Toby has developed a private resource-guide on WPA’s adventure locations. It took thousands of hours and lots of sweat to compile over the years, but the value is immeasurable. These locations and trail-systems, many of which are virtually only known and used by us, are where our packs can safely run, hike, swim and play, usually without seeing other people or dogs. While other companies go to dog parks or visit the same places day after day, WPA offers truly stimulating opportunities.

Our service is completely different than a regular dog walk, a dog daycare, or a visit to the local park. It’s also very different than other dog “adventure” companies. Our high energy Wild Pups require more miles, higher intensity, and a longer day to feel “dog tired.” We average between 8 and 15 dog miles per day for the Wilder Pack. Raven’s Pack goes 4-7. WPA uses GPS to ensure our client-dogs the best and safest experiences possible. The amount of activity your dog achieves with WPA will satisfy their physical, social, and emotional needs so that they are happier and more well-behaved at home.

Each dog is screened for compatibility and thoughtfully integrated into a long-term pack. The same group of friends adventure together each week, which allows dogs to develop important communication and socialization skills. As sentient, social beings, long-term friendships are important to dogs, something often overlooked in our society. To understand more about Toby’s philosophy on this, stay tuned to social media and blogs.

Toby Joy, the Owner of WPA, is the most experienced wilderness adventurer to lead dog packs in the PNW. Every Wild Pup works directly with her. They get to know each other extremely well, an intimacy necessary for the high level experiences offered by WPA. Read more about Toby, including her training, knowledge, and experience. WPA clients are long-term and regular, so that each dog can be understood deeply, as the individual they are. Toby seeks to hold each client, whether human or animal, with warmth and care.

Learner-Centered Dog Training™ is a philosophy and method that Toby developed. As a learner-centered experiential educator for humans previously, she believes that every successful leader must respect the unique and individual personality, needs, and motivations, of every learner. One must also read and respond to feedback throughout the interaction. In order to do this, a deep and intimate understanding of dog communication is needed. Read more about her philosophy. Every wild pup learns valuable skills impacting the human-animal connection and quality of life for all, on and off the trail. Do you want your dog not to run so far ahead on the trail? To return to you when called? To be confident navigating any type of terrain? To stay away from your feet or sports equipment? Wild Pups learn all of that and much more!

Humans aren’t the only sentient beings who affirm their own existence and seek ways to express their very being. Dogs too deserve a life they find meaningful and enjoyable.