Helping Dogs and Their People Live Healthier, Happier Lives Together
Our History & Our Future































































Helping Dogs and Their People Live Better Lives Together
At Golden Dog, we believe that life is richer when people and dogs explore, learn, and grow together.
Through guided adventures, enrichment experiences, expert education, and a welcoming community, we help dog guardians create healthier, happier lives with their dogs.
But Golden Dog is more than a program or a series of events.
It’s a community built on a shared belief: wellness happens at both ends of the leash.
Why Golden Dog Exists
Most dog guardians want the same thing: a happy, confident dog and a strong relationship built on trust and understanding.
But modern life can make that difficult.
Many dogs struggle with stress, lack of enrichment, or limited opportunities to safely socialize and explore. At the same time, many people feel overwhelmed by conflicting training advice or unsure where to find supportive environments for their dogs—especially if their dog is reactive or sensitive.
Golden Dog was created to solve that problem.
We provide structured experiences, expert guidance, and a supportive community where both dogs and their guardians can learn, grow, and thrive.
Our Story
Golden Dog Adventure Co. began in 2018 as the NH Dog Walking Club, inspired by a simple idea: bringing people and their dogs together to enjoy walks as a community.
The very first event brought a small group of hardy dogs and their people to the summit of Blue Job Mountain in Strafford on a cold December day. What started as a single walk quickly grew into something much larger.
Dog guardians returned again and again, drawn by the welcoming atmosphere, thoughtful event design, and the opportunity to share meaningful experiences with their dogs.
In 2022, the community evolved into Golden Dog Adventure Co., expanding beyond walks to offer guided adventures, enrichment experiences, and educational opportunities throughout New Hampshire and parts of Maine and Massachusetts.
From the beginning, Golden Dog became known for creating welcoming spaces for all dogs, including those who are reactive or benefit from structured environments. The community was built on compassion, inclusivity, and the belief that every dog and guardian deserves a place where they feel supported.
In 2024, Golden Dog strengthened its commitment to a force-free, relationship-based philosophy, updating community guidelines to prohibit aversive training tools at events and aligning programs with modern, evidence-based canine behavior research.
Our Philosophy
At Golden Dog, we believe that healthy relationships between dogs and their guardians are built through:
- enrichment and exploration
- positive, force-free training practices
- thoughtful socialization opportunities
- supportive community environments
- learning from trusted experts
We design experiences that allow dogs to build confidence while helping their guardians gain the knowledge and skills needed to support their wellbeing.
This approach benefits both ends of the leash.
Spending time outdoors, engaging in meaningful activities, and building supportive social connections are proven to reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve overall quality of life—for both people and their dogs.
Looking Ahead
As the Golden Dog community has grown, so has our understanding of how deeply connected the wellbeing of dogs and their guardians truly is.
Today, both species face increasing health challenges: rising rates of anxiety, stress behaviors, inactivity, and obesity.
Golden Dog has always encouraged movement, adventure, and connection through nature. Now we are expanding that mission even further.
In 2027, our programming will reflect a broader focus on canine and human wellness.
Future programs will include:
- the return of our Get Fit with Fido Wellness Series
- expanded wellness coaching for dog guardians
- seasonal retreats and challenges that combine movement and nature
- continued collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and wellness experts
- new safe and inclusive environments where dogs of all temperaments can thrive
This next chapter will bring even more opportunities for dogs and their humans to grow healthier, stronger, and more connected together.
Our Community
What truly makes Golden Dog special is the people and dogs who are part of it.
Our community is made up of dog guardians who believe their dogs deserve more than just routines. They want experiences that enrich their dogs’ lives, strengthen their relationships, and create lasting memories together.
Within this community, members find:
- encouragement and understanding
- shared learning and growth
- friendships built through adventure
- a welcoming place for dogs of all temperaments
Golden Dog isn’t just something you attend.
It’s something you belong to.
Join the Journey
If you believe your dog deserves a richer, healthier life—and that the journey should be shared—you’ll feel right at home here.
Explore an adventure, join the community, or become a member and discover what’s possible when dogs and their humans thrive together.
Start your Golden Dog journey today.
Over 3,600 passionate and engaged dog lovers
Join our Golden Dog Community on Facebook
Join our supportive and welcoming Facebook community where dog guardians connect, learn, and grow together. Here, we discuss the pet care and wellness topics that matter most — from canine health and nutrition to human wellbeing, fitness, enrichment, and training.
Get answers to your questions from our diverse network of expert members, including veterinarians, trainers, canine fitness specialists, nutrition professionals, holistic practitioners, animal communicators, and more. Together, we share knowledge, resources, and encouragement to help both people and their dogs live healthier, happier lives.
The group is hosted and moderated by Traci Bisson, founder of Golden Dog Adventure Co. Based in Barrington, NH, Traci is leading the company’s transition into 2027, expanding its focus to include innovative programs that support the health and wellbeing of both dogs and their people. She is currently studying with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) to become a Certified Wellness Instructor, a credential that will guide the development of personalized coaching and wellness programs for the community.
Our Partners
We are fortunate to have an expansive network of Corporate, Charitable, and Expert Partners who support our mission and vision and believe in our core beliefs and values. Together, we provide quality outreach education and learning-focused adventures to improve the health and wellbeing of dogs and their people.
When considering where to adopt your next dog or where to purchase quality pet care services, equipment, food, and supplies for your furry family, please choose our Partners!
Corporate Partners
We are grateful to our Corporate Partners for their ongoing support, including Friendly Pets Pet Stores, Pet Supplies Plus in Somersworth, Mary’s Dogs Rescue & Adoption, and Cornerstone VNA Pet Peace of Mind Program.
Learn about our Corporate Partner’s Program.
Charitable Partners
Each year, we proudly support our charitable partners by raising awareness of their missions and helping to fund their important work. Since 2019, with the help of our community, we have donated over $50,000 to local charities.
Our charitable partners include Mary’s Dogs, Old Dogs Go To Helen, and Cornerstone VNA’s Pet Peace of Mind Program.
Learn about our Charitable Partner’s Program.
Expert Partners
Our Expert Partners support the educational programming we offer as well as provide amazing giveaways and prizes each for our community.
We are fortunate to partner with Healthy Pets NH, Barrington Barks & Behavior, Miss Behavior Training, Greg West Photography (formerly Sit.Stay.Smile Pet Photography), Animal Health Consultants (Lisa Boyer DVM), Red Pointy Dog Training, Jody Crotty Soul Level Animal Communicator® & Intuitive, You and Your Dog Training & Services, Kimberly Sarah Photography, No Monkey Business Dog Training, Sandra McCarthy Photography, and Good Paws Bakery.
Learn more about our Expert Partner’s Program.
Fundraising Efforts
Charitable Partner's Program
Annually, we support several local charities by helping to raise funds and create awareness of their causes.
Since our program was established in 2019, with the generous support of our members, partners, sponsors, and community, we have donated over $59K (not including goods/services) to local pet charities.
We invite NH-based pet nonprofits, who subscribe to our Core Beliefs and Values, to apply to our Charitable Partner’s Program.
Goal for 2026
Our fundraising goal for this year is to exceed $15,000 in donations to our Charitable Partner’s Program with the help of our Partners, Members, Community, and Sponsors.
