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Dog Enrichment

From interactive games to sensory play, we offer a variety of enrichment activities to keep your dog's mind and body active.
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Enrichment

Research shows that only 5% of dogs are full day group play dogs, meaning that the majority of dogs benefit the most from group play coupled with mental stimulation and individual attention. Alder Creek Kennel embodies this type of care offering enrichment and one-on-one human time as part of the dogs daily routine. Enrichment may include but is not limited to wobble boards, agility, treat puzzles, pack walks, bubble machines, access to a ball pit, basic obedience sessions, etc. These examples are all things that do not require a lot of physical effort but go a long way in stimulating a dog mentally. The dogs that are dog-friendly have the opportunity to play in groups monitored in person with cameras as backup. As stated previously the dogs in the care of Alder Creek Kennel get one-on-one time with a team member, this helps develop a bond with the dog making them feel loved and special. One-on-one human time might be in the form of the dog receiving cuddles for a little while, a walk with just them, a simple brushing of their fur or maybe playing a game of fetch depending on the dog's individual needs. Each dog will get some quiet time each afternoon to regain the energy needed to complete their day.
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Enrichment Options

Simple Agility
Lick Mat
Treat Puzzle
Kong
Fetch
Pack Walks
Bubble Machine
Snuffle Mat
Pup Cup
Herding Ball
Ball Pit
Dog Tunnels
Basic Commands
Lure Course

types of dog enrichment

  • Social

    Just like humans, dogs benefit when they have high quality social interactions. Social enrichment can be as simple as your dog meeting and interacting with other dogs and humans in a positive environment. Your pup needs friends!
    Some ways to give your dog social interaction include:
    -Play dates with dogs in your area
    -Group training classes
    -Encouraging your dog to interact with other dogs on walks, at the park, etc
    At Alder Creek Kennel, your dog will benefit from playing with other dogs and pack walks.

  • Occupational

    Is when you give your dog a job or task involving physical and mental exercise. It is most benefiticial if your dog does this job daily.
    Some ways to give your dog Occupational Enrichment include:
    -Dog sports such as cani-cross, dock diving, agility
    -Playing fetch or frisby
    -Trick training
    -Playing hide and seek with toys or treats
    At Alder Creek Kennel, your dog will benefit from participating in basic training, playing fetch, trying new tasks and basic agility.

  • Physical

    Is all about your dogs surroundings and environment, it includes altering the quality and complexity of the dogs living space.
    Some ways you can give your dog Physical Enrichment include:
    -having safe toys around the house and rotating them every once and a while
    -Adding raised platforms for your dog to get onto and explore (could be as simple as a raised bed)
    -having interactive toys
    -creating a digging area in your yard (sand pit)
    -your dog having a special place in the home just for them
    At Alder Creek Kennel your dog will benefit from playing in the ball pit, sleeping on a raised dog bed (coming soon), playing on the various structures in the yard and going on hikes through the woods.

  • Sensory

    Smells, sounds and sights all make up Sensory Enrichment, they keep the mind stimulated and can also have a calming effect on animals, reducing barking and increasing rest.
    Some ways to give your dog Sensory Enrichment include:
    -placing visually stimulating objects in your dogs play area
    -having low music plaing
    -having new scents in the play area for your dog to investigate
    -giving your dog a place to look out the window of your home
    At Alder Creek Kennel your dog will benefit from playing with the bubble machine (coming soon), smelling other dogs and people and using the snuffle mat.

  • Nutritional

    This is probably the type you are most used to, it is all about letting our dogs search and forage for food. It is great if you can incorporate it into every meal as it may decrease unwanted behaviors such as excess barking, and help increase physical activity.
    Some ways you can give your dog Nutritional Enrichment include:
    -puzzle feeders
    -lick mats
    -snuffle mats
    -kongs
    -playing hide and seek with treats
    At Alder Creek Kennel your dog will benefit from puzzle feeders, lick mats, snuffle mats, kongs, playing hide and seek with treats, pup cups, and much more!
  • “The new owners are great!! My dogs love it there. This is the first time in years that I’ve felt comfortable and trusted the staff to kennel my dogs. The additional enrichment activities ensure that my dogs come home tired and happy!”
    KS
  • “Such a great kennel! Our dog has been going since she was 5 months old. She gets excited when we pull in. They love the dogs, care for them very well. Absolutely recommend!”
    Bree R
  • “Our dog Maisie loves to come to Alder creek for daycare. She always gets so excited when we pack her bag for the day and she figures out she going. She also has a great time playing with the other dogs.”
    John M

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Address
489 Biesenthal Rd. Pembroke ON K8A 6W7
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