Marquita Hambrick

I am the Owner and Pack Leader of Happy Paws Pet Camp, the first totally kennel-free dog daycare and boarding facility in Smyrna, Georgia. For over 21 years, I’ve led dogs—and humans—through a philosophy rooted in structure, respect, social order, and calm leadership. At Happy Paws, dogs are never caged. They live, play, rest, and socialize together in a carefully balanced pack environment, grouped by size and temperament. Our humans serve as pack leaders, guiding behavior through presence, energy, and consistency rather than force. Through managing an average of 100+ dogs per day and leading a team of 18 staff members, I’ve learned that canine behavior mirrors human leadership more than most people realize. The same principles that create a balanced dog pack—clear boundaries, calm authority, and earned trust—also build strong teams, loyal customers, and sustainable businesses. I am currently writing a book on canine behavior and leadership philosophy based on two decades of real-world experience inside the pack.