Hi, I'm Marie–I have been hiking with dogs since 2011.  Not just my own dog, Benji, although he has been my greatest inspiration for this kind of lifestyle.  I started a dog hiking business when Benji was just a year old.  I took many of his dog buddies on hikes in a variety of large outdoor spaces.  I have seen the positive impacts this kind of activity has had on Benji, both physically and emotionally.                  

We started hiking together daily and within the first year of doing this, I saw Benji develop into a confident, secure, socially capable dog.  He went from reactive in a variety of situations to calm, cool and collected.  His trainer was the open space and freedom to make choices.  Self preservation kicks in and he realized he didn't need to agress himself when he could just walk the other way.  I combined these experiences with a strong bond to me and his dog pals and ended up with what I believe to be the best dog for me. Since then, I’ve been hiking, camping, paddleboarding, kayaking and embarrassingly outpaced by Benji on switchbacks. 

We get to have our dog with us for a season of our life, but for our dog, it is their whole life. I believe this is an opportunity to make the best of every day with them.

When I started an off leash dog hiking business, taking 6 or more dogs at a time, off leash to hike on trails and play on the beach in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area I soon learned that there are loads of products out there, some much better than others. I’ve tested more gear than I care to admit—some of it amazing. Through all the trial and error, I’ve learned what really works for active dogs—and what’s just marketing fluff.

Nowadays, I have a team of hikers who work for me and we all bring something special to Benji's Backyard.  I also have 3 mini hikers and a husband hiker who join me on my  adventures with the dogs. Benji, now 16.5 years old!, is still going strong and I thank our many outings over the years for his long life and muscular build. 

This shop was born from a mission: to help you skip the guesswork and get straight to the good stuff. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend camping trip or just want solid everyday gear for training and play, I’m here to help you, your pup and family get outside, connect deeper, and have more tail-wagging adventures—with fewer gear fails.

Let’s hit the trail—your dog’s already waiting by the door.