Did you know mental exercise tires a dog physically more than physical exercise?
At Percy’s Playground we try to think less like humans and more like dogs. We encourage natural dog behaviors in order to get them thinking. Interacting. Engaging. Doing. Exploring. Learning. We provide lots of ways for dogs to do what they do best: be dogs!
Although dogs were domesticated by humans thousands and thousands of years ago, they do still share more than 99% of their DNA with wolves. It’s quite remarkable to know that tiny little bit accounts for such a big difference! So, while they love us and love hanging out with us, and may even love our couch or bed, they are still dogs who have their own needs as a species.
Enrichment is providing experiences and activities that fulfill those needs: both biological and behavioral. These experiences contribute to overall mental, physical, emotional and instinctual health. Because even though they’re our pets, they are still dogs after all.
So unlike traditional daycare which primarily focuses on one enrichment type, social groups, we focus on the whole dog. It’s about balance. Dogs who are emotionally, instinctually, mentally and physically healthy.
Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs) are additions to the dog’s environment they interact with that encourage expression of natural behaviors. Whether these items are natural or novel/man-made, we encourage dogs get in touch with their inner dog.
It’s not just for meals or snack time! Dogs love to hunt, forage and problem-solve. And when they work for their kibble (and the occasional treat!) it’s a win-win.
Does your dog like to climb and perch on couches inside and rocks outside? Dig in the dirt or make “nests” with their blankets? Adding different substrates, levels and complexities to their space provides opportunities for expression of biological behaviors, exploration and confidence-building.
Throughout your dog’s stay at Percy’s, we practice and reinforce behaviors and manners that transfer into “real life.” Whether it’s Wait at the Door/Gate or Sit Politely for Petting, we love reinforcing (and rewarding!) Good Dog behaviors. Since we’ve got the area’s only Certified Professional Dog Trainer, this is one of our faves.
Creating positive and lasting interactions with others- dogs, humans and otherwise- is important for emotional health. Communication is a huge component of successful relationships and we work toward establishing common ground and connections with all our clients: both two-legged AND four-legged.
We all know dogs’ sense of smell is amazing – and they love to use it! But dogs of course have other senses too. We like to have fun with all of them.
Environment
Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs) are additions to the dog’s environment they interact with that encourage expression of natural behaviors. Whether these items are natural or novel/man-made, we encourage dogs get in touch with their inner dog.
Food
It’s not just for meals or snack time! Dogs love to hunt, forage and problem-solve. And when they work for their kibble (and the occasional treat!) it’s a win-win.
Habitat
Does your dog like to climb and perch on couches inside and rocks outside? Dig in the dirt or make “nests” with their blankets? Adding different substrates, levels and complexities to their space provides opportunities for expression of biological behaviors, exploration and confidence-building.
Behavioral
Throughout your dog’s stay at Percy’s, we practice and reinforce behaviors and manners that transfer into “real life.” Whether it’s Wait at the Door/Gate or Sit Politely for Petting, we love reinforcing (and rewarding!) Good Dog behaviors. Since we’ve got the area’s only Certified Professional Dog Trainer, this is one of our faves.
Relationships
Creating positive and lasting interactions with others- dogs, humans and otherwise- is important for emotional health. Communication is a huge component of successful relationships and we work toward establishing common ground and connections with all our clients: both two-legged AND four-legged..
Sensory
We all know dogs’ sense of smell is amazing – and they love to use it! But dogs of course have other senses too. We like to have fun with all of them.
