Five dogs standing together on a fallen log in the woods

Forrest School for Dogs Hybrid Coaching

Build the skills, support, and community for off-leash freedom

An eight-week hybrid (virtual/in-person) coaching program for dog guardians and dog professionals who are ready to do the work of building reliable off-leash freedom in natural environments.

Program datesSeptember 28 to November 22, 2026 8 weeks

CohortMaximum eight participants

Applications are open through September 26. Places are offered on a rolling basis, so applying early is encouraged.

Apply for Hybrid Coaching

Who this program is for

This program is for dog guardians, trainers, and other dog professionals who are serious about developing the skills, confidence, community, and accountability needed for more freedom in nature.

You do not need to already have everything figured out. You do need to be ready to do the work consistently.

Be ready to:

Hike at least four times per week.
Find at least one other human, and preferably at least one other dog, to hike with.
Submit video and written work at least three days per week.
Participate in the weekly group calls and engage with the cohort community.
Spend time in natural environments with your dog.
Receive feedback, try new things, and learn through practice.
Travel to the Metro West Boston area at least once.

Professionals can also develop their understanding of the Forrest School model and explore how it could fit into their businesses.

Building freedom in nature

Off-leash freedom is not just about teaching a dog to come when called. It is about building the awareness, communication, judgment, skills, and relationships that make freedom possible.

A group of people and their dogs hiking together up a sunlit forest trail

Helping humans become more observant, confident, and capable.
Helping dogs develop skills for natural environments.
Making thoughtful decisions in changing situations.
Building a social group that can continue beyond the program.
Creating a sustainable hiking practice for everyday life.

How the program works

The program combines virtual coaching, individual work, and in-person sessions across eight weeks.

Weekly group calls

Thursdays at 7 PM Eastern for 1.5 hours. Calls are recorded, but live participation is strongly recommended.

Work between sessions

Hike, practice in appropriate natural environments, submit video and reflections, and use Circle for support and accountability.

In-person coaching

Sessions take place in Metro West Boston, last 1.5 to 2 hours, and may be private or include a small group of up to three.

Choose the format that fits you

Every option includes virtual work between in-person sessions and the Thursday group calls.

Eight weekly in-person sessions

Eight in-person sessions distributed across the eight-week program.

Eight-session intensive

Eight in-person sessions completed as a 4 to 5 day intensive in the Metro West Boston area, with virtual work continuing through the rest of the program.

Four biweekly in-person sessions

Four in-person sessions distributed every other week across the eight-week program.

Four-session intensive

Four in-person sessions completed as a 3 to 4 day intensive in the Metro West Boston area, with virtual work continuing through the rest of the program.

Eight-session options

$2,500

Four-session options

$2,000

Choose your preferred format in the application. If you are unsure, choose Not sure, I would like to discuss the best option.

Two handlers and three dogs pausing on a rocky ledge above a pond

What participants will build

Human observation and decision-making
Recall and off-leash handling
Dog-to-dog social participation
Risk assessment and practical judgment
Community-building and group maintenance
Accountability and reflective practice
Professional implementation of the Forrest School model

Is this program a fit?

The application helps determine whether this program is right for you and your dog or dogs. Dogs who run to greet other dogs, have practiced chasing wildlife, or do not yet have reliable recall may be able to participate if you are willing to train an e-collar recall. Dogs with limited social experience or formal training may also be able to participate.

This may not be the right starting point for dogs with serious safety concerns, fearful bolting, or ongoing medical issues without appropriate veterinary support. We consider the combination of the dog's needs, the human's skills, and the support available. The application is not a judgment of whether a dog is good or bad. It helps us decide whether this program is a good fit for off-leash time in nature.

What happens after you apply?

Submit your application.
Tara reviews your application.
Qualified applicants are accepted while space remains.
Once six are accepted, invoices are sent.
Pay within 48 hours to hold your place.
Receive Circle and program-material access.

A yellow Labrador and a small terrier trotting along a woodland trail

If six qualified participants have not been accepted by September 26, the program will not happen.

Frequently asked questions

How long are the in-person sessions?

In-person sessions last 1.5 to 2 hours.

Are in-person sessions private or group sessions?

They may be private or in groups of up to three people, depending on your needs and scheduling. Group participation is not required.

How do the intensives work?

An intensive takes place after week three. You travel to the Metro West Boston area, arrange your own lodging, and meet with Tara for multiple sessions during the intensive period. The four-session intensive takes approximately 3 to 4 days; the eight-session intensive takes approximately 4 to 5 days.

Do I need to already have an off-leash dog?

No. Your starting point will be considered during the application process. The program may be appropriate for dogs who are still developing recall, social, or hiking skills, depending on the full situation.

What about hunting season?

None of our Massachusetts hiking locations allow hunting. We still put the dogs in blaze orange just to be safe. Please check your local areas and make sure you have safe areas (use blaze) to accomplish your minimum of four days per week of hiking.

What if I am a professional?

Professionals are welcome. In addition to working on their own dog and hiking skills, they can use the program to discuss how the Forrest School model might be implemented in their own business.

Can I participate with more than one dog?

Yes. You can add as many dogs as you want from your household. Provide a detailed profile for each dog you plan to actively train, and explain whether you plan to focus on one dog or spread the work across multiple dogs.

What if I am not sure which format I need?

Choose “Not sure, I would like to discuss the best option” in the application. Package preference and final package assignment are separate decisions.

Can I attend if I cannot attend the live calls?

Calls are always recorded and recordings will be available through the program materials. Live participation is strongly recommended because calls are an important part of the coaching, discussion, and accountability structure.

Where will the virtual work happen?

Circle will be used for group calls, recordings, written work, video submissions, discussion, and accountability. Long-term materials may also be provided through the Forrest School Library.

What happens if the cohort does not reach six participants?

The program will not run if at least six qualified participants have not been accepted by September 26. Your information will be placed on a waiting list for the next cohort.

When do I pay?

Invoices are sent once six qualified participants have been accepted. You will have 48 hours to pay your invoice to hold your place.

What does participation cost?

The four-session options are $2,000. The eight-session options are $2,500.

Before you apply

Please be ready to commit to the weekly hiking, submission, and community requirements. This program works best for people willing to practice consistently, share what they are seeing, receive feedback, and participate with curiosity.

Application acknowledgement: I understand that this program involves regular hiking, natural environments, measured risk, submitting video and written work, and receiving feedback. I remain responsible for my dog's welfare and medical care.

Apply for Hybrid Coaching