FAQs

What’s the process to join the pack?

Step one is a phone consultation to review some key considerations to see if your pup is a good fit for our programs, free of charge. The second step is an in person initial consult & evaluation, click here to join the pack. Complete the intake form and check your email for our response. We are currently on a rolling waitlist for all towns, integration into our programs may take 2-6 weeks.

Integration & Readiness

Each dog is unique, and safety is always our top priority. During the initial consultation, we will determine the appropriate pace for your dog’s integration into our programs and ensure they are set up for success within the Timberline pack environment.

To participate in our off-leash pack excursions, dogs must demonstrate a strong foundation of training and the ability to communicate clearly with their handler in an outdoor environment. While perfection isn’t expected, dogs must be manageable and responsive on the trail so we can safely share the woods with others.

Dogs in our programs should be able to:

• Respond reliably to recall from a distance and return promptly when called
• Disengage and recall away from people and dogs outside of our program
• Remain neutral and respectful around trail users, including hikers, dogs, mountain bikers, and trail runners
• Travel comfortably in our pack transport vans and share space calmly with other dogs
• Move through the woods with awareness and appropriate social behavior within a group setting

The goal of our program is to maintain clear communication with every dog in our care so they can explore off-leash while remaining respectful of their surroundings, the pack, and the shared trail systems we use throughout Maine.

If your dog needs additional support developing these skills, we may recommend On-Ramp training sessions to build a strong foundation before joining full pack excursions.

Each in person initial consult & trial run is billed at $45.00

Do I join you on the trail runs or pack excursions?

No. Timberline Treks is a structured canine excursion program, and dogs participate independently with our trained handlers and pack leaders. This allows the dogs to fully engage with the pack dynamic, focus on the trail experience, and build confidence and appropriate social behavior within the group environment.

Many dogs actually perform better without their owners present, as it allows them to settle into the rhythm of the pack and respond directly to the handler’s guidance. Our team manages the outing from start to finish—including transport, trail navigation, and pack management—so your dog can safely explore, exercise, and enjoy the woods with their canine companions.

How Flexible Is Scheduling?

At Timberline Treks, we do not require a minimum weekly scheduling commitment. Dogs are welcome to join the program as often as their routine allows, whether that’s occasionally or several times a week. The most important factor is that your dog is comfortable and well-adjusted within the pack environment so each outing feels familiar—not like starting over every time they join us.

Dogs participating in our off-leash programs should demonstrate a baseline level of trail and pack etiquette, including reliable recall, the ability to disengage from wildlife or distractions, respectful play with other dogs, and comfort riding in our group transport vans. We look for dogs who can settle in a pack setting, share space calmly during transport, and move through the woods with awareness of both people and dogs around them.

If a dog would benefit from more consistency, structure, or skill-building, we typically recommend participating at least twice per week, or scheduling 1:1 On-Ramp training sessions. These sessions focus on developing strong foundations such as van loading and riding etiquette, trail neutrality around hikers and wildlife, impulse control, recall reliability, and appropriate social engagement within the Timberline pack dynamic.

Do you offer training?

Yes! See our “Services” page for our On Ramp Program details. If your dog does not meet the above criteria we can help you out. Each program is specifically tailored to your dog. Not sure if this program is right for you? Send us an email and let’s talk strategy to getting our dog ready for some adventures!

Looking for a comprehensive board & train program for your pup? We only recommend A Very Good K9. Join our dozens of clients who have thrived with Haley & Austin’s guidance.

What are your dog requirements and limitations?

All dogs must be 6+ months old with their first set of shots completed. The DHLPP, Bordetella, and Rabies vaccine is critical. Dogs nearing their 3/4 of their lifespan may join for hourly treks but no hiking, biking or trail running programs.

Do you accept intact dogs?

This is handled on a case-by-case basis, as every dog and pack dynamic is different. Our programs are structured around off-leash group management in a wilderness setting, so behavior, focus, and pack harmony are extremely important.

For male dogs, we generally do not accept intact males over approximately 14 months of age. As males reach social maturity, testosterone can significantly influence behavior in group environments. Intact males are more likely to display behaviors such as mounting, increased competition with other males, scent marking, and difficulty disengaging from other dogs—all of which can create unnecessary tension within an off-leash pack setting.

For female dogs, owners must keep us informed about their heat cycle. Once a female has her first heat cycle, she is not permitted to participate in off-leash pack programs while in heat. During this time, hormones can dramatically alter both her behavior and the behavior of surrounding dogs. Intact females in heat can attract significant attention from male dogs, increasing the likelihood of chasing, fixation, conflict between dogs, or dogs ranging far beyond safe working distance.

