Enrichment Days
Does your dog need to get out of the house? Do they need a job to do? Is daycare too much stimulation for your pup, or do they just not enjoy playing with other dogs?
Enrichment Days are the perfect way to give your dog the mental & physical enrichment they crave! This is our during-the-day-care option for dogs who aren’t the right fit for Daycare With A Difference or who just need a bit more mental stimulation.
Interested in being part of our Beta phase? Our General Manager, Avery, will assist you!
Get Started with Enrichment Days!
Requirements & Recommendations
Proof of a current rabies vaccine is required for all dogs, unless medically exempt. We also recommend Distemper and Bordetella vaccines as well as flea & tick prevention, as the dogs spend plenty of time outside.
Both altered & unaltered dogs are welcome. Enrichment days are not intended for puppies younger than 16 weeks.
What's Included
- (3) 20-Minute Sessions of Your Choice: Each dog will enjoy a multitude of session options, from reinforcing commands to playtime with a staff member!
- Cozy Canine Room: Between sessions, pups will relax by lounging in their own 3’ x 4’ room or 48” crate with a water bucket, & any comfy touches you’d like to bring from home.
- Report Card: Dogs will get a report card describing their day’s activities FREE with each visit!
- …& More! Enrichment sessions are customizable to each dog’s specific needs!
Please don't hesitate to ask if there are any activities your dog might enjoy or any specific behaviors you would like us to work on.
What are the benefits of Enrichment Days?
Dogs need a minimum of 20 minutes of enrichment a day in order to maintain their physical & mental health. Dogs who don't get these needs met often resort to inappropriate behaviors. Enrichment Days are designed to not just meet, but exceed, your dog’s enrichment needs so you can check off that item on your busy to-do list. Dogs are happier, calmer, more well-adjusted, and more open to new experiences when they meet their enrichment needs. They often show a reduction in undesirable behaviors, as well.
Availability & Cost
Enrichment days are available Monday-Friday every week, not including holidays.
- Drop-off window: 6:30 am-9:30 am
- Pick-up window: 4 pm-6:30 pm
Enrichment Full Days are $55
Enrichment Half Days are $50
Daycare + Enrichment Combo (2 sessions during their daycare day) are $20 + a Full Day of Daycare ($40)
Factors of Enrichment
Enrichment teaches dogs to meet their species- and breed-typical needs in appropriate ways! The best way to do this will varies from dog to dog. There are multiple factors to consider when planning the perfect enrichment day for your pup.
Physical Needs
Dogs often meet physical needs through play and through practicing what to do with their bodies during exciting situations.
Example Activities: Playing fetch or tug, practicing calm introductions.
Mental Needs
Dogs have an innate drive to do the “job” their breed was created to do. Mental exercise helps relieve stress by giving them an appropriate way to act on this drive.
Example Activities: Obedience, sniff walking.
Emotional Needs
Dogs feel most secure when they know what to do and what not to do. A secure dog is not only happy, but ready to learn!
Example Activities: Touch desensitization, introduction to grooming.
Agency
Letting dogs make their own choices when safe and reasonable--for example, which toy to play with or which game to play--helps to build confidence and discourage learned helplessness. We've designed an extensive menu of activities to meet the needs of each dog in a personalized way.
See what our Enrichment Days regulars have to say!
"I started bringing Mochi to Paws and Claws 1 year ago. After a few doggy daycare visits, the staff noticed that Mochi did not seem to be enjoying herself in a group setting. They recommended Mochi try Enrichment instead where they could keep her comfortable and work with her individually. Mochi began to love her Enrichment days! So much, in fact, that she patiently waits by the car even on days when she isn’t scheduled. It’s gives me peace of mind knowing that she is getting exercise both mentally and physically while I am at work. I even found Mochi’s behavior and demeanor to improve at home. One of my favorite parts of her Enrichment days are the report cards. They are so fun to read and I appreciate the time the staff takes to upload photos and commentary. I also can’t say enough good things about the staff. Everyone is so kind! Thank you Paws and Claws for taking the best care of my fur baby! Mochi loves her days spent there!" - Mochi's Mom
"Enrichment days have been a total game changer for us. Murray, unfortunately, had some bad experiences that made him unfit for traditional doggie daycare, but as a very high energy breed we still needed a solution to help get his energy out every week. Enrichment days are a perfect fit because Murray gets one-on-one attention with the staff (who he loves) and has multiple sessions a day getting to play different games, go on walks, and learn new skills. The best part of enrichment days though has been the change we have seen in Murray overall. He can be very reactive, but since starting enrichment days I have seen great improvements in his overall demeanor. He barks less at other dogs and is much more attentive on walks. Most importantly he interacts better with our two year old, which has reduced our stress greatly. At our lowest point we thought we might have to rehome Murray because we weren't sure we could give him what he needed. Enrichment days have changed that. They give us the opportunity to give him what he needs, while keeping both him and everyone else safe. I could not be more thankful to Paws and Claws for giving him an opportunity to his best self." - Murray's Mom
