A dog can never tell you what she knows from the smells of the world, but you know, watching her, that you know almost nothing.

While we try to use the least populated trails we will inevitably encounter other pups and their people on all of our trips. Your pup should be able to appropriately behave and move on from these brief interactions.  

Pups need to be able to witness, engage and move on from distractions without causing unnecessary tension during hikes. Those that are still learning to control their impulses towards wildlife and other distractions like runners or bikers will be recommended for training hikes.

Pups do not need to have a perfect heel, however those still working on inappropriate pulling or basic leash-walking skills are recommended for training hikes. We are not currently equipped to take on leash aggressive/reactive pups for training. 

We will need proof your pup is up to date on:

Rabies, Canine Influenza, Distemper, Bordatella and Leptospirosis*.

*While we avoid allowing pups to drink from any foreign body of water, we are still out where wildlife has been and require this vaccine for safety & peace of mind. As we all know; dogs will be dogs!

While it probably doesn't need to be said; we are going into the wilderness and there will be fleas & ticks out there! While we choose properly maintained trails whenever possible, perform regular tick checks and do not allow frolicking in tall grass, they are simply unavoidable during certain times of the year. Protection is mandatory. (We highly recommend Seresto collars or Bayer brand topical flea & tick products!)

We need your pup old enough to be fully vaccinated and have the confidence to meet pack mates and explore the great outdoors!

We do not take dogs over 8 months that have not been altered. We can and will make some exceptions for intact pups under 8 months old, usually for training or solo hikes, but this is based on personality and history of appropriate behavior. 

We believe pups should enjoy the ride on their way to adventure! Depending on their size and comfort level, pups will always be safely harnessed or crated during car rides. 

Most of our hiking trips are designed to be no more than 15-20 minute rides from your home. However, depending on where you live in Sonoma County, it could be up to 30 min! Beach Trips are at least 25-35 minutes. 

Our most frequented & favorite Sonoma Co. parks are:

• Taylor Mountain Regional Park
• Ragle Ranch Regional Park
• Crane Creek Regional Park
• Helen Putnam Regional Park
• Foothill Regional Park
• Riverfront Regional Park
• Hood Mountain Reg. Park [Intense hikes]
• Monte Rio Redwoods Reg. Park [Intense hikes]
• Pinnacle Gulch, Bodega Bay [Beach Trip]

The cost of gas is factored into the price of all our trips. However, we do have a $5 gas fee for pups who live more than 30 min/20 miles from one of the parks we can hike and $10 fee for those more than 45 min/30 miles from Pinnacle Gulch for our Beach Trip.