At Drools Doggy Day Care we believe the key to a happy and healthy dog is regular enrichment activities that provide biological fulfillment. Smelling, chasing, chewing, scavenging and playing are behaviours that every dog benefits from, no matter how big or small. Regularly engaging in activities that allow dogs to carry out these behaviours provides mental and physical stimulation, boosts confidence and can help reduce problem behaviours.  

We are an Enrichment based doggy day care which means there is a focus on activities that provide this biological fulfillment. These activities challenge our dog’s minds and bodies, build confidence, as well as encouraging appropriate socialisation amongst dogs. 

Our smaller group numbers and structured days mean our experienced staff can work one on one with each dog doing activities such as agility courses, treat hunts, puzzles, confidence building activities and obedience skills. We tailor activities to suit each dog’s ability, rotating them daily to ensure our dogs a have variety of experiences during their time with us.  

What activities to we do with the dogs, and how do they provide enrichment? 

Fun and fulfilling activities we do with the dogs include: 

  • Treat hunts, scatter feeding and food puzzles. These activities encourage sniffing and scavenging to find the tasty treats using the dog’s main sense- the sense of smell powered by their well developed olfactory system. Activities that get dogs using their noses are mentally stimulating as they process the scents around them to locate food and solve problems. 
  • Flirt poles and Tug Toys. These toys fulfill a dog’s desire to chase and mouth. 
    We have one on one structured play time, incorporating obedience skills like sit or down into play when using tug toys or flirt poles. Structured play teaches impulse control and makes the game more mentally stimulating for the dog as it requires them to listen to the handler and complete the obedience skill to continue the play. 
  • Agility courses These courses are always evolving, and can include hurdles, weave poles, a tunnel and ramp. The agility courses challenge the dogs physically, building confidence and improving coordination. We also use items like the Bosu ball to mix things up for the dogs, helping build their  confidence with uneven and unbalanced surfaces.