Our Mission
Our mission is to foster a community of diverse outdoor-loving balanced dog owners by providing a safe, inclusive, educational, and fun experience for them & their dogs.
Our Vision
We envision a world where our planet is respected and cared for, where well-trained dogs are the norm, where we can cultivate diverse community among balanced dog owners and nature enthusiasts, where we can gain confidence through the shared experience of adventure outside, and where outdoor spaces are accessible to all.
Our Values
Respect, Advocacy, & Coexistence
We know all too well what it’s like to own challenging dogs, whether they are reactive, aggressive, or fearful. We value respecting other dog owners, their own personal & training journeys, as well as their dogs’ space in the city & out on the trails. We recognize that it is our responsibility as dog owners to keep our dogs safe and we value advocating for our dogs by any means necessary. We believe it is possible for all manner of dogs to coexist peacefully in outdoor spaces if this respect is commonly extended and our dogs are always advocated for.
Education
We understand that there are often educational barriers that prevent folks from adventuring in the outdoors with their four-legged companions, from lack of gear knowledge to inexperience in an activity to being unprepared in the event of an emergency. We value the importance of education and recognize that it is the first stepping stone on a path to responsible and enjoyable outdoor recreation.
Community
We believe balanced dog owners represent a source of leadership, strength, and vision for the future of dog ownership. As members of both the BIPOC & LGBTQ+ communities, we know firsthand that we are wildly under-represented in outdoor spaces. We feel it is our duty to cultivate & nurture these communities.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We value the diversity that exists in both the outdoor and balanced dog communities. We recognize the importance it is to have visibility of under-represented folks in these spaces. We aim to serve as role models in bringing together these communities at their intersections and we are committed to creating events that are accessible and inclusive to all.
Environmental Stewardship
This beautiful planet has provided us with an endless bounty of spaces for exploration and adventure. As dog owners who spend much of our time enjoying the outdoors, we believe it is our responsibility to care for the land on which we recreate. We are committed to always leaving it better than we found it. (Yes, this includes picking up our dogs’ poop.)