Adventure Out Dog Hiking: Waunakee & Madison Area Dog Hikes with River Paws
Bark to the basics
At River Paws, the well-being of your dogs has always been our top priority. Over the years, we’ve seen just how much they thrive when they’re out in nature—exploring, sniffing, playing, and simply being dogs. Watching them run off-leash with their best friends, forming lasting bonds with both their furry pals and with us, is a joy like no other.
Our mission has always been to give dogs exactly what they need: the freedom to play, explore, and connect. A few good hours of hiking and playing in the great outdoors often leads to a happy, content, and wonderfully balanced pup. This is what we love to do at River Paws, and we’re thrilled to share these adventures with your dog!
Adventure Out Dog Hiking
Just down the road from our location on River Road lies a stunning stretch of land, filled with acres of natural trails and open space for your dogs to explore. This private haven gives us the perfect setting to offer a safe, secure, and truly enriching outdoor adventure for your furry friends. It’s a place where your dogs can connect with nature, stretch their legs, and enjoy the freedom to be their happiest selves.
By focusing on Dog Hikes, we’re able to do what we do best—creating outdoor experiences that cater to your dog’s natural instincts and needs. At River Paws, every hike is thoughtfully designed to leave tails wagging and heart’s content, helping to nurture well-balanced, joyful pups. We can’t wait to share this incredible adventure with you and your dog!
Interested in joining our hiking program? Apply today to secure your spot on the waitlist
Why Choose Dog Hiking Over Daycare for Your Dog?
At River Paws, we believe in giving dogs the kind of experiences that truly enrich their lives. While traditional daycare has its benefits, group hiking offers something far more fulfilling. Here’s why dog hiking is a better option for many pups – and why your furry friend will love it
A More Fulfilling Experience
Dogs were made to roam, sniff, and explore the great outdoors! Hiking gives them the chance to enjoy their natural instincts in a way that daycare simply can’t replicate. Off-leash adventures allow your pup the freedom to run, sniff, and play in a safe, supervised, and natural environment. It’s more than just a change of scenery – it’s a chance for your dog to feel truly alive.
Improved Socialization
On the trails, dogs don’t just play – they bond. Hiking in small, controlled groups allows your dog to build deeper, more meaningful connections with both their canine companions and our caring handlers. These interactions foster trust, cooperation, and confidence, creating positive social habits that carry over into other parts of their lives.
Physical and Mental Stimulation
The combination of running, climbing, sniffing, and exploring on our private trails provides a level of physical exercise and mental enrichment that daycare can’t match. Every hike is a new adventure, filled with fresh smells, exciting sights, and plenty of opportunities to engage your dog’s senses. This holistic stimulation leads to calmer, happier, and more balanced pups.
Perfect for Dogs of All Ages
Not all dogs thrive in the high-energy, crowded environment of a daycare. Some dogs, or older dogs who may not enjoy the constant bustle of daycare, often find group hikes to be a perfect alternative. The freedom to move at their own pace while still enjoying the company of their pack ensures that dogs of all ages feel included and fulfilled.
Adventure Out Dog Hikes
Arrival At River Paws: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
You can drop off your pup at River Paws for social hour, playtime in the yard, and cuddle time before our hikes!
Hike and Play: 8:45 AM – 11:00 AM
Pick-Up Times: 11:15 AM – 12 PM at River Paws
Noon: Drop-offs to your home are included with the service ($5 discount applies if you choose to pick up from River Paws)
We’ll finalize routes based on how many dogs we have each day of the week.
Discounts & Add-Ons
Owner Pick-Up Discount:
Save $5 per dog when you pick up your pup after their hike.
Hike-to-Groom Package:
$30 (Exclusive to our hiking dogs – treat your pup to a post-adventure spa day!)
Pricing Options
1 Dog, Once Per Week:
$50 per dog ($45 with owner pickup)
1 Dog, Twice or More Times Per Week:
$45 per dog ($40 with owner pickup)
1 Dog, Three or More Times Per Week:
$42 per dog ($37 with owner pickup)
2 Dogs, Once Per Week:
$45 per dog ($40 with owner pickup)
2 Dogs, Twice or More Per Week:
$42 per dog ($37 with owner pickup)
FAQ
Here is a quick Q&A based on some of the questions we received related to the Adventure Out Dog Hiking program:
Q: Is it true that there will be no more part-time or full-time daycare services?
A: Yes, we are transitioning away from daycare services. Instead, we will be offering structured morning group hikes.
Q: What accommodations are there for inclement weather?
A: For safety, we won’t hold hikes if the temperature is 10°F or below, factoring in wind chill. We will also cancel hikes in cases of severe weather, extreme cold, or unsafe heat conditions. Notifications will be sent via text or email when cancellations are necessary.
Q: Is there an indoor space for extreme cold or other weather conditions?
A: Yes, we have limited space at River Paws for dogs to warm up and relax if the weather turns extreme before pick-up or drop-off. We are committed to ensuring the dogs’ safety and comfort in all conditions.
Q: Will grooming services continue, and what is the “hike-to-groom” option?
A: Yes, we’re expanding our grooming services into part of our current daycare area. The hike-to-groom option allows dogs to participate in the morning hike and then stay for grooming services in the afternoon for added convenience.
Q: How will drop-offs be handled, and can we customize instructions?
A: We’ll work with you to create a seamless drop-off process, which could include using a garage code, placing your dog in a specific room, or other preferences. We’ll set up consultations (either virtual or in-person) to establish these instructions, which we’ll store securely in our system.
Q: Are there options for families living further away?
A: Our primary service area for daily drop-offs is within a 4-mile radius of River Paws. If you’re located outside this zone, we’d be happy to discuss possible arrangements, including customized pickup and drop-off options.
We plan to introduce specific days for expanded service areas to serve our extended community better. For example, it may look something like:
Madison Drop-Offs: Available on Fridays
Middleton Drop-Offs: Available on Mondays
This approach allows us to offer flexibility while maintaining the exceptional service and care your dog deserves. We will update this once we have finalized the areas and days for that region.
