Where Behavior Meets Adventure

Off-leash hikes designed for dogs who need more then just a walk

For sensitive, reactive, or misunderstood dogs who thrive outside the traditional training box. Safe, enriching adventures led by a certified behavior professional.

This Isn’t Just Your Average Dog Walk

These aren’t crowded pack walks or rushed loops around the block.
They’re small-group, behavior-informed hikes designed for dogs who need more than exercise. They need understanding.

Lead By A Behavior Professional

Licensed Family Dog Mediator with 5+ years of experience helping reactive and sensitive dogs thrive.

Private, Safe Land

No crowded trails or off-leash chaos. We rent secluded land just for these hikes.

Customized for Each Dog

From trail choice to decompression needs, every outing is tailored for your dog’s body and brain.

Getting Started Is Simple

Thoughtful steps that center your dog’s needs from the very beginning.

Step 1: Fill Out the Intake Form

Tell us about your dog, their history, and what makes them unique. We’ll make sure this is the right fit.

Step 2: Schedule a Test Adventure – $100

Your dog joins a slow, small-group hike so we can assess comfort, recall, and trail-readiness in a low-pressure environment.

Step 3: Begin Weekly Adventures – $85 per outing

Once approved, your dog joins recurring, enrichment-focused outings tailored to their pace and personality

Have questions? Or ready to begin?

Is This Right for My Dog?

Every dog deserves the chance to explore, decompress, and connect in a way that feels safe and natural to them.
These hikes are designed for dogs who benefit from small groups, structured freedom, and a handler who understands the whole picture, not just the leash.

This might be a fit if your dog:

  • Gets overwhelmed by daycare or big group walks

  • Loves nature but needs guidance to enjoy it safely

  • Would thrive with consistent enrichment and gentle structure

  • Needs more than just physical exercise; they need fulfillment

  • Deserves an adventure that’s tailored, not one size fits all

Whether your dog is sensitive, spirited, or somewhere in between, this is for them.

What’s Included in Every Adventure

These aren’t just walks. They’re structured, enriching experiences designed with your dog’s body and brain in mind

  • Pickup and drop-off service

  • Private, off-leash or long-line trail time

  • Behavior-informed handling and pacing

  • 2.5 to 3 hour total window (including travel)

  • Built-in decompression and sniffing time

  • Recall support and safety management

  • Rinse-down if your dog gets muddy

  • Photo or video updates after every hike

  • Thoughtful small group (1–3 dogs max)

  • Ongoing communication and progress updates

Want to make sure your dog is a good fit?

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not necessarily. They don’t need to be social, but they do need to be neutral and non-aggressive. During the test adventure, I’ll assess whether your dog can be safely included in a small group setting. If they’re more of a solo adventurer, we can talk about options.

  • Nope! Perfect recall isn’t required to start. Many dogs are on long lines at first. Building engagement, focus, and recall is part of what we’ll work on together through these hikes.

  • The full outing is typically 2.5 to 3 hours, including pick-up, trail time, and drop-off. I’ll also clean up muddy paws or rinse your dog off if needed before bringing them home.

  • Adventure hikes are available to dogs who live within 15 miles of Downtown McHenry, IL. If you're unsure, feel free to message me or check the travel map on the site.

  • If I feel the group adventure model isn’t the right match, I’ll let you know and share other ideas for enrichment and structured outlets that may be better suited. The goal is always to support your dog in a way that feels safe and beneficial.

  • For the test adventure walk, yes. I’ll need you to be home so we can go over everything together, introduce your dog, and discuss logistics. After that, you don’t need to be home for future pickups and drop-offs. As long as I have safe access (like a garage code or key), I can handle it.

  • Great question! I rent private property from a landowner who offers acreage specifically for this kind of use. It’s a setup similar to Sniffspot, safe, controlled, and completely private. No dog parks, no chaos.

  • It’s not fenced, which is why every dog starts on a long line (usually 50 to 100 feet) while we build engagement, recall, and trail manners. Every dog also wears a GPS tracking collar for an added layer of safety

  • To join the adventure hikes, your dog must:

    • Be non-aggressive toward people and dogs

    • Be up to date on core vaccinations, including leptospirosis

    • Be on flea/tick prevention

    • Have vet clearance within the last 6 months

    • Complete a test walk and pass a recall/safety evaluation

  • Billing is set up as a recurring subscription. You'll be automatically charged every 4 weeks based on your selected schedule:

    • Once a week (recommended): $340 every 4 weeks

    • Every other week: $170 every 4 weeks

    We’ll confirm your schedule after your dog’s test adventure and provide all billing details before your subscription begins.