The Secret Dog Garden is an enclosed canine enrichment facility which allows your dog to focus on their natural behaviours – sniff, search, investigate and explore, providing them with a complete mental and physical workout. (Please note the area is approximately 50metres by 50metres.)
The area is designed from the dog’s point of view with sensory planting including lavender and rosemary, recycled objects with a scent history such as children’s toys, horse rugs and brushes, shoes and boots, hats and gloves, bicycle tyres and brooms. Scent cloths, feathers, and other items with various animal smells can also be discovered.
Dogs see in a range of blue and yellow so items have been chosen to reflect this to give them a visual experience as well as an olfactory workout. Different textiles have been used to enhance the sense of touch with gravel, stone and wooden paving slabs around the outside areas, and indoor areas have non-slip mats of various material such as nylon, foam and natural fur, plus hanging items to brush against like scarves and beads. Our Great British birds provide a natural soundtrack in the garden, and indoor areas have bells, rattles and other items that make a sound when nudged with a nose.
How your dog moves around the area is considered with different levels to reach via ramps or steps, plus objects to step over, step on, or avoid, dependent on your dog’s preference. As your dog moves around and explores, they will discover natural treats hidden in boxes, puzzles, snuffle mats and even ball pits.
The Secret Dog Garden gives your dog the opportunity to simply be a dog, allowing them to make their own choices and explore at their own pace. For this reason, only one dog can visit at any one time, as it is their experience for them to enjoy undistracted.
As all dogs are unique, each experience is planned on an individual basis taking into account your dog’s preferences, age and ability, character and behaviour, and the layout is adapted accordingly. It is also your opportunity for you to relax and simply observe your dog’s natural behaviour. On subsequent visits, the environment can be changed to reflect your dog’s preferences or provide additional opportunities.