our walks
Varying lengths: 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes.
15-minute relief breaks are offered for puppies who are potty training, before they're ready to run with the big dogs.
Safety is a top priority for tbm. Every Handler undergoes extensive training to ensure they're thoroughly prepared to operate safely during walks, before ever walking on their own. Handlers wear a belt that each dog's leash is attached to at all times while outdoors, and we implement a dual-attachment backup system for all collars.
Servicing most of Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn. See our radius maps below!
value of the pack
Dogs, like their wolf ancestors, are social, pack animals. Dogs operate with pack drive, which is a behavioral concept that explains a dog's innate drive to contribute to their pack. When we are training our dog – to sit, to stay, to come; applying boundaries, setting expectations – we are tapping into their pack instincts. In this situation, you and your dog comprise the entire pack, and you are the pack leader. Therefore, when walking in a pack of dogs, with the handler as the leader, we are increasing the size of their pack and teaching them to behave in a larger, cohesive unit. The pack walk is an immensely powerful tool in training for a variety of behavioral issues, all while getting the daily exercise and socialization they need. Plus they are making friends, with both humans and k9s.
Your dog will take cues from the other dogs in the pack. They will learn to walk beside their Handler because they observe the other members of their pack doing so calmly, receiving reward in terms of affirmation and affection. From the IACP on the value of the pack and pack work: "It literally teaches dogs how to handle their own adrenalin, how to cope and maintain despite distraction: visual, auditory, sensory, movement distractions. Translated into simple, everyday life, it can help your dog learn an 'off switch.'" A puppy in a pack will learn very quickly that their wild, nipping behavior does not contribute to the pack. A nervous rescue dog in a pack will feel more confident and non-reactive as it observes its fellow pack mates walking without fear and without reaction. Best Friends encourages rescue dogs to work within a pack: "[Group walks] also provide enrichment, socialization and fun for all of the participants, and every walk helps get them one step closer to being ready for the real world."
All of our puppies, as well as dogs dealing with social anxiety and/or aggression, work with our Trainer(s) at the start of the business relationship so we can properly place them in the right pack. We do not offer solo walks with the exception of short-term, 15-minute relief breaks for puppies, senior dogs, or sick dogs. We believe in the pack; the handler is permitted to walk up to five dogs at one time. Our handlers effectively instill proper socialization and leash etiquette for the duration of the walk. Dogs are never left outside of buildings unattended.
follow along on your dog’s walk!
We use Time to Pet, an incredibly user-friendly app that allows our clients to remain fully informed regarding their dog's care. You receive an email or app notification when we arrive for your dog's walk, and again when your dog is safely back home or at their destination. After each walk, you receive a report card with all the necessary details:
Each walk report will include:
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Pictures and/or videos of your dog enjoying the outdoors with their packmates.
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A personalized note from their Handler.
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Any business taken care of on the walk.
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And more personalized features based on request, such as confirmation that your dog was returned to their crate, or that a meal was given, etc.
where we walk
We service neighborhoods in uptown & downtown Manhattan, and Brooklyn.
“[Lacey] started with tbm as a puppy and she loves her walks and adores her tbm caregivers/walkers. They have thoughtfully paired her with her walking companions and have given us helpful guidance on collars, leashes and initial training for walking. They have easily accommodated all our scheduling changes and adjustments. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful and very professional. I highly recommend them.”
Lacey's family, clients since 2020
Additional Services
training
Advocating for the well-being of your dog -- that’s what training is all about. We use positive reinforcement with clear communication and set boundaries.
k9 concierge
We do it all: vet & grooming appointments, overnight care, choosing the right dog for your family, rescue work, end of life decision-making, grief support and more.