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STRUCTURED PACK HIKES FOR WELL-BALANCED DOGS

Professional dog care for busy households with structured pack hikes, dependable walks, and trusted in-home care.

Group of dogs walking together on leash during a Tom’s Dogs pack hike on a rocky forest trail in New London County Connecticut

Trusted by Local Dog Owners

Built on years of trusted relationships with dogs and their people across New London County.

1000+
Care Visits

Consistent walks, hikes, and in-home care.

500+
Pack Hikes

Structured, small-group hikes on local trails.

30+
Pack Members

Matched by temperament and energy level.

Pack Hikes
Signature small-group trail hikes
Small-group pack hikes on local trails that deliver real exercise, mental stimulation, and healthy social balance. Dogs return home calmer and fulfilled.
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Neighborhood Walks
Reliable daily structure
Consistent neighborhood walks that reinforce calm leash manners, routine, and healthy energy outlets. Reliable daily support for busy households.
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Midday Visits
Midday care when you're away
Quick visits for potty breaks, meals, fresh water, and a little attention while you're out. Simple support that keeps your dog comfortable.
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Daycare
Structured daytime care
A full day of supervised outdoor activity, structured play, and healthy social interaction in a calm, balanced environment.
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Boarding
Overnight care in a trusted environment
Dogs stay in a calm, familiar setting with structure, supervision, and pack continuity. A comfortable alternative to kennel boarding.
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Home Sitting
Overnight care in your home
Personal overnight care that keeps your dog comfortable in their own space while routines stay consistent during your travel.
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Swipe to explore services
🌲
Pack Hikes
Signature small-group trail hikes
Small-group pack hikes on local trails that deliver real exercise, mental stimulation, and healthy social balance. Dogs return home calmer and fulfilled.
Learn More
🐕‍🦺
Neighborhood Walks
Reliable daily structure
Consistent neighborhood walks that reinforce calm leash manners, routine, and healthy energy outlets.
Learn More
🐾
Midday Visits
Midday care when you're away
Quick visits for potty breaks, meals, fresh water, and a little attention while you're out.
Learn More
🌤️
Daycare
Structured daytime care
A full day of supervised outdoor activity and structured social interaction.
Learn More
💤
Boarding
Overnight care in a trusted environment
Dogs stay in a calm, familiar setting with structure and pack continuity.
Learn More
🏠
Home Sitting
Overnight care in your home
Personal overnight care that keeps routines consistent during your travel.
Learn More
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How it Works

A clear, structured path from first contact to confident pack member.

1

Apply

Share your dog's routine, temperament, and needs so we can determine the right fit.

We review energy level, social comfort, handling needs, and scheduling availability. This helps us confirm whether pack hikes are appropriate or if another service such as structured walks or private care will better support your dog.

2

Evaluation Walk

A short introductory walk to confirm comfort, expectations, and pack compatibility.

During this visit we observe leash manners, temperament, and handling comfort while answering any questions. This step ensures your dog is comfortable with our structure before joining group hikes.

3

Onboarding & Records

Everything we need to provide safe, consistent care.

You'll join our client app, add emergency contacts, and upload vaccination and health records so care remains organized, responsible, and compliant. Once onboarding is complete, scheduling services is simple.

4

First Pack Hike

A structured introduction with the right group and pacing.

Your dog's first hike is intentional and carefully supervised. We select a compatible pack and introduce them alongside Zoey so the experience stays calm, positive, and confidence-building.

5

Consistent Pack Routine

Reliable care, clear communication, and happier dogs.

Most dogs thrive when hikes become part of a regular routine. Over time they develop stronger pack relationships, improved leash habits, and more balanced energy. Many clients schedule recurring hikes or structured walks so their dog maintains the routine they depend on.

6

Join the Pack (Optional)

Priority scheduling for dogs who hike regularly.

Many families choose to enroll in our Pathfinder membership once their dog settles into the pack. Membership provides consistent weekly hikes, priority scheduling, and stable pack placement so dogs continue building confidence, familiarity, and lasting relationships with their hiking group.

1

Apply

Share your dog's routine, temperament, and needs so we can determine the right fit.

We review energy level, social comfort, handling needs, and scheduling availability. This helps us confirm whether pack hikes are appropriate or if another service such as structured walks or private care will better support your dog.

