We have known Matt,Sharon and their team for two decades . They have been like family to us and our dogs. Their dedication to the care and protection of the dogs is exceptional. They have boarded our dogs, Charlie and Rudy for many years. Outbound Houndz goes above and beyond to provide the best care and loving environment any dog owner could wish for. Our dogs could not wait to see them and be with other dogs on the walks. We will always cherish our time with the Matt,Sharon and the Outbound Houndz family . Job well done.!! read more

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I had to slam on my brakes to avoid rear ending his van after he cut me off, swerving right in front of me, within inches of the front end of my car. After I honked, you know, because I value my life, my car, and everything else that could've been impacted by a serious accident (not to mention how it would've affected everyone else's morning commute that's already bad enough), after I honked, he gave me the finger. So rude. He's the one who is irresponsible, self absorbed, and unconcerned with the safety of others and he's giving me the finger after risking my life, or at the very least my well-being and livelihood? I can only imagine how someone like this treats dogs. I'm a dog owner and I'd NEVER let this man touch my dog and certainly NEVER trust him to be responsible for my dog's life while driving or otherwise. Also, this is at least the 5th review about this business and their irresponsible and DANGEROUS driving. Don't hire them. Just don't do it. read more

Outbound Houndz - DANGEROUS AND RUDE DRIVER!! - Dog Walkers Near Me

Sharon and Matt (and their staff) are an essential part of our dogs lives. Our two hike with OH 3x/week. When the van arrives, they go bonkers with joy. They clearly adore their hiking pack. We find all the staff loving and terrific. We recommend OH without reservation. We've also boarded our dogs with them and never worry about their care. Sharon and Matt love the girls like their own. When they come home, the dogs are nonchalant since they've been so happy in our absence. read more

As I was biking on Skyline Blvd through sharp twists and turns (going the speed limit on my electric moped) Matt, who swerved next to me, proceeded to curse me out and tell me to get off my bike and let him pass. As a MINOR, I would never expect an ADULT to release all of his pent up anger at me because of his reckless driving. Based on other reviews here, I am not the only one complaining. Terrible person. read more

Matt and Sharon are conscientious, loving and great with out dog. We also board with them, and our monster comes home happy, well fed, well-exercised and loved. Over the past 20 years we've employed five dog walkers and have had some pretty horrendous experiences - resulting in one near death experience for one of our pups at the negligent hand of our former dogwalker. This precipitated the change to Outbound Houndz a few years ago. Matt and Sharon listened to us and understood our concerns; and they treat our pup as if she were their own.... read more

Your drivers speed through windy roads in Oakland Hills. I'm TIRED of dodging your vans. I am FEARFUL anytime when your vans drive through the neighborhood and I have to pull my dogs in because your drivers are reckless. I would NEVER allow my dogs to be in your care and the dog owners who utilize your services should be SCARED for the well being of their dogs because of reckless driving. You nearly hit my car recently as I was backing out of a driveway with my dog in tow. Even though one of your vans SAW ME BACKING OUT (I was already in the roadway WELL BEFORE you came close to me) your van DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND BERATED ME for backing out of the driveway. Dog owners should be aware of this terrible behavior read more

I'd hoped to make some telling observation about the incredible EXCELLENCE of Outbound Houndz that none of the other reviewers have mentioned... but I can only amplify everything that's been said. Yes, it's all true -- Matt and Sharon are dog whisperers who will treat your canine family member like one of their own -- but they are also so much more. What sets them apart is that they are also FIRST CLASS human beings who are as RELIABLE as the day is long. It's impossible to overstate just how important that is over the long haul. Lots of people love dogs; many fewer are kind and effective dog-wranglers... and I've never met anyone as steadfast or dedicated as Outbound Houndz. Highest possible recommendation. Call them now -- you will be glad you did. read more

As I was driving on the freeway today I encountered one of your drivers driving recklessly and being extremely rude. I was merging onto the free way and this van came in very fast with no intentions of slowing down, tired to not let me merge when it was clearly my turn to do so, then rode my tail. The woman driving then cut someone else off to get close enough to flip me off. I would NEVER trust my dogs in a car with that woman. Road rage and your loved ones DO NOT MIX. read more

Outbound Houndz - Dog Walkers Near Me

I wish I could say Yeah, but have to say Nay. While our pup had an extraordinary bond with Matt & Sharon, Matt was not able to comprehend our schedule requirements and even got insulting towards me. I am happy to share the story with you, but do not think it is something for a open platform. I am sorry Sharon....I know both of you are so phenomenal with the pups, but it just did not work out. read more

