Seize the opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the stunning beauty of Sequoia National Forest with your four-legged friend. Nestled within serene creekside views, you and your pup can explore nature's wonders in all directions, from rushing waterfalls to majestic peaks. This unique retreat is limited to just 10 participants and only happens once a year due to weather restrictions in this location - so don't miss out.
Our all-inclusive retreat offers everything you need for a peaceful getaway. It is complete with rustic cabins, healthy organic meals, world-class dog training, and direct access to some of the most beautiful trails in Sequoia National Park.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into adventure as you strengthen that amazing bond between you and your best friend.
But don’t wait - limited spots are going fast!
What’s Included?
This event combines all of the immersive elements that Balancing Paws Dog Training has become known for - mastering leash skills, setting up your environment for success, off-leash reliability, and managing energy levels all taught through our easy-to-digest approach.
All of this happens on our private 13-acre retreat property in Sequoia National Forest. You’ll meet fantastic people, have access to some of the best educators in the industry, and give yourself the opportunity to break away from the wifi and wires of everyday life.
A space fully dedicated to unplugging you from everyday distractions will create an opportunity for you to connect with your dog in nature in a way you never thought possible. You’ve seen the results of the dogs that go through our programs. This is going to be your own 4-day training camp - except you are the trainer and surrounded by nature.
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a four-night getaway in our cozy cabins nestled in the lush Sequoia National Forest. Our experienced chefs will provide organic, nutrient-rich meals every day that cater to all dietary needs - meaning you can fully relax without worrying about what you are going to eat!
4 nights and all meals included
Come immerse yourself in the Balancing Paws lifestyle. Experience training processes and guided nature experiences designed to unlock you and your dog's full paw-tential . From training sessions to dinner with your dog, to pack walks and playtime in the creek, our time together will be full of connection, growth and unforgettable experiences.
We know Sequoia has many beautiful things to explore that can’t be explored with your dog. That’s why we have designated time to care for your pup so you can go explore the national forest.
We don’t want you to be like Yoni in this picture! He had to stand by the path that led to General Sherman because he couldn’t go see the tree with Tessie. General Sherman, the largest tree in the world, and General Grant, the second largest tree in the world, are both within 15 minutes of our site, but dogs aren’t allowed!
One of the things Balancing Paws is known for is shifting perspective. There are a lot of tools used in the dog training world that can be used far more effectively. At our retreat, you will learn to make the most of the skills and knowledge you already have (plus learn some new ones).
Strengthen the bond between you and your pup by redefining how you use food, play, affection, and walking to build trust, respect, and love.
Being out in nature, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of both you and your furry companion. That's why we will be dedicating time to learning essential skills such as dog CPR, trauma first aid, and nature rescue techniques to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle emergency situations that may arise.
We will guide you through hands-on exercises and simulations so that you feel confident in your abilities to care for your pet in any possible circumstance. You'll leave our retreat feeling empowered and prepared to keep your pup safe no matter what adventure awaits!
Yoni, John & Jenna are all certified in Canine & Feline CPR & First Aid.
PRICING & ACCOMODATIONS
Welcome to your home away from home with Balancing Paws! You'll have a private cabin perfect for you and your pup nestled amongst the trees. Our cabins feature comfortable twin or full beds, accommodate up to four people, and have space for up to two dog kennels. There is hot running water, showers & toilets available in your bathroom. Plus we have a generator supplying electricity for us.
-
Early Bird
$1900
Regular Price
$2100
-
Payment plans available upon request. A $250 deposit is required at time of registration to hold your space.
-
+$650
-
+$350
FAQ
-
August 3rd-6th.
Please plan to arrive mid-day to give yourself plenty of time to get settled in your cabin (or RV) so that you can be ready to join everyone for our Welcome lesson & dinner!
Breakfast & grab bags will be provided on Monday morning.
-
If you are flying:
Fly into Fresno International Airport if possible as it is closest to the camp.
Drive times:
10 hours from Phoenix
4.5 hours from LAX
3.5 hours from SFOYou will receive the address as well as detailed instructions upon registration.
-
Our retreat property was founded 75 years ago, and is located on 13 acres in Giant Sequoia National Monument. The camp is nestled among Jeffrey Pine, Red Fir, Cedar and Ponderosa Pine trees. Many nearby resorts provide access to gas stations, restaurants, markets, and more!
We will provide you a map to get there and the address upon registration.
-
The Campgrounds include 18 cabins equipped with beds and bathrooms.
There is a dining deck, game room, amphitheater, campfire arena, and kitchen area equipped with a large pantry, walk-in refrigerator/freezer, and dishwashing station/room.
Even with these amenities, plan to be immersed in nature. A small year-round stream runs through the camp where trout can be seen swimming in pools. Woodward Creek is about 400 yards away. Additionally, a well water system supplies potable water and a separate gravity-fed water system for dust and fire suppression.
Two diesel-powered generators power the camp. There is a large flat open parking area, while the Forest Service maintains the roads and trees year-round.
-
No. All cabins are private, unless you choose to bunk with someone you know! :) You will only share a bathroom if you choose the “shared” bathroom option.
-
On average, it is mid-90s through the day and low to mid-60s at night.