2

Evaluation Walk

A short introductory walk to confirm comfort, expectations, and pack compatibility.

During this visit we observe leash manners, temperament, and handling comfort while answering any questions. This step ensures your dog is comfortable with our structure before joining group hikes.

3

Onboarding & Records

Everything we need to provide safe, consistent care.

You'll join our client app, add emergency contacts, and upload vaccination and health records so care remains organized, responsible, and compliant. Once onboarding is complete, scheduling services is simple.

4

First Pack Hike

A structured introduction with the right group and pacing.

Your dog's first hike is intentional and carefully supervised. We select a compatible pack and introduce them alongside Zoey so the experience stays calm, positive, and confidence-building.

5

Consistent Pack Routine

Reliable care, clear communication, and happier dogs.

Most dogs thrive when hikes become part of a regular routine. Over time they develop stronger pack relationships, improved leash habits, and more balanced energy. Many clients schedule recurring hikes or structured walks so their dog maintains the routine they depend on.

6

Join the Pack (Optional)

Priority scheduling for dogs who hike regularly.

Many families choose to enroll in our Pathfinder membership once their dog settles into the pack. Membership provides consistent weekly hikes, priority scheduling, and stable pack placement so dogs continue building confidence, familiarity, and lasting relationships with their hiking group.

Pack Member Reviews

Trusted by Dog Owners Across New London County

100% recommend · 11 reviewsRead all on Facebook

Tom Grylka sitting on coastal rocks with two dogs during a Tom’s Dogs pack hike along the shoreline in New London County Connecticut

Meet Tom & Zoey

Founder of Tom’s Dogs in New London County, CT

Tom’s Dogs was built on a simple observation: many dogs aren’t getting the kind of exercise, structure, and consistency they actually need during the day.Founded by Tom Grylka and based in New London County, Tom’s Dogs provides professionally led pack hikes, structured walks, and dependable dog care designed around what dogs naturally thrive on: movement, routine, and calm group dynamics.Through years of hands-on work in real outdoor environments, I’ve seen how powerful familiar handling, dependable routines, and time in nature can be. Our pack hikes go far beyond basic walks, giving dogs meaningful exercise, balanced socialization, and true enrichment on local trails and in parks.At the heart of many hikes is Zoey, my Siberian Husky and the glue of the pack, helping guide group energy, smooth introductions, and build confidence for new dogs joining the pack.The goal is simple: confident, healthy dogs, balanced packs, and total peace of mind for owners.Think your dog might be a good fit? Apply to join the pack and we’ll take it from there!

Apply to Join the pack

Fill out and submit the form below to get in touch with Tom and get your dog's pack hiking journey on the trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Think your dog might be a good fit?

Start with the application and share your dog’s routine, temperament, and care needs. From there, we’ll figure out the right next step.

Apply to Join the PackView Services
Structured care, honest placement, and clear communication from the start.

Pack Hikes

Structured small-group trail adventures that build confident dogs and give owners total peace of mind.

Service Area

Based along Connecticut’s shoreline, Tom’s Dogs serves New London, Niantic, East Lyme, Old Lyme, Waterford, Groton, and nearby towns, with routes centered around some of our favorite local trails and outdoor spaces.

Our service area is intentionally limited to ensure calm, structured, and attentive care while minimizing rushed visits and long drives, so every dog receives consistent, high-quality experiences.

Availability depends on route logistics, pack compatibility, and scheduling.

Primary service towns

Pack hikes and dog walking are most commonly scheduled in:

  • New London
  • Waterford
  • East Lyme
  • Old Lyme (western cutoff)
  • Lyme
  • Groton
  • Stonington
  • Norwich
  • Montville
  • Ledyard
  • Preston

If you’re just outside these towns (but still east of Old Lyme), reach out—we’ll confirm what’s workable for your route.

Nearby towns we may include (case-by-case)

Depending on scheduling density and route flow, we may also include:

  • Salem
  • Bozrah
  • North Stonington
  • Voluntown
  • Griswold

We keep the service map tight so we can stay reliable on pickup windows and trail timing.

Do you serve towns west of Old Lyme?

Not typically. Our coverage is focused on southeastern Connecticut, with Old Lyme as the western edge so we can keep routes efficient and consistent.

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