and What It Taught Me About Real Enrichment
When Praline was two ( she turned 8 this week), I thought I was doing everything right as a dog mom.
Like most busy professionals, I wanted her to have fun, stay active, and socialize while I worked long hours — so I did what many dog parents do. I signed her up for doggie daycare.
It seemed perfect in theory: she’d get exercise, playtime, and friends. I’d get peace of mind.
Or so I thought.
The Day Everything Changed
A few weeks in, I got a call from the daycare manager:
“Can you come in for a quick meeting about Praline?”
When I arrived, I could tell something was off. The manager sat me down and said, “Praline isn’t fitting in. She’s not playing like the other dogs — she watches from the sidelines, sometimes hides, and even snapped when a few dogs got too close.”
Then came the sentence that stuck with me for years:
“Praline just needs to play like all the other dogs.”
What I heard was:
“We need your dog to be like everyone else.”
And that broke my heart.
Because Praline wasn’t “difficult.” She was overwhelmed. Sensitive. Observant. A thinker. A dog who thrived on one-on-one connection — not chaos.
That day, I made a decision that would change everything.
I pulled her from daycare and decided to build a world that fit her.
From Overwhelmed to Understood
At first, I felt guilty.
Was I depriving her of something? Would she be lonely?
But almost immediately, I noticed something shift.
At home, she was calmer. More confident. More herself.
Instead of forcing her into overstimulating environments, I started focusing on enrichment — mental, emotional, and sensory activities that fit her personality and energy level.
We explored quiet parks, sniffed trails, practiced small training challenges, and enjoyed solo “sniffaris.” I learned to see her needs, not just her breed or what social media said a “well-rounded dog” should be.
And you know what? Praline blossomed.
She didn’t need a crowd. She needed connection.
The Birth of Praline’s Backyard
That moment — sitting in that daycare office — became the spark that started Praline’s Backyard Dog Services.
Because I realized something:
So many dogs are misunderstood.
They’re labeled as “shy,” “picky,” or “too independent,” when in reality, they’re simply overstimulated or mismatched for group play.
Doggie daycare can be great for some dogs — but it’s not the right fit for every personality. And forcing a sensitive or thoughtful dog to keep up in a chaotic pack can actually increase anxiety instead of relieving it.
At Praline’s Backyard, we built a different kind of care model — one centered on personalized enrichment instead of one-size-fits-all socialization.
Every walk, visit, or adventure is designed to meet your dog where they are, emotionally and physically.
Because every dog deserves to feel seen.
What Is Enrichment — Really?
Enrichment isn’t just “extra fun.” It’s essential for your dog’s happiness and well-being.
Where daycare focuses on group energy, enrichment focuses on individual engagement — giving your dog the chance to think, explore, sniff, solve, and decompress in ways that satisfy their instincts.
A few examples we use daily:
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Sniff walks (sniffaris): Slower walks that let dogs explore at their own pace, reducing anxiety and building confidence.
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Puzzle play: Using toys, scent trails, and lick mats to activate your dog’s brain.
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Calm engagement: Quiet time, brushing, or gentle touch to lower cortisol levels and strengthen trust.
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Day adventures: Tailored outings like nature hikes, brewery visits, or private park sessions — curated to your dog’s comfort level.
The goal?
To replace chaos with calm. Noise with connection. And stress with satisfaction.
For the Dog Who’s “Not a Daycare Dog”
If your dog has ever been called “antisocial,” “nervous,” or “too sensitive,” please know this:
You don’t have a problem dog.
You have a dog who needs the right environment to thrive.
Just like people, dogs have personalities, limits, and comfort zones.
Some are extroverts. Some are introverts. And many — like Praline — are beautifully in between.
At Praline’s Backyard, our mission is to help you honor who your dog truly is — not who they’re expected to be.
What We Hear Most from Our Clients
“My dog used to come home from daycare exhausted and stressed. Now she’s calmer, happier, and sleeps peacefully after her walks.”
“I used to feel guilty leaving my dog all day. The visit reports make me feel connected — I know he’s doing something that fills him up, not just wears him out.”
“It’s not just a walk — it’s like therapy for my dog.”
These stories are why we do what we do.
If You’re Feeling That Same Guilt
If your gut is telling you that daycare isn’t right for your dog, listen to it.
You’re not failing your dog — you’re finally hearing them.
Try replacing group play with enrichment-based walks, smaller social settings, or structured activities that build your dog’s confidence at their own pace.
And if you need help designing that balance, that’s exactly what we do.
We’ll guide you through an individualized care plan that brings peace to your schedule and joy to your dog’s day.
Because a balanced life — for you and your dog — really is a happy life.
Your Next Step
If you’re ready to build a life your dog truly loves:
1️⃣ Schedule a Dog Lifestyle Consultation HERE
We’ll get to know your dog’s temperament, preferences, and needs.
2️⃣ Start an Routine
Choose a routine that fits your lifestyle — from weekly walks to day adventures.
3️⃣ Watch Your Dog Thrive
You’ll see calmer behavior, deeper connection, and a happier home.