-
If you choose a cabin listed as “private bathroom”, you will have your own private bathroom within your cabin. If that is important to you, please select a cabin with that option.
-
This option is a cabin with two bedrooms connected by one bathroom in the middle. The sleeping quarters are private. The bathroom is shared by both cabins. Think dorm suite status.
-
In the cabin with you!
-
We can accommodate you for an extra day!
There are also hotels and lots of campsites nearby our grounds. You are welcome to extend your vacation at any of the neighboring areas for as long as you like!
-
Nope. If you feel more comfortable staying at a hotel, you are welcome to do so, though we invite you to take advantage of being so close to nature. There is a resort nearby called Montecito Sequoia Lodge. You are welcome to check out their accommodations if you like. Please let us know if you plan to be staying off-site.
https://www.mslodge.com/
-
No
-
There is zero service and zero wi-fi on the property. This is your chance to fully unplug and recharge with community, your dog and nature. Please plan accordingly with family.
-
No refunds.
-
We will have people onsite if you want to check out places nearby that are not dog-friendly. You can leave them with the staff members to take care of them while you explore. We want you to take full advantage of this vacation and know your dogs will be safe and taken care of while you do so!
-
There is well water that runs the whole property.
-
If your kids are a big part of your training journey and ready for the experience, you can make this a family event! Please let us know if you plan to bring kids.
-
The roads to get to our campgrounds are dirt. A Prius made it back ok, but we don’t recommend bringing sports cars.
-
The two biggest trees in the world are within 15 minutes of the property…so those are a must-visit.
There is a creek going through the campsite.
Nearby attractions
In your free time (or if you choose to stay longer once the retreat completes) you can drive offsite to experience gorgeous views, tranquil waters, and plenty of restaurants.
Moro Rock: A huge Granite Dome with a Panoramic View of Kaweah River Gorge. A well-marked 500-Yard staircase trail leads to the top of the dome. The trail and dome have handrails and a well-defined staircase. The Kaweah River Gorge is deeper than the Grand Canyon.
Drive Time: 40 min.
Buck Rock Fire Lookout: A working fire lookout on top of a solid granite precipice at an elevation of 8,479 feet. Located in the Sequoia National Forest, Buck Rock Lookout sits perched atop a granite dome and offers a breathtaking view of the Great Western Divide and other spectacular high mountain peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Additionally, access to the top is via a series of stair flights (consisting of 172 steps) suspended from the side of the rock. The current lookout building was constructed in 1923 and is historically significant as a representation of the earliest 4-A style live-in cabs of which there are only three in existence in the world today. The Lookout sells T-Shirts, Hats & other Souvenirs.
Why is the lookout named Buck Rock? Legend has it that if you look at the rock from a certain angle, you can see the profile of an Indian warrior. In times gone by, we use to call male Indians “bucks” – thus the name. Native Americans referred to the rock as “Finger Rock”.
Hume Lake: (Located about 10 miles from Camp Monache. Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Fishing, Swimming, Hiking). Hume Lake is on Ten Mile Creek, which is a tributary of the Kings River. The 87-acre lake was built in 1908 to support a large commercial logging operation. The West Shore of Hume Lake hosts a large Christian Camp (built in 1946) and sits at 5,250 feet elevation.
Crystal Cave Cavern: (A large marble cavern with magnificent formations of Stalactites and Stalagmites). The cavern entrance is about a one-mile hike from the parking lot and is a constant 50 degrees inside the cavern.
Crystal Cave was first discovered in 1918. The underground route has paved paths and solar-powered electric lights. The standard 50-minute tour is a great choice for the mildly curious families with young children.
The cave is located at the end of a winding 7-mile road off the General's Highway near Giant Forest. For all tours, advance planning is required. Buy tickets at Lodgepole or Foothills visitor centers (tickets are not sold at the cave). Driving to the cave from either visitor center takes about an hour, plus you need additional time to hike the steep half-mile to the cave entrance. You need a jacket: It’s about 50 degrees inside Crystal Cave no matter what the temperature is outside.
General Sherman Tree: Largest Tree in the World
Drive Time: 30 min.
Grant Grove and the General Grant Tree (2nd Largest Tree in the World): The Grant Grove Visitor Center (Museum, Restaurant, Store/Market, Post Office, Campgrounds, National Park Office, John Muir Lodge), in Kings Canyon National Park
Drive Time: 15 min.
Lodgepole: Visitor Center, Public Showers, Store/Market, Laundromat, Park Displays, National Park Office, Crystal Cave Ticket Counter, Campground
Drive Time: 25 min.
Giant Forest Museum: Interactive Displays, Store, Giant Sequoia Grove, etc.
Drive Time: 35 min.
Stony Slides: Several slides from 4–7 vertical feet with one 20-foot slide with a four-foot vertical drop at the end. The sweet spot at the bottom is off to the left. Located at the confluence of Woodward Creek and Stony Creek, about ½ mile downstream from Stony Creek Lodge.
-
We will have a a world class chef on staff the entire retreat! They’ll be providing breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as snacks throughout the entire event.
If you’re hungry, we’ll feed ya!
Please let us know of any dietary restrictions.