The Comeback

Easing Back into Trail Time

The gang hit some really high notes in 2025, visiting a few state parks, heading out together at more peak times and integrating new friends.

However, our success is built on a foundation of consistent, confidence-boosting repetitions, not high-intensity challenges.

As we gear up for our first group outings of 2026, my focus for the team is re-calibration. The holidays often mean a break in routine, increased indoor stress with travel, boarding or holiday guests, and a lapse in "group hiking brain."

The goal is to ensure dogs (and humans) stay under threshold and feels supported, so we always go back to basics.

1. Refresh Your "Go-To" Moves

Before we meet at the trailhead, think about the two or three skills you weave into most walks or hikes - spend five to ten minutes in your driveway or backyard sharpening these behaviors. A few of my favorite include:

• The Treat Magnet: Can you lead your dog past a distraction with a high-rate of reinforcement?

• The Emergency U-Turn: Is your dog ready to pivot and move away from a trigger without tension?

• Paws Up: Using a bench or a log to create vertical space and focus is a primary tool for managing tight passes.

2. Strategic Trail Selection & Escape Routes

Our first few hikes of the year will prioritize visual access and lateral space. With Social Club, we always avoid narrow single-track trails where head on passing is unavoidable and ensure all hikes have escape routes to manage potentially chaotic situations like a pro.

• Clear Sight Lines: We want to spot triggers from 100 yards out, not 10 feet.

• The Exit Strategy: Always scan for bail-out points—a wide field, a secondary path, or a sturdy tree line. If we can’t create at least 10-15 feet of space, it’s not the right trail for our comeback.

3. High Stakes Require High Value

The mental effort required for a dog to navigate a group setting is immense. Though I'd describe the energy of our group as "stoked to see each other" that doesn't mean it isn't tiring. When you see us out in the world, you will not be like "Oh, look at those bad dogs." In fact, this group gets complimented on their good behavior, with many pet parents we pass saying things like "That's what we need to do with Fido." The secret? These teams know that big work requires big rewards.  When we return to the trail, upgrade your currency. If you usually use kibble or dry biscuits, think freeze-dried liver, string cheese, or plain roast chicken. Feeling safe. Having fun. Eating great food. That's an experience that I'll remember and want more of....your dog will, too!

4. Advocacy and Awareness

In my hiking groups, it's a requirement that each human feels empowered to be their dog's advocate. With this responsibility, you'll see the human end of the leash managing their space bubble as appropriate for their dog, keeping their pup engaged and, communicating their needs, "can you give us some space, she's going to poop."

Most importantly, we don't do "she's fine." We want everybody feeling great. In fact, that's the magic of the group and why I have new teams go through a trial period. This is a very transparent process that makes "fit" apparent for everybody. The new teams gets to explore group hiking and I can watch how the group dynamics work with a new dog.