hiker” to get a sense of what your dog will get up to during their Adventure Hike.
To keep our Hikers stimulated no two consecutive days are to the same location, but we will tend to favour hilly parks, lakes, mountains and other locations with space to test their senses and challenge their fitness!
Will my dog be walked with similar sized dogs?
Yes - We require all Hikers to undergo an initial behavioural assessment so that we can understand their disposition and group them appropriately.
What do I need to prepare for my dogs first time on an Adventure Hike?
When booking your Hike with us for the first time, please choose the “Preliminary Assessment” option. We will book a time to undertake a meet & greet with your pup to assess their basic obedience and social skills. Once approved, you will be able to book your first Adventure Hike!
Does my dog need to be desexed?
Your dog does not have to be desexed for an Adventure Hike but it is preferred.
What are the prerequisites for an Adventure Hike?
To qualify for an Adventure Hike you must be an existing K9 and Co customer that is known to the staff or you must pass our K9 and Co behavioural assessment,.
Will you pick up and drop off my dog from my house?
Yes! Once successfully booked in, our staff will send you a form to complete where you will be able to identify how we can access your property and collect your pooch for their hike.
My dog isn’t good on leash, how will this be managed during the Hike?
Our staff are trained to correct any poor leash behaviour. Leveraging their industry knowledge of dog obedience and leash work, they will make sure all dogs are being well-behaved.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated?
Yes. The health and wellbeing of our Adventurer Hikers is our top priority. This means we can only take on Hikers who have up-to-date C5 vaccination. When you register your dog for their first Adventure Hike, we will request a copy of their health background, including evidence of vaccinations.
Will my dog be supervised by a professional during the Hike?
Absolutely! Supervision is a must for our Adventure Hikes. Our K9 Happiness Officers will not only be physically attached to your dog during the hike but will also monitor behaviour across the pack to ensure there are no poor manners displayed by other members. During the play component of the hike, our staff will continuously monitor behaviour, intervening where necessary.
I am new to Adventure Hikes, how can I be sure my dog is having a good time?
Follow us @k9andcoadventurecamp to see what our K9 Happiness Officers have in store for your pup! We will be sure to post constantly throughout the day so you will be able to see your dog on their hike, see who their new best friend is, and how much fun they’re having.
My dog is a senior K9, will they be alright during the Hike?
Yes, dogs of all ages are welcome on our Adventure Hikes - your senior citizen might even get a spring in their step after hanging out with the younger generation.
Meet our happy hikers.
