Business Details
Professional Dog Hiking Services in Berkeley
At Wild Side Dog Walking, we believe every dog deserves the chance to explore, run, and play off-leash in nature. Founded by Katie Harbaugh, a lifelong dog lover with extensive experience in animal care, our service combines a passion for hiking with professional dog handling. We operate in Berkeley, offering structured group walks on regional park trails, prioritizing safety through positive reinforcement training and Pet CPR certification.Our small group sizes ensure personalized attention, while our deep understanding of canine behavior helps even shy dogs thrive. Licensed, insured, and registered with the East Bay Regional Parks District, we provide reliable transportation and a commitment to enhancing dogs' well-being through outdoor adventure.
Services
Off-Leash Dog Walks
Group Hikes
Trail Adventures
Positive Reinforcement Training
Dog Transportation
Highlights and features
- Small group walks (max 6 dogs) for personalized attention
- Positive reinforcement training methods for safe off-leash exploration
- Pet CPR certified handlers with professional training credentials
- Licensed, insured, and officially registered with park authorities
- Proven success with shy and reactive dogs through patient handling
Associations and certifications
- Dog Tec
- East Bay Regional Parks District
What people say
Beyond ecstatic greeting
Really really loves
Positive reinforcement methods
Small group sizes
Proven success with shy dogs
Services
Off-Leash Dog Walks
Our structured off-leash walks take small groups (max 6 dogs) on East Bay Regional Park trails. Each session lasts one hour with dedicated playtime and supervised exploration. Professional handlers use positive reinforcement to ensure safety while allowing natural canine behavior.
Positive Reinforcement Training
We implement reward-based training methods during walks to build trust and improve off-leash responsiveness. Our Pet CPR-certified handlers develop individualized approaches that help dogs overcome anxiety and build confidence in group settings.
Dog Transportation
Dogs receive door-to-door transportation to and from trail locations. Our stress-free pickup/dropoff process ensures minimal disruption to household routines while maintaining safety and comfort during transit to outdoor activity areas.
People
Katie Harbaugh
Owner
Katie founded Wild Side Dog Walking after years of experience with Born to Run SF. A lifelong dog enthusiast, she combines Pacific Northwest outdoor upbringing with professional training to create joyful hiking experiences for Berkeley's canine community.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
We currently provide services exclusively in Berkeley, focusing on East Bay Regional Park trail systems for optimal off-leash exploration.
How many dogs join each walk?
Our group walks maintain a maximum of 6 dogs per session to ensure personalized attention and safe, controlled social interactions during trail activities.
Are handlers certified in animal safety?
All our handlers hold Pet CPR certification through Dog Tec, with ongoing training in positive reinforcement techniques and emergency response protocols.
Can shy dogs participate?
Yes, we specialize in helping anxious dogs build confidence through gradual exposure and patient handling. Our small groups create low-pressure socialization opportunities tailored to individual needs.
What's included in the monthly rate?
Monthly pricing covers scheduled weekday walks with transportation to/from trails. Each session includes minimum 1-hour outdoor activity with professional supervision and post-walk updates for owners.