Matt and Sharon have saved our family. Our dog, Beulah, could not be happier. She has been walking with Outbound for years and it has given her the happiest life possible. The van rolls up to the house full of barking love. Beulah is gone for hours, marching through the forest, with her doggy wolf pack. You can leave your dog with them for some serious fun dog slumber party, over nights and go on vacation with out a worry. We trust them beyond a shadow of a doubt. Matt and Sharon are some of the happiest people in business that I know and are worth their weight in gold! read more

STOP. SERIOUSLY, LOOK NO FURTHER. Matt's your dog's new BFF. He's the only dog walker/hiker that I've met that has a great reputation across the plethora of walkers in the Oakland/Berkeley hills. I've had him for years and he's never had to advertise, but I think he needs a shout out. As a traveler and someone who works long hours can attest, having piece of mind surrounding your furry family care is priceless. As a connoisseur of all things hound and a few things feline I've used every doggie daycare, many walkers, homeopathic and doggie downer distributors of the veterinarian persuasion in the East Bay. We met Matt on the French Loop trail with his pack many a time and LOVED the way he handled his posse. My 80# Giant Schnauzer ain't easy. As Matt likes to say "Zeke doesn't have issues....he has a subscription". Yet this man takes him through the Oakland and Berkeley Hill trails like he's his own. His transportation set-up is amazing; his van is specifically converted for the purposes of pet transport, not just some beat up pick-up. Matt has come over to do everything from help me get my post-surgery dog down the stairs (and nothing else) as well as just stop by to give him pills midday so he doesn't miss a dose. He has a tremendous amount of authority and doesn't over do it (I'm tired of the emails, report cards and poop reports already). Seriously, you want someone that is ABSOLUTELY RELIABLE, consistent and does an amazing job AT PRICES BETTER THAN MOST I'VE SEEN. A few specifics that I think are noteworthy; * He's launched many other dog walkers - speaks volumes for his abilities and professionalism * He has a healthy respect for dogs (read doesn't get bit or let his dogs bite others) * Respects the humans (pragmatic, consistent, reliable and doesn't take himself too seriously) * Makes up silly songs for the dogs using their name * Mixes it up - beach on hot days, NEVER MISSES A RAINY DAY * Appropriately priced! (I don't need to pay for your over the top website or photos emailed to my mother thank you) Hope he has room for your furry friends; he'll be part of your family in no time. read more

When I got to the Outbound Houndz page, I read the other reviews and they basically took the words right out of my mouth. "Seriously look no further" and "the Outbound Houndz van is filled with joy." You can see how important that van is to our pooch the moment it pulls into our driveway. He is grinning from ear to ear when he lays eyes on Matt and often does a little dance for him, just before getting in the van, to show Matt how much he means to him. When his walk is over and he gets back out he is one satisfied pooch as he lounges on our lawn in the grass. By the way, to get our dog to lounge is a huge feat as he is a border collie with energy to burn. As for me, I now often find myself wishing that some dogs could have a best friend like Matt. Before we found Matt our dog was that dog. I had no idea of the impact he would have on our dog. I always attributed our dogs quirks and excess energy to his breed. We took him on walks on the weekend. We have a big garden, with more than enough room for our dog to run around but I soon learned that this was not enough. Our dog is smart and he needs to be engaged regularly. Matt does this for him. Matt's infectious personality, attention to detail and obvious love for his job has rubbed off on our quirky dog. I guess you could say that our dogs happiness has become our families happiness. So this is a well deserved, sterling five stars from our family for Matt and his business. read more

This pack rules!!! All the dog walkers - from owners, Matt and Sharon, to their consistent staff (Ian, Levi, Lori) - not only like dogs but understand - and love them. Our girls, one medium and one small, have adopted the entire company as their own family. The off-leash and pack interactions make them happy (and wear them out) on their weekly walks with Outbound Houndz. We've also kenneled with them and our pups come home to us relaxed and happy. This is a well-organized, well-run business that takes care of dogs' and their owners' needs so look no more and give them a call. Your pups will thank you for it :) read more

They are just awesome. Matt & Sharon are true dog lovers who really enjoy what they do. My little dog, Hurley, (an 11 pound chiweenie who loves to run around and play with other dogs) is not merely a pet in my house, but a treasured family member. They welcomed him into the pack and helped him feel comfortable right away. Now, they have come to be like family to me and Hurley. And their service is fabulous- they rinse & dry the dogs after muddy or rainy days, give them the space to run around while always keeping track of where they are while on the trail, and keep the dogs safe at all times. I have also had them keep Hurley overnight when I am out of town, and he loves staying with them and playing at their house. I could not ask for a better couple- or for any better service- to take care of Hurley! read more