Because our programs take place off-leash in open environments, we must maintain a strong line of communication with every dog in the pack so they remain responsive, respectful of their surroundings, and safe around wildlife, other trail users, and fellow dogs. Hormonal behaviors can interfere with that reliability and with the overall stability of the group.

Our priority is always safety, pack balance, and respectful use of shared trail systems, so policies regarding intact dogs are designed to support a calm, manageable group dynamic for everyone involved.*Space for puppies is limited as many considerations go into group dynamics.

Do you require pet insurance?

While we do not require pet insurance, we strongly recommend it for all dogs participating in our programs. Off-leash adventure in the woods comes with inherent risks, even when managed carefully. Uneven terrain, wildlife encounters, sticks, rocks, and other natural elements can make the outdoors unpredictable.

Pet insurance can provide valuable peace of mind for active dogs who love to explore. It helps ensure that if an injury or unexpected veterinary visit occurs, you are able to focus on your dog’s care rather than the cost.

If you’re unsure where to start, feel free to send us an email and we’re happy to walk you through a few options and help you compare coverage so you can choose a plan that fits your dog and lifestyle. For adventurous dogs who spend time in the woods, it’s one of the best ways to set yourself—and your explorer—up for success.All dogs have be on a tick preventative with the exception of puppies until they reach the recommended age for medication.

What do you do about behavioral issues?

In terms of aggression that leads to fights, unprovoked attacks are an immediate removal from our programs. Dogs with a history of unprovoked aggression are not allowed to partake in our programs- no exceptions. Dogs with a history of “resource guarding” may partake in our programs as a case-by-case basis. Dogs that initiate fights that end in injury are removed from our programs instantly. Our staff will notify you if behavioral modification is required for your dog to remain in our programs. That goes for on leash handling, off leash recall, potty accidents in the van, etc. We do not accept any dogs that may pose any aggression or threat to the general public, including but not limited to other trail users, horses, livestock, dogs & children.

At Timberline Treks, we maintain an unwavering zero tolerance policy towards dog aggression, and as a result, we have never experienced a dog fight during any of our off-leash pack excursions. This is a deliberate and bold commitment, reflecting the rigorous standards and careful protocols we employ.

Every dog enrolled in our programs undergoes an extensive onboarding process designed to ensure safety and compatibility within our packs. Through this process, we:

1. Build a strong, trusting relationship with each dog.

2. Thoroughly understand their behavioral needs and limitations, which is crucial for success in off-leash settings on public trails.

3. Enforce continual accountability and oversight by our professional team throughout their time with us.

Our staff remains vigilant at all times during excursions, closely monitoring interactions to allow dogs to communicate naturally while promptly addressing any signs of tension or discomfort. This proactive management effectively mitigates risk and prevents injuries, safeguarding the well-being of every dog and handler involved.

In summary, the combination of careful selection, individualized care, and active supervision makes Timberline Treks’ programs some of the safest and most enjoyable off-leash adventures available in Maine.

Weather & Cancellation Policy

We are a four season, rain or shine trekking service. Any cancellations due to severe storms will be credited to the next service. If the weather for Alpine programs is deemed beyond undesirable, a local extended trek will take its place automatically and billed as an “Expedition Trek”.

All changes in scheduling need to be communicated 24 hours in advance during summer programming. Winter programming scheduling is submitted over the weekend- and cancellations must be submitted by the Sunday prior to the week. Any cancellations within 24 hours that cannot be filled will be billed at 50%. Cancellations day of programs will be billed at the full price.

We service most of Cumberland County and spots fill up fast! Our schedule is set for the week, while we understand that life has many moving parts- our limited spots allow us to maintain a high quality service, and canceling at the last minute can cause changes to schedules for the whole team.

Will my dog come home dirty?

Possibly! Timberline Treks is an all-weather, outdoor excursion company. Our adventures take place in the mountains, woods, beaches, lakes, logging roads, and trails across Southern Maine — which means mud, sand, water, and all the elements that come with exploring the outdoors.

While we do our best to avoid bringing all of nature home with us, there is a very real possibility your pup may come back a bit… well… adventurous-looking.

If a dog is completely covered head-to-paw in mud or sand, we’ll give them a quick rinse and towel-dry before heading home. That said, we can’t guarantee they’ll return as clean as they were when we picked them up.

Before drop-off, every dog receives a full body check, including:
• Tick checks
• Scanning for cuts or scrapes
• Basic first aid if needed

We treat every dog the way we would want our own dogs cared for in the field.

Pro tip: Many Timberline families keep a hose ready or have a designated mudroom setup for post-adventure pups.