Mindful Dog & Human Retreat | Learning With Dogs

The Alvord Awakening: A Mindful Dog & Human Retreat

Ancient Wisdom. 160 Acres of Wilderness. One Deepened Bond.

September 17th thru 21st

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The Alvord Awakening

A Mindful Dog & Human Retreat

Be Big. Be Small. Just Be.

There is a place where the shoreline of the Alvord Desert meets the base of the Steens Mountain, a landscape so vast it reminds you how small you are, yet so silent it allows your potential to feel infinite.

This is not a traditional dog training seminar. This is a homecoming to nature, a masterclass in human-canine reflection, and a restorative immersion into the high desert lifestyle.

Your dog is a reflection of you. To better your dog, you must first find the space to better yourself.

The Retreat Experience
A Synthesis of Science and Soul

Kristin Baker M.Ed. in Montessori Education and 26 years of professional dog training experience (CPDT-KA, IAABC). She is also a certified yoga instructor with a lifetime of meditation practice. Growing up in a family that meditates, some of Kristin’s earliest memories are of sitting with monks.

This retreat bridges the gap between technical behavior science and mindful presence.

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Learning with Dogs

Mindful Dog Handling: Nature obedience and behavior observation sessions that focus on the why behind the observations.

The Kinetic Bond: Experience the thrill of dryland mushing, shed hunting and trail adventures, with our resident team of dogs. Learn skills to start your dog or refine behaviors.

Grounding Practices: Daily yoga and meditation tailored for dog handlers of any skill level.

High Desert Exploration: Guided trail hiking, e-bike excursions, hot springs and art sessions.

The Reset: Nightly wood fired saunas and restorative soaks in the local hot springs.

Connection: Fireside discussions on everything dog, philosophy and science.

The Alvord Crucible: Nature and Healing

Your healing is anchored in the integrity of the land. Our all inclusive environment focuses on releasing the physical and emotional residue of stress.

Focused Breathwork and Pranayama: Learn and apply techniques to reliably manage your nervous system, allowing you to anchor your dog in any environment.

Therapeutic Massage: Private, personalized massage session designed to physically discharge chronic tension in the body so you can return to the leash with a soft, neutral body.

Restorative Wellness: Access to a Wood Fired Sauna and hot springs to detoxify the body and reset the nervous system.

Embodied Practice: Daily Yoga and guided Meditation Walks with your dog on the expansive desert floor, practicing Observation in the ultimate low stimulus environment.

The Service of Labor: Hands on experience with your dog. Together, we will look deeper into the dog's behavior and explore new opportunities. We will have fun exploring dry land mushing, shed hunting and trail navigation on and off leash. (Don't worry about your dog's level here. We have trained dogs that will show you the end product, but you will be guided to the best starting point, and path as an individual dog/handler team.)

E-Bike Tours: E bike tours are suitable for any level rider. They offer a different, peaceful perspective to your experience on the playa.

Creative Focus: Guided Art sessions to practice non attachment and intentional focus, outside of your relationship with your dog.

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Who Should Attend?

This retreat is specifically for women who:

Are Tired of the Chaos You are ready to stop being emotionally reactive and start living from a place of intentional response.

Need a Physical Release You recognize that your body holds chronic stress and requires physical time off to become a better leader.

Have Sensitive or Anxious Dogs You suspect your dog's behavioral issues reactivity and anxiety are rooted in your own stress and need the tools to become their ultimate Anchor.

Seek Sovereignty You desire the discipline to fiercely guard your mental health and set clear boundaries in your life, career, and relationships.

Note: This retreat is about the Handler's emotional and psychological mastery. Dogs must be human and dog friendly and controllable on a leash. Reactivity is a common topic of study, but not our focus. If your dog is reactive, please reach out so we can make sure this is the retreat for them.

All Inclusive Package Details

Your investment covers everything needed for a focus on your transformation.

Luxury Accommodations: Rustic, comfortable lodging at our private 160 acre homestead. We have luxury Bell Tents shoreline to the Alvord Desert.

Nourishment: All meals included and are focused on high quality, local, farm to table, clean inputs to support a stable nervous system. Most food is sourced from our 160 acre permaculture homestead.

Instruction: This is a retreat, present in the moment. We will observe real life dog interactions. Breathe, connect and just be as we experience the healing gift of nature alongside our best friend.

Wellness Access: Daily restorative yoga, Breathwork classes, private Massage session, access to the on site wood fired sauna, and hot springs soaks.

Take Home Tools: This is more than a retreat. This is a place to connect and to anchor your path as a Mindful Dog Handler. We will stay connected through a private group for those dedicated to the path of bettering themselves to better their dogs.