Playful Pups Blog
Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and Stress in Dogs: Building Confidence for a Happier Life
Just like humans, dogs can experience fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) in various situations—whether at home, in public, or during stays away from home with a pet care provider, like Playful Pups Retreat. Recognizing the signs of FAS and implementing strategies to alleviate these feelings are crucial steps in helping our canine companions lead confident…
Read More
Top 3 Tips for First-Time Dog Parents: Setting Your New Dog Up for Success
Welcoming a new dog into your life is an incredible journey, filled with joy, countless heartwarming moments, and likely a few challenges along the way. As the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, I’ve had the privilege of helping many first-time dog parents navigate this exciting new chapter. Whether you’ve adopted an adult dog or welcomed…
Read More
Understanding the Dog Sociability Scale
Dogs, like people, have unique personalities and ways of interacting with the world around them. The Dog Sociability Scale categorizes canine social tendencies into four types: Dog Social, Dog Tolerant, Dog Selective, and Dog Aggressive. The team of pet care professionals at Playful Pups Retreat cares for all four types of dogs and we have…
Read More
Why Dog Training is About More Than Obedience
When most people think about dog training, they picture teaching their furry companions to sit, stay, or come when called. While these obedience skills are important, dog training encompasses so much more. It’s about equipping your dog with the life skills they need to thrive in a variety of environments, building their confidence, and fostering…
Read More
Start the New Year on the Right Paw with a Training Program at Playful Pups Retreat!
January is National Train Your Dog Month, and what better way to start the new year than by helping your pup build confidence, learn new skills, and have a tail-wagging good time? Here at Playful Pups Retreat, we’re thrilled to support families like yours in setting your dogs up for success in 2025. To celebrate…
Read More
Unlocking the Power of Canine Enrichment: Introducing Mission E.N.R.I.C.H.
As dog lovers and caregivers, we all want the very best for our furry family members. At Playful Pups Retreat, we know that keeping dogs happy, healthy, and thriving goes far beyond meeting their basic needs. That’s where enrichment comes in. Why Enrichment Matters Enrichment isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a vital part of…
Read More
What Does a Puppy’s Path to Success Look Like?
Families often bring puppies home for the holidays because it’s a time filled with togetherness, joy, and special memories, making it an ideal backdrop for welcoming a new furry friend into the family. With extra time off work and school, families can dedicate attention to bonding with the puppy, beginning their training, and helping them…
Read More
Tips for Helping Dogs Stay Calm During the Holiday Hustle
The holiday season is a whirlwind of fun and activity, filled with decorating, cooking, wrapping gifts, hosting parties, and welcoming family and friends. For pet parents, this time of year is magical, but for our furry family members, it can be overwhelming. The unfamiliar scents, increased noise, and sudden changes in routine can heighten anxiety…
Read More
Spooky Season is Here, But No Need to Fear—Our Facility is Fear Free Certified!
Halloween is just around the corner, and while we love a good spooky celebration at Playful Pups Retreat—with our costume contests, photoshoots, and fun crafts—there are some fears that should never be part of the festivities, on Halloween or any other day. One of the most unsettling fears for pet parents is worrying about the…
Read More
October is Adopt a Dog Month: We’re Celebrating Adopted Dogs!
October is Adopt a Dog Month, and while we love EVERY dog who stays and plays with us, we want to give a special shout-out to all the adopted dogs who come to Playful Pups Retreat. Many of our clients have opened their hearts and homes to dogs from local rescues and shelters, welcoming them…
Read More