Our Partnership with Peninsula Pups Wagventures

At Hearts at Home Pet Sitting, we’ve always believed that dogs are family, and that caring for them goes beyond daily routines. It’s about connection, enrichment, and community. That’s why we’re excited to share our partnership with Peninsula Pup Wagventures. As a community partner, we support Peninsula Pup Adventures’ mission: to bring dog lovers together in a welcoming, supportive environment where both humans and dogs can thrive. Through monthly walks, hikes, and group outings, they offer opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and meaningful social connection, all while strengthening the human–dog bond.

What is Peninsula Pups Wagventures?

While the outings are a big draw, Peninsula Pups Wagventures is about much more than getting steps in. Club members become part of a community where questions are welcomed, resources are shared, and conversations about responsible, compassionate pet care are encouraged.

These events create space for dog parents to:

• Meet like-minded people who view dogs as family
• Learn from one another in a supportive, judgment-free setting
• Build confidence handling their dogs in real-world environments
• Participate in initiatives that support local pet charities, shelters, and rescues

Through community involvement and events, Peninsula Pups Wagventures also helps raise awareness and essential funds for animal-related causes, something we deeply value at Hearts at Home.

An Inclusive Space for All

One of the reasons this partnership feels like such a natural fit is Peninsula Pups Wagventures’ commitment to inclusivity. Their events are designed to welcome people of all genders, ages, identities, abilities, backgrounds, and life experiences. Everyone deserves access to community, support, and joyful experiences with their dogs, and this group truly walks the walk.

Force-Free, Fear-Free Philosophy

Equally important is Peninsula Pup Wagventures’  dedication to positive, science-based approaches to dog handling and training. All walks, outings, and learning opportunities are rooted in force-free, fear-free principles that prioritize dogs’ emotional and physical wellbeing.

This means:

• Positive reinforcement over punishment
• Rewarding desirable behaviors instead of correcting mistakes
• Avoiding tools that cause pain, fear, or stress

This approach aligns perfectly with our philosophy at Hearts at Home. Dogs learn best when they feel safe, supported, and understood, especially in group or public settings.

Why We’re Excited to Participate, and Invite You Along

Now that Hearts at Home Pet Sitting is a partner, we’re especially excited to encourage our Yorktown, Poquoson, and Hampton Roads clients and community members to get involved. Whether you’re looking for structured enrichment for your dog, a chance to meet fellow dog lovers, or a positive way to spend time outdoors together, Peninsula Pups Wagventures offers something truly special.

Community makes pet care stronger and everything more fun. We hope to see you and your dog on a walk soon. Check out upcoming events here. Don’t forget to bookmark the events page and follow their Facebook page to stay informed of upcoming wagventures!

How to Know if Your Dog Would Enjoy a Pupventure

Not every dog loves every activity, and that’s okay. Dogs who tend to enjoy pupventures are usually curious about their surroundings, comfortable walking on a leash, and able to stay relatively relaxed around other dogs and people. They don’t need to be perfectly trained or highly social, but they should enjoy being out of the house and engaging with new environments at their own pace.

Dogs who benefit most often show signs like eager body language on walks, interest in sniffing and exploring, and the ability to recover quickly from new experiences and interactions. If your dog prefers calm outings, does well with positive reinforcement, and enjoys quality time with you or a trusted handler, a structured, force-free group walk can be a rewarding experience. And for dogs who are newer to group settings, starting slowly and choosing supportive, low-pressure events makes all the difference.

When in doubt, check out an event without your dog to test the waters. If you find a connection with the group or activity, and think your dog would do the same, go for it!

Dog Walkers & Pet Sitters in Yorktown, Poquoson, & Newport News

Hearts at Home Pet Sitting has been the most trusted dog walking and pet sitting company in Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News, and Hampton, VA, since 2012. Our dog walking, dog sitting, and cat sitting services are tailored to each family and pet’s needs, ensuring your peace of mind and their safety every day and every visit.