Staff Highlight – Christine B.
Meet Christine Brewer, a dedicated and passionate member of the Dogs Go Hiking team for over six years. With her deep love for animals and a natural talent for building connections, Christine brings energy, care, and expertise to every pack hike and walk she leads. Her ability to create meaningful relationships with both dogs and their families makes her an invaluable part of the team. Let’s dive into Christine’s story and what makes her such an integral part of the Dogs Go Hiking family!
How did you come to join the Dogs Go Hiking family in 2019? My journey to Dogs Go Hiking started with a lifelong friendship and a love for animals. Anna and I have been friends since high school, and when she started working with Amity at Dogs Go Hiking, I couldn’t help but notice all the fun she was having—her social media posts made it clear how much she loved it. At the time, I was working as a dog groomer, but I found myself drawn to the idea of joining the team. I reached out to Anna to see if they needed any additional walkers, and luckily, Amity said yes! Six years later, I’m still here, and I absolutely love my job.
Can you describe your typical day at Dogs Go Hiking? A typical day at Dogs Go Hiking is always full of excitement and adventure. Some days, I have two walks scheduled—a morning 2-hour pack hike with a group of 7-8 dogs and an afternoon 45-minute walk with a smaller pack of 2-4 dogs. On other days, it’s just the morning hike. On both outings, my day starts with picking up the dogs, which is always entertaining. Some of them recognize the sound or sight of my car and instantly get excited, knowing an adventure is about to begin. One of my regulars gets so enthusiastic that his owners can’t even say my name—if they do, he bolts to the door, ready for his hike!
Once the group is gathered, we usually head to a wooded area with trails or open fields, where the dogs can safely explore, socialize, and burn off energy. At the end of every pack hike, I use an app to send my human clients a detailed report card along with photos from the day. It’s a fantastic way to keep them informed about how the outing went and to share any observations I’ve made about their pup’s behavior. Dogs Go Hiking values transparency, and these updates ensure that pet parents are always in the loop—whether it’s sharing the joy of their dog’s adventure or letting them know about anything unusual we might have noticed. Dogs often behave differently around non-family members, so it’s important to communicate those nuances to their owners.
We hit the trails rain or shine, with only a few exceptions—really high winds, thunderstorms, or heavy downpours are the only things that might keep us off the trails. The dogs especially love winter hikes, as most of them adore playing in the snow. I like to bring a ball along to play games like hide-and-seek in the snow or toss snowballs for the pups to chase. These moments are always a highlight of the day, for both the dogs and me!
How do you manage a pack of dogs on a hike to ensure everyone's safety and enjoyment? Managing a pack of dogs on a hike takes a lot of patience and an understanding of different personalities and temperaments. Before we even hit the trail, I take time to establish myself as the Alpha. It’s important to set the tone right away—letting the pack know that while the outing will be fun, it will also be structured and safe. I do this through training reinforcement, starting each hike with a command that all the dogs must follow. This helps focus their attention on me and signals that they need to take their cues from my leadership.
In addition to the physical benefits of a pack hike, it also provides a valuable mental workout. Every 30 minutes or so, we take a break to reset the group. During these pauses, I offer water, snap a few photos for their humans, and incorporate some obedience training using basic commands. These moments encourage the dogs to shift their focus away from the exciting smells and sights of the trail and back to me. It’s a great way to keep the outing both fun and mentally stimulating.
How are new dogs acclimated into the group? The acclimation of new dogs into the pack really depends a lot upon the dog. Some dogs are very sociable and agreeable and fall right into the pack. Some dogs are more hesitant and cautious and need to start with the shorter 45-minute walks to get acclimated to my car, the other dogs, and the new surroundings.
What types of furry BFFs have you owned in the past? My last dog was a Golden Doodle named Cody. I got him as a rescue when he was 5 years old and spent 5 wonderful years with him in my life. It was much too soon to lose him but he left me with a lifetime of amazing memories.
What are some of your favorite South Shore hiking trails? My favorite trail is Nelson Memorial Forest in Marshfield which has 3 miles of trails. I am so familiar with the trails and the regulars who frequent this location. It is off the beaten path and not easy to find, and is a peaceful place that provides me with lots of joy and comfort. Nelson has a river close by and fields that are accessible from the trail.
My second favorite would be Wheelwright in Cohasset. The trails in that park have a lot of different terrains, flat and hilly, rough and groomed trails. It’s a great workout for both me and my pack.
What type of personality would be good for a dog walker?
A patient and adaptable personality is essential for a dog walker. Patience helps you manage the various temperaments and energy levels of the dogs, ensuring that each one feels comfortable and secure.
Adaptability is equally important, as no two days—or two dogs—are ever the same. Whether adjusting to unexpected weather, changing trail conditions, or the unique dynamics of each pack, a great dog walker needs to stay calm, think on their feet, and maintain control in any situation. These qualities not only keep the pack safe but also create a positive and enjoyable experience for the dogs and their owners.
If the dogs in your pack hikes could talk, what do you think they would say about you? She likes to have fun but within limits. She wants everyone in the pack to have a good time and deplete our energy but we need to be on our best behavior and be the best representation of ourselves, so everyone on the trail, canine and humans, all have an enjoyable outing.
What are some of your interests outside of Dogs Go Hiking?
I like to read, do yoga, and cook. One of my signature dishes is chicken parmesan, and the key to the crispiness of the crust is butter instead of eggs in the coating.
Do you prefer hard-copy books or digital? What genre? Hard-copy most definitely and as for genre, realistic fiction because it allows me to picture and understand the story in a relatable way. Unlike fantasy fiction, which can feel too abstract or out of reach, realistic fiction draws me in with its believable characters and scenarios, making it easier for me to connect with the narrative.
What is your favorite part of working at Dogs Go Hiking? I feel incredibly grateful to do my dream job every day. Working with Amity has been such a rewarding experience—she’s not just my manager but also a close friend. One of my favorite aspects of the job is the relationships I build with the dogs and their families. It’s so fulfilling to bond with them and watch their families, especially the children, grow over time. Nothing warms my heart more than when a client sends me a picture of their dog fast asleep after a hike—it’s a simple but meaningful reminder of the joy and impact this job brings.
Dogs Go Hiking has provided canine enrichment via off-road hikes and walks since 1996. We enthusiastically offer dogs the chance to stay active, build social skills, and engage their minds. Our expert pup guides are located on the South Shore serving the communities of Scituate, Cohasset, Norwell, and Hingham, and some parts of Marshfield. We also have a North Shore team serving pups in the communities of Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Groveland, Georgetown, Rowley, Amesbury, and Salisbury. Sign up for a pack hike today.