Meet The Hiker Pups!
Dawn & Emily
Emily came to live with us in 2010 after being rescued from an animal shelter. A border collie and in 35+ years of training and living with dogs I’ve never met a smarter dog. She was not an easy puppy in the beginning as some folks had gotten off to a rather troublesome start with her. But with good training and help she quickly turned around. She was like another appendage of my body and was always at my side no matter what. Emily was raised and trained using force free relationship based training. What does that mean? Visit the Academy to learn more. Emily was an accomplished Master Agility dog and experienced mountaineer. Emily and I walked for over 1500 miles (the state of Oregon, Washington and Northern California) on the Pacific Crest Trail in the summer of 2018, stopping when I put her health above my goals and stopped so she did not have to breathe all the forest fire smoke and ash. At the time we stopped she was easily hiking 30-40 miles per day with me. Sadly we had to say goodbye to Em in 2022, but since she was “THE Hiker Pup” she will always be the heart of this community.
Nick, the coolest guy in town
Nick came to live with us in the fall of 2018, at approximately 14 weeks of age after being adopted from a rescue who pulled him from an animal shelter. He is half border collie and half Australian Shepherd. Nick came with quite a few challenges to overcome, the biggest being his reactivity towards other dogs and some people. Nick is a party, he is fun, goofy, full of power and energy, he is sweet and charming, and always up for anything. Nick is the ultimate adventure dog most often found out in the backcountry climbing mountains with the HikerHubby and has more summits than most people, myself included.
Summit Pup
You will most commonly find Nick on a mountain with the HikerHubby
Leo at 8 weeks, the moment he stole my heart
Leo, the Golden Retriever was born August 2021. Leo was purchased from a long time friend and breeder, Trillium Goldens. Leo is related to our previous Golden Butters who’s photos are all over this website.
Follow our Instagram to watch Leo and Dawn pursuing various dog sports and backcountry adventures.
Leo Agility Golden Retriever Nationals
Leo finished all 3 Novice Agility Titles in only two weekends and was 1st or 2nd place in all his classes at the Nationals.
Leo’s GRCA Nationals
Leo competed and placed in: Conformation, 3 rounds of Agility and 5 rounds of Scentwork!
Leo 6 months old
Winning his first big class at a specialty dog show at 6 months of age.
Leo’s first Championship points
Leo going Best of Winners, and Best of Breed Owner Handled and Sporting Group 3 in Klamath Falls
Leo going winners dog
Leo continuing to show his versatility by going winners dog the weekend after finishing all 3 of his agility titles.
FastCat Leo!
Leo earning his BCAT Fast Cat title quickly in just a couple weekends!
About Dawn
Dawn of the Dogs
Ask anyone who knew Dawn as a child what she would be when she grew up, and they would have told you she would be a dog trainer.
Dawn & Ginseng
Dawn started training and competing with dogs in obedience competitions as a child almost 40 years ago! Pictured (in the middle) With her Lab Ginseng, finishing her Companion Dog Obedience Title, placing 1st or 2nd for all qualifications, earning a Dog World Award and qualifying for Nationals when she was 14yrs old. They went on to compete and title all the way up through the Utility Level.
Dawn & Prince
(far right) With her German Shepherd Prince. The dog who started it all! Her first dog, the first dog she ever trained, the dog who brought her into the world of dogs. Dawn went on to earn dog trainer certifications from: NADOI, CCPDT and is an AKC CGC & Trick Dog Evaluator and Fit Dog Instructor. Dawn also was a Veterinary Technician for 15yrs.
Dawn & Leo
Dawn and Leo taking 2nd place in Agility at the Golden Retriever Nationals in 2023.
Dawn & Prince on her wedding day
Every aspect of Dawn’s life is evidence of her love of dogs. Not only training and competing with dogs, but also with rescue & fostering. Over the years she has rescued hundreds of dogs! During her 40yrs of dogs, there are few breeds of dogs she is not experienced with.
Dawn is not only a dog person, she is a people person! While many trainers have mastered positive reinforcement training for dogs, many fail to apply that same kind gentleness with the person on the other end of the leash, this is where Dawn excels.
HikerHubby
Someone has to pay the bills…