10 Lessons From 10 Years Of Running A Dog Hiking Business
Wow! Time truly flies when you are building a dog hiking business and making dogs as happy as they make us!
As we approach our 10th anniversary, it’s both humbling and mind-blowing to think about everything our Hike Doggie team has created and accomplished over the past decade.
To name a few, we’ve:
Safely hiked over 60,000+ dogs.
Built the first scaled, premium dog adventure brand, with structured, small-pack outdoor enrichment experiences, hospitality-level standards, and safety-first discipline-helping dogs live happier, healthier lives.
Successfully launched Hike Doggie Franchising nationwide, with 9 locations across CO, ID, NM, TN, GA and VA – plus our Denver corporate hub. And we’re just getting started.
Built a fanatical client base that raves about and refers us daily.
Combined a uniquely talented ‘dog-lovin’ team with a transformative culture to build something truly special that I haven’t seen replicated anywhere.
What 10 Years In A Dog Hiking Business Has Taught Me
Every Dog Is Truly A Magical Gift
Dogs never do anything intentionally to upset us. They are like a child & a soulmate wrapped into one – deserving of a life filled with love, security, and enrichment through awesome outdoor experiences.
Every day should be their Christmas. This is why we do what we do.
Great Businesses Are Built By Great People
To grow your company successfully, you must surround yourself with fun people who are way more talented than you are.
Hire the best people, place them in the right seats, give them challenging work, let them make mistakes, treat them well, recognize their contributions, and truly care about their success.
Then sit back and watch the magic happen.
Mission And Core Values Are Non-Negotiable
If you are starting a small business, do not skip this step.
Identify your mission: Why does your company exist?
Then identify your company’s core values – they guide decisions, shape culture, and attract like-minded people.
Our Mission:
Hike Doggie exists to make dogs as happy as they make us.
Our Core Values:
Be Dog Obsessed
Surpass Client Expectations
Our Team is Our #1 Asset
Do the Right Thing
Safety is Non-Negotiable
Act Like an Owner
Create a Work & Personal Life Balance
A Fulfilling Life Comes From Purpose, Not Shortcuts
A happy, fun and fulfilling life is built on hard work, productivity, service to others, and a strong sense of purpose.
There are no shortcuts.
Want a great life? Be a giver. Do the hard things. Be uncomfortable. Help others. Be kind. Focus on growth – for yourself and the people around you.
Resilience Is Everything
Most people don’t even try – or give up along the way.
Perseverance is the difference.
Running a dog hiking business has taught me that challenges are constant – but so are the opportunities. When faced with a problem, run at it and fix it.
We love what we do, we believe in it deeply, and we keep going – no matter what.
Dog People Are The Best People
Before Hike Doggie, I worked in many industries – including car rental. Not once did someone tell me they had an “awesome car rental experience.”
But our Hike Doggie parents? They are incredible.
They praise us, support us, and even show us grace when we make mistakes. They care deeply – not just about their dogs, but about our team too.
Our clients are truly awesome.
The Little Things Are Actually The Big Things
When you’re caring for over 800 dogs a month, details matter.
Every dog’s personality. Every parent’s preference. Every pickup and drop-off instruction.
The difference between a good service and a mind-blowing one is attention to detail -and we are obsessed with it.
Creating Joy For Others Enriches Your Own Life
There are endless opportunities to make others happy – take them.
Creating magical moments for dogs and their humans doesn’t just impact them – it fills your own life with meaning.
Make Things Happen
Don’t wait for life to happen to you.
Take initiative. Take risks. Be proactive. Fail, learn, and keep moving forward.
You’re in charge of your own destiny. Own it.
Laugh Often
Surround yourself with fun people. Look for the humor in everything.
And if you’re lucky enough to work with dogs…you’re already laughing.
