Enrichment Forest
Discover a dedicated enrichment forest a natural space designed for slowing down, exploring, and reconnecting with your dog in nature.
WHAT IT IS
The Enrichment Forest is a private, naturally-designed sensory space where dogs explore, discover, and decompress through instinct-driven activities.
Unlike dog parks (chaotic, unpredictable social spaces) or standard off-leash areas (unstructured running), The Enrichment Forest engages multiple aspects of canine wellbeing simultaneously: cognitive challenge, physical movement, sensory exploration, instinctual satisfaction, and emotional regulation.
In simple terms:It’s a private acre of pine forest transformed into a rotating adventure that satisfies what your dog was born to do, sniff, dig, explore, hunt, and navigate using only natural materials and terrain.
WHAT MAKES IT DIFFERENT
Private Sessions
You book a 30-minute time slot. It’s just you and your dog. No other dogs. No triggers. No chaos. No interruptions.
Perfect for:
- Reactive or anxious dogs who need space
- Dogs in training who need distraction-free practice
- Any dog who deserves undivided exploration time
Built with Nature, Not Plastic
Every element is made from natural materials, logs, earth, stone, pine, and scent. No artificial agility equipment. No manufactured puzzles. Just instinct-engaging installations that feel like real forest exploration.
Rotating Weekly Themes
The forest operates on a 4-week rotation. Each week offers a completely different sensory adventure, so even if you visit regularly, your dog’s experience stays fresh and challenging.
The Four Themes:
- Forager’s Trail: Food puzzles and problem-solving through natural materials
- Scent Detective: Nose work and tracking with varied scent profiles
- Wild Instincts: Prey drive engagement and physical challenge
- Explorer’s Challenge: Novelty, confidence-building, and choice-making
Permanent Signature Features
- The Dig Pit: A dedicated zone where digging is encouraged (finally!)
- Triple Tunnel System: One above-ground, two below-ground exploration tunnel.
- Natural Installations: Scent post garden, log labyrinths, balance beams, earth mounds, stump circles, and more
What’s hidden inside and around these features changes weekly based on the theme.
WHY DOGS BENEFIT FROM THIS
Many modern dogs have limited opportunities for instinct-driven behaviors. Daily life often consists of leash walks on sidewalks, eating from bowls, and waiting at home, a far cry from the foraging, exploring, and problem-solving their ancestors did naturally.
A Different Approach
Research in canine behavior and welfare shows that environmental enrichment providing species-appropriate activities, choices, and sensory engagement can reduce stress behaviors and improve overall wellbeing.
The Enrichment Forest provides:
- Cognitive engagement: Problem-solving, scent discrimination, memory challenges, decision-making
- Sensory stimulation: Utilizing dogs’ incredible sense of smell (10,000-100,000x more sensitive than humans), varied textures, and novel objects
- Physical activity: Natural movement patterns: climbing, digging, navigating varied terrain, balance work
- Instinctual outlets: Foraging, tracking, denning, exploration behaviors