On a wooded trail just outside New York City, a group of dogs moves as one pack. It’s not a casual walk. It’s structured, deliberate, and, according to Matt Becerra, rooted in instinct.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOf9T4QTOD0
Matt Becerra runs professionally guided group dog hikes out of Westchester, built around something simple: dogs behave differently in a pack.
After working in several industries, the White Plains native found his lane doing this full-time—combining exercise, structure, and training into one long stretch outdoors.
“We’re not a service that just picks up your dog, walks them for 15 minutes, and brings them back,” Becerra said. “This is fully comprehensive. They’re getting socialization, exercise, obedience training.”
The idea started with his own dog, Zeus. Training him opened the door to what was possible and Becerra, eventually turned it into a business.
White Plains, NY
The timing worked. During COVID, more people got dogs. Now, those same owners are back in offices—and looking for help during the day.
“They’re going back to a more regular schedule,” Becerra said. “So they’re seeking out care they used to provide themselves.”
Demand has held up, and in some cases, grown—driven by referrals from clients already using the service.
For Becerra, it’s not just about filling a gap in the market.
“The development of the dogs, my relationship with them, their relationship with their families—that’s the most fulfilling part,” he said.
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