Pack Walks
Building Better Bonds, One Walk at a Time
Our Pack Walks are guided group walks designed to help dogs practice calm, neutral behavior around other dogs and people while exploring new environments.
Unlike dog parks or playgroups, dogs are not interacting directly. Instead, they learn how to exist peacefully in the presence of other dogs while focusing on their handler.
This type of training builds confidence, handler engagement, and real-life obedience skills that carry over into everyday walks.
Pack Walks are a great way to reinforce the training you’ve already started in class while practicing in the real world.
Purpose of Pack Walks
Our goal is to help dogs learn to:
• Walk calmly around other dogs
• Practice focus around real-world distractions
• Build confidence in new environments
• Improve leash manners
• Strengthen the bond between dog and owner
• Reduce reactivity through controlled exposure
Many dogs struggle with manners while being out in public not because they are aggressive, but because they lack the skills to stay calm and neutral around other dogs. Pack Walks provide a safe, structured environment where those skills can be practiced with guidance from a trainer.
What to Expect
Each Pack Walk is led by a Bear Down Dog Training certified trainer who will guide the group through a structured walk.
During the walk we may practice:
• Loose leash walking
• Engagement exercises
• Focus games
• Passing other dogs calmly
• Settling and observing the environment
Dogs will be spaced appropriately to ensure everyone stays comfortable and successful.
Important Guidelines
To keep Pack Walks safe and productive, the following rules apply:
• Dogs must remain on leash at all times
• No on-leash greetings between dogs
• Maintain appropriate distance between dogs unless directed otherwise
• Owners must follow trainer instructions during the walk
• Dogs should arrive wearing a secure collar or harness
Flexi/retractable leashes are not permitted.
Is This Right for Your Dog?
Pack Walks are appropriate for:
✔ Dogs who have completed a training class
✔ Dogs working on leash manners
✔ Dogs who need practice around distractions
✔ Dogs building confidence in new environments
If your dog struggles with severe reactivity or aggression, please contact us first so we can determine if a Pack Walk is the right fit.
What to Bring
• Variety of high value training treats
• Standard 4–6 ft leash
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water for you and your dog
• Waste bags
• Bug spray (recommended)
Weather permitting
Upcoming Sessions:
Pack Walk Schedule
Price: $50 per dog • Skill level for each class is listed as (Easy, Medium, Hard)
APRIL
• Thu Apr 9 • 6–7pm
Salt Creek Park — 574 W 2nd St, Elmhurst (Easy)
• Sat Apr 18 • 11:30am–12:30pm
Wilder Park — 175 S Prospect Ave, Elmhurst (Hard)
• Wed Apr 22 • 6–7pm
Downtown Elmhurst — City Centre Plaza Fountain (Hard)
Parking: Walgreens, parking garage, or street
• Wed Apr 29 • 6–7pm
Madison Meadows — 550 E Madison St, Lombard (Medium)
Parking near skate park & tennis courts
MAY
• Sat May 9 • 11:30am–12:30pm
Terrace View Park — 17W063 Hodges Rd, Oakbrook Terrace (Easy)
• Wed May 13 • 6–7pm
Lake Ellyn Park — 645 Lenox Rd, Glen Ellyn (Medium)
• Thu May 21 • 6–7pm
Spring Creek Reservoir — 303 E Lake St, Bloomingdale (Easy)
JUNE
• Sat Jun 6 • 10–11am
Wood Dale Grove — 895 N Wood Dale Rd, Wood Dale (Easy)
• Thu Jun 11 • 6–7pm
Songbird Slough — 5N578 Mill Rd, Itasca (Easy)
Drive down path until you see a big parking lot
• Wed Jun 17 • 6–7pm
Downtown Glen Ellyn — Volunteer Fire Dept (Hard)
524 Pennsylvania Ave — street parking
• Sat Jun 27 • 10–11am
Meacham Grove Forest Preserve — Maple Lake Trail (Medium)
Spring Valley Dr, Bloomingdale
JULY
• Thu Jul 9 • 6–7pm
Downtown Elmhurst — City Centre Plaza Fountain (Hard)
Parking: Walgreens, garage, or street
• Wed Jul 15 • 6–7pm
Salt Creek Park — 574 W 2nd St, Elmhurst (Easy)
• Sat Jul 25 • 10–11am
Springbrook Nature Center — 130 Forest Ave, Itasca (Medium)
Instructor: Sara Graham
You’re being redirected to Gingr, our online scheduling and registration platform for dog training classes. You’ll need to create a free Gingr account to see available classes and reserve your spot. If you’d prefer help or would rather we handle the signup for you, just reach out here and we’ll take care of everything!
