K9 Enrichment

What is K9 Enrichment?

K9 Enrichment is a term used to describe activities that provide dogs an outlet for physical and mental stimulation. These activities are designed to help dogs reduce boredom and improve overall health and well-being. Dogs, just like their human partners, crave activity designed to engage and challenge them, especially in a boarding environment. Canine Enrichment has also been shown to help exercise dog’s natural instincts, like herding, in a safe, appropriate, and healthy way. Providing your pup with enrichment during their boarding stay can help them have a sense of control over their environment which may lead to reducing their stress and anxiety in a new place.

As pet owners ourselves, we are always looking for new ways to enhance the boarding experience for our pet guests. The guiding principle behind our canine enrichment program is to provide a safe and healthy atmosphere in which to give dogs added physical and mental stimulation during their stay. Dogs require mental and physical stimulation to thrive, and enrichment helps fulfill that need. Our head trainer has designed a variety of activities to cater towards all types of pet personalities and fitness levels. All dogs are individuals and you may need to experiment to find the type of activity your pet likes best. We recommend trying one of our packages as there are different activities included all in one option!

The benefits of enrichment are many and varied and we encourage you to try out some of our options during your pet’s next stay, but also to continue the fun at home! There are many different DIY enrichment activities you can provide for your pet, which could be as simple as trying a new route for your morning walk, adding a food puzzle to one of your pup’s meals, or training a new trick. At the end of the day, we all love our pets like they are part of our family. While enrichment helps them in many ways, it also has the ability to strengthen the bond between us.

Meet Our Head Trainer

Our Canine Enrichment program was founded and is run by our Head Trainer, Ashley Mosca, CPDT-KA, CPACM.

Learn More

Tier Options

Wellness Tier

Lick Mat – Lick mats help reduce stress and anxiety by giving your pup both mental stimulation and relaxation, similar to a slow feeder. It’s a fun way to extend their time indulging in a fun, yummy treat! NOTE: Not a good option for chewers or shredders.
Frozen Stuffed Kong Toy – Frozen, stuffed Kongs will keep most pups entertained for quite a while and keep their minds stimulated. Kongs CAN be a good option even for pups that are nervous chewers or shredders.
Food Puzzles – Level up your pup’s mental stimulation with one of our many choices of food and treat puzzles! NOTE: Not a good option for chewers or shredders.
- Filling options for any of the above activities:
  - Basic Fillings – Yogurt, Pure Pumpkin, Purina ProPlan EN wet food
  - Premium Fillings – Chicken Breast, Fish Skin, Peanut Butter

Person playing with a Border Collie using a flirt pole on a grassy surface

Play Tier – 30 Minute Activity

Flirt Pole – Think giant cat feather toy, but for dogs! This tool works a pup’s natural instinct to herd and drive to work and run.
Fetch & Tug – A classic. An oldie but a goodie with an impulse twist thrown in. Dogs will be asked to “sit” and “down” and wait to be released before the ball is thrown. This will help dogs work on impulse control while enjoying their favorite game.
Pool Time – Fun in the sun and perfect for summer! We have smaller pools for our tiny friends and a large 500-gallon pool for our more adventurous pups! Lifeguard will be on duty. Weather Permitting.
Agility Course Work – Work on weave poles, running through a tunnel, jumping through a hoop, and jumps! This can be for dogs who are experienced or new to the agility world.
Mini Trail Hike – A go at your own pace, decompression walk – a shorter version of our Trail Hike!
“Sniff-ari” – Have your dog search and find multiple types of hidden treats and goodies in our play yard!

Adventure Tier – 60 Minute Activity

Trail Hike – A less structured, go at your own pace, decompression walk. Perfect for dogs that like to take their time and take in the sights in new environments.
Treasure Hunt – Follow scents on the trail as we work on a “find it” command. Dogs will be allowed to smell everything on this “sniff-ari” and search for treats on the trail.
Treadmill Time – Introduction and desensitization work on a treadmill. Great for pups who like a challenge, have some extra energy to run out, or who are used to getting lots of exercise at home!

Dog sitting on a large rock on a forest trail

Two dogs playing on a grassy surface near a fence

Puppy Play Time – Less Than 5 Months Old

Socialization with new people and environments
Play time with appropriate play mates
Name and Engagement work

Packages

Each package contains an adventure photo!

Fit Pup

With this package, each dog gets a Pumpkin stuffed KONG, a fun and healthy treat that keeps them engaged and satisfied. They also enjoy an Mini Trail Hike to improve their agility and fitness, and Agility Course Work to burn off energy and maintain their physical health.

Playful Pup

With this package, each dog gets a Lick Mat with Peanut Butter, providing a delightful and engaging treat to keep them entertained. They also enjoy Fetch and Tug Session to stimulate their play instincts, followed by a Relaxing Trail Hike to explore nature and exercise.

Explorer Pup

The Playful Pup package comes with a Food Puzzle filled with chicken breast, stimulating their minds and rewarding them with a tasty treat. They also engage in "Sniff-ari" to improve their physical fitness and coordination, and participate in a Treasure Hunt to satisfy their natural curiosity and problem-solving instincts.

Request a Reservation Now!!

Staying at the Pender Pet Resort ensures your pet receives top-notch care, a comfortable environment, and plenty of personalized attention, making it a home away from home.

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