We are a Brooklyn based dog training and pet care company, proud to call Brooklyn our home since 2005. Hair of the Dog is a small, boutique and woman owned business, and we’ve enjoyed caring for your pups for the past 8 years. Based out of Gowanus, Brooklyn, we offer private and group lessons for dog training, small group dog walking and personalized boarding. We are insured, bonded, and professionally CATCH certified in dog training, as well as CPR/First Aid certified. Skilled and knowledgeable in dog behavior, we are here to help you with the challenges of urban dog walking and training. Your pet's safety and happiness are always our priorities.

 Included in small group dog walks are training reinforcement, treats (if allowed), a water bowl refresh, towel off after wet weather, and a journal with photo and note. Lunch and medication on request, at no additional charge.  All pups must wear a flat collar with license and tags, and fitted harness or additional collar. 

On every walk, your dog will receive plenty of individual attention and positive reinforcement. Our outings include not only physical exercise, but plenty of mental stimulation. We strive to instill good leash manners and "urban etiquette" while also having fun!

 All standard walks are approximately 30 minutes long, and we offer urban adventure hikes and tailored programs/excursions.

Andrea - Our founder and Trainer

Andrea is a Philadelphia native, making her home in Brooklyn over 15 years ago. She grew up alongside an active Springer Spaniel, 3 cats, and a pet iguana. Pet deprived in college, she managed to occasionally walk friends' dogs, cats, and even ferrets, while volunteering at her local animal shelter. Ten years ago, Andrea and her family finally adopted their first rescue pup, Willow. Most recently they’ve added a golden retriever, Curry, to the family. Andrea holds a BA in Urban Planning from University of Pittsburgh, and an MS in Education from Brooklyn College. She has taught in a local preschool and public elementary schools and has received her Dog Walking Academy certification. She and her family are members of the Park Slope Food Coop, Gowanus Alliance, and Wildlife Conservation Society. In her free time, she enjoys attending training related seminars, traveling, nature, trying new recipes and hanging with her two daughters, husband and dogs. Andrea is CATCH certified in dog training and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator.

Michael

Michael is originally from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and has been a resident of Park Slope since 2005. He grew up adventuring with his dog, a beagle/spaniel mix named Rebel. For the past twelve years, his best bud has been a tuxedo cat named Marlowe. Michael worked for the non-profit organization Poets House for over ten years, heading their library and educational programs. He holds a BA in English from the University of Florida and an MFA in Poetry from Columbia University. He has taught English and Creative Writing in NYC public schools in all five boroughs. In 2011, he started taking classes in comedy and performing around the city. You can see him perform on house teams for sketch and Improv comedy at the Upright Citizens Brigade and Reckless Theatres, where he also coaches and teaches. While not working, Michael enjoys exploring the city by bike, watching English Premier League soccer, and reading science fiction novels.

SMALL GROUP WALK

 All walks are approximately 30 minutes. We try to vary our routes to keep it fun and fresh.  Small group walks usually consist of 2 to 4 walking buddies who have been properly introduced for walks.

*Currently accepting new clients who need 3+ walks per week*

4-5 regularly scheduled walks per week - $22 per walk

3 regularly scheduled walks per week - $24 per walk

1-2 regularly scheduled walks per week - $26 per walk

No regular schedule (subject to availability) - $32

PRIVATE WALK

Recommended for dogs who cannot walk in a group for medical reasons, or dogs who are in need of space and would benefit from some one-to-one interaction with a handler. A 20 or 30 minute walk, personalized and tailored to your pup. Please note, private walks may not be available during our peak business hours, 11am-3pm. Please call or email for availability.

$24 for 20 min

$34 for 30 min

Discounts, Fees and taxes

Discounted rate of 50% per walk for second dog in same household

Evening (after 5pm) and weekend walks incur an additional 50% charge

Morning (8am-10am) walks incur additional 50% charge

All prices are subject to NY state sales tax (8.875%), and are non-negotiable.

BOARDING

Send your pup to stay with us! We board no more than 4 pups at a time in our home. Included are a minimum of 3 walks per day, park off leash time (if allowed), mental enrichment and fun! Boarding slots book up quickly, so please reserve at least 2 months in advance of any anticipated travel.

Benefits include: individualized attention, increased safety for your pet, supervised small group play, training maintenance. Dogs must be crate trained (ok staying alone crated for up to 4 hours) and house trained, and a trial night stay is required.

$95 per evening

- additional dog and holiday* surcharges apply

Adventure Hikes

If your dog could speak, this is what they would request! Send your pup on the ultimate walk with us! Dog hikes are currently offered Friday mornings (may be subject to change); drop off early afternoon. We explore Brooklyn and beyond and hikes are approximately 2 hours long.

$90 for 2 hour hike

*Holidays include the following: New Years Eve, New Year's Day, MLK Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Indigenous Peoples (Columbus) Day, Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and day after Christmas

**We do not schedule dog walks on the above holidays**