Canine Scentsory adventures

21/10/2025

There are still a few spaces available for Sunday at a very special price of £15 per session

The times available are

11,30

1.00

If you would like either of them please send a message or WhattsApp 07910 720961

More information

https://www.horseandhoundschool.co.uk/crabtreeenrichmentcentre

17/10/2025

Special Halloween prices for a session of enrichment for your dog

It is that time of year-some dogs get a little worried about all the random things we hang up as Halloween approaches

So, a few decorations and room to explore and check things out can make so much difference
The world changes a lot over the next month which is why it is a great time to let your dog explore and check that these odd things we hang from doors, trees and windows are actually nothing to be concerned about

Special Halloween prices ----£15.00 for a session for the next 3 Sundays from 19th October

If you would like an appointment send a message or WhattsApp 07910 720961

More information
https://www.horseandhoundschool.co.uk/crabtreeenrichmentc...

17/10/2025

Where is the witch?

13/10/2025

Yesterday I ran an afternoon workshop themed around bodywork for firework phobic dogs

The thing about bodywork is it looks easy, but it is a complex topic and first and foremost we need to make sure that our dogs are comfortable with us working with them

We need to think about the kind of pressure we use as we work on their bodies.

The aim of helping dogs to relax is a good one -but it is way too easy to use too much pressure, and the result of this is that our dogs never benefit from what we are trying to do

This is why it is so important to understand some anatomy, because you need to know where to place your hands on the body -plus knowledge of bony landmarks really does help overall understanding of your dog

We also need to make sure that the dog is in a comfortable area before we decide to give them any bodywork

So, the introduction to using bodywork for dogs is as important as what you actually do

The aim of using bodywork before firework season is to introduce your dog to a specific touch -a dogs sense of touch is incredibly sensitive so we can cause them to become alarmed if we use too much pressure or try to work with them when there is too much going on in and around your home

Once we learn about which techniques to use then we also have to practice and observe the dog-if the dog seems a little distracted it may be that they are feeling things in their bodies that are unusual. If they move away from you then just stop

If your dog returns to you then this is a sign they are happy for you to continue

If the dogs starts to drop off to sleep then you have done enough.
It may be that all you have to do is to repeat this once or twice a week to allow your dog to feel more relaxed as the fireworks start to go off

Bodywork can really help during firework season -if you are not sure how to start it is best to ask a qualified canine bodyworker for an appointment

There are many of us around and we can also show you some easy techniques to use in the run up to firework season



Pennie Clayton 2025

17/09/2025

Would you say your dog is fussy about their food?

People talk to me constantly about the worry that when they change their dogs food they eat it for a couple of days and then refuse it.

This can be for many reasons and health would be on the top of the list. If this happens constantly talk to your vet and do make an appointment and make sure your vet understands your concerns. Vets can't help unless you tell them the whole story

But

The truth is often far more basic.

The people that often tell me this feed their dogs on kibble. A friend of mine calls it "astronaut food" and she is not wrong.
Kibble may (or may not) have everything the dog needs to stay healthy. Do me a favour and take a sniff of the kibble you are using, if indeed that is what you are currently feeding your dog.
Kibble can go off -if it has a paint stripper smell it is indeed past its best and the bag should be thrown away, It is not fit to feed to your dog
Kibble is boring-the same texture and taste day in and out is not enticing

Dog guardians also tell me if they put other more tasty things in their dogs meals they will become "more fussy" and "spoilt" -this is not true!

Offer your dog variety -every time I watch the dogs moving around during enrichment sessions I see them quickly move on from foods I think they might enjoy and select others-but the same dogs on different days make different choices - and we humans are exactly the same

Do vary your dogs food-I know that we are advised to keep to the same foods because of GI upsets and illness and this is the case for some dogs but many dogs love a little extra in their food to provide extra texture, different tempting smells and just because they like to try different things

You do not radically have to change food and remember that a dog can't function without food or the correct amount of sleep and one can impact on the other

If at any point you would like some advice or help with your dog do contact me

15/09/2025

Monthly social walks near to the enrichment area

Where?
In a quiet area a short distance from the enrichment area

What happens?
These walks are quiet, all on lead. We help the dogs to settle, allow them to get used to the other dogs in the area and when the dogs are happy we begin walking

Who are they for?
to help dogs that are anxious around other dogs to build confidence.

I can also offer -
to assess your dog, provide you with information and a plan to help you and your dog with walks

Numbers are limited to 4 dogs per walk.
Price
£20.00 per session

If you would like to join please do contact me WhatsApp 07910 720961

09/09/2025

I have been doing a "spring clean" replacing the bunting and painting
Luckily Twoey has been helping (but he would rather watch)

Social walk Sunday 14th September

If you have a dog that is fearful around other dogs I am organising a social walk on Sunday morning -do message or call me if you would like more details 07910 720961

24/07/2025

15/07/2025

To be honest it has been a very tough couple of months.

Then the weather has caused ructions and it has been way too hot for dogs

I have some sessions available this Sunday if anyone would like a bit of peace and quiet in a very special place that invites your dog to explore, chill and start to rebalance after all the heat

If you are having any problems with your dog - behaviour support is on offer and we can discuss how enrichment can help and if your dog is recovering from an injury or is showing signs of slowing down not only can this be discussed but it may be that adding some very simple exercises that I can show you -can really help your dogs flexibility and mobility

If you would like to discuss your dog, please do call or message WhatsApp 07910 720961

The times that are available for 20th July are

11.30

1.00

14/06/2025

Why should enrichment feature in your dogs life?

For one thing it is a basic need, if we look at what dogs need to thrive you won't be surprised to see they are scavengers by nature-but there is more

Enrichment has so many important functions and we all need to understand first and foremost that dogs need choice and autonomy

We spend a lot of time organising our dogs lives but we have to learn that while there are some areas of their lives where we have to step in there are many others when choice becomes a critical skill rather than a luxury

If dogs are unable to choose wisely because we are always hands on then wellbeing suffers

I will be doing a series of posts which detail why enrichment is crucial for your dog over the next week or so both to inform but to celebrate our FIFTH birthday

If you have any questions, would like to book a session form your dog or join the social walk please message or call Pennie WhatsApp 07910 720961

13/06/2025

A look back at the five years that the Scentsory area has been welcoming dogs and their people

This was five years ago-the grass had taken over and had been strimmed to form paths for the dogs

It was pretty empty and less welcoming at that point but things were to change!