This review is long over due, Matt and Sharon have been walking our boarder collie Murphy since our daughter was born a year ago and we could not be happier. Boarder collies are very high energy, I knew I was going to need some help but our dog is a bit socially awkward, it's not always easy for him to get on with other dogs so a doggie day care wasn't going to work. I called every dog walker in the east bay, a lot just did on leash walks or only walked when the weather was good. Matt and Sharon walk Murphy rain or shine and even drop him off clean and dry. I don't know how we would have gotten by without Matt and Sharon, they are so accommodating, if I need an extra walk they are always willing to take Murphy. Sometimes I think Murphy fantasizes they are his real family, he is always so excited when they come to pick him up. If you want your dog to have fun call Outbound Houndz. read more

Scheduling problems occurred from the beginning. When boarding our dog we never got any updates and our dog returned exhausted and stressed. We never had these issues with out last dog walker who took family like care of our dog and kept us very informed. I think their business grew to fast for their capabilities. We are going elsewhere. read more

We were driving to the dog park and noticed in front of us this really cute van labeled Outbound Houndz with some really happy dog faces inside so we followed them to a dogs adventure of a lifetime! The leader if the pack was an animated friendly guy with dog whisperer technique and said he didnt mind us tagging along. We witnessed the dogs having the time of their lives and they all got along so well the big the little alike! The dogs got a great work out and playfully muddy only to be cleaned before they got back in the van by a their well equipped tank of water inside the van! He even cleaned our dogs! Super nice chap. Well that was 7 years ago and we are converted Outbound Hounds happy customers. We LOVE THIS COMPANY! We found that they take their dogs out in to a variety of awesome adventures and the pick up our dogs and drop them off and we LOVE the time we have to do other things.We also love how happy our guys look..they are content and we are happy we saw that green van driving by. LOVE THIS COMPANY! read more

We love outbound Houndz!! And more importantly, our dog, a young Golden Retriever, really loves the team. Matt and Sharon are great. They have nice vans they pick the dogs up in. Cooper loves his dog friends, and the ability to go run around in open space. We like this a lot better than jsut walking them around the neighborhood, is more active for him and he get a real chance to play with his dog friends. He squeals in excitement when they come everyday. They've all definitely become part of Coopers family. Matt and Sharon are very reliable, easy going, flexible and we enjoy them. I'd highly recommend them! read more

Remember when your kids were little and there was that one mother in the neighborhood who always made your day when she called and asked if your kids could come over and play. She's the one who baked cookies with them or set up a scavenger hunt in the backyard. Well, when it comes to your dog, this is what you get with Matt. It really makes my day when he calls and asks if my dog can come out and play. When you see the Outbound Houndz van heading to the park you know there's lots of joy inside; there's a party going on and your pooch doesn't want to miss it. They're probably even singing a round of B-I-N-G-O inside. My big goofy lab would tell you that a day without Matt is like a day without sunshine. Well actually a rainy day with Matt is pretty cool too because a little rain doesn't stop them from having fun in the mud because Matt's van is all decked out with lots of water and a shower nozzle. Returning a dirty dog just isn't his thing. If you're looking for a dog walker with patience and a sense of humor, look no further. Whether it's a once a week walk or an extended vacation this is where your dog wants to be. Who knows they might even come home with some fresh baked cookies. read more

I have tried a few walkers and trainers but really haven't found peace of mind like I have when my dog Kodi is out with Matt. Kodi is a very instinctual breed and is very independent. His previous walker frequently leashed him for not listening and I frequently got "sad face" reports without any suggestions or solutions. Matt and his crew seem to be able to work with my dog, knowing how to corral him when necessary but maximizing his play and exercise with other dogs. I trust Matt and Sharon to take care of Kodi whenever I'm out of town, knowing that he's being taken care of by people who understand his needs and know his tricks! Matt and Sharon are super easy to work with, flexible and accommodating, and even picked up my dog's flea/tick medication at my house when I was out of town! read more

Our dog has been so happy since we've started using Outbound Houndz. Matt goes above and beyond when taking care of our dog. Out pup races around with excitement when he see's Matt's car pull up. He runs out and gives him a huge welcome. We truly trust Matt with our family member and can't recommend him enough. read more

Matt and Sharon are Fantastic!. So great with my Dutchess! Dutchess loves them both and waits at the door for them even if it is a non hike day. I started a job in June that keeps me busy and Dutchess was raised with my life having much more time for her. Matt and Sharon are a life saver. Dutchess now gets along better with other dogs, is fit, and so happy. I think she has the best life of any dogs on my block. Matt and Sharon are such great people and it is so evident how much they love all the dogs. It is so convienent to be able to have them come and pick Dutchess up and drop her off even when I am not home! If I ever move I don'tthink I would ever find an adequet replacement. Truely the Best Dog Hiker Service ever! I highly recommend them to any dog owner . read more