Karen van Hoepen
Karen, founder of K9 Hikes, is a graduate of dog*biz Dog Walking Academy. She has completed the Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Foundations course, and is a veterinary technician. She’s also an experienced dog owner, having worked her own dogs in obedience, protection and agility, both abroad and in the USA. Her other passion is riding and showing dressage horses.
Karen’s love for the outdoors and joy of working with dogs led to her decision to start K9 Hikes. She understands that pet owners are busy, and often don’t have time to provide their dogs the exercise and mental stimulation they need. She started K9 Hikes to help pet owners enjoy the benefits of living with a healthy and well-exercised dog.
Philosophy
Karen teaches basic training commands to all of the dogs she walks to ensure maximum safety on the trail. She incorporates mental and physical stimulation in every hike but she firmly believes that the main focus will be on allowing dogs the freedom to sniff and explore, so they return to you healthy and happy dogs.
Our philosophy is to:
Give your dog plenty of exercise and the most fun he can have with other dogs on the trail, within a structured environment.
Keep your dog at ease and safe at all times.
Use only positive reinforcement training techniques to teach basic commands.
Use treats, verbal praise and playtime with toys as rewards.
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“Having Karen as part of our dogs life has been the most wonderful experience. She came to us when I was in a time of need, 2 knee replacements and unable to hike, but as time went by our dog Bowen fell in love with her as did we. K9 Hikes has taken every step to provide, healthy, safe, long and exciting hikes for our dog. The pictures she posts afterwards are Christmas card worthy!! We highly reccomend Karen and K9 Hikes. Your dog will love you for it!!!”
—Susan M.
“Karen has been walking our two Siberian Husky's (the girls) for over two years. We hired her because of her extensive animal behavioral knowledge and trusted she would reinforce the dog training we had spent so much money on when they were puppies and her experience on the health side (nothing gets past Karen). Our girls go on daily hikes with Karen late morning; when they return, they are down for the count (sound asleep for hours). Karen never misses a day, not even with extreme heat or rain. She always has a special place to take them if weather conditions are bad. She possesses the various license and/or certificate required by the county for all the trails and parks she utilizes. She has access to the office and the house. Karen is dependable and trustworthy. I would be hard pressed to gamble on whether the girls would run to her first or me, they love her! Thank you.”
—Selina P.
Certifications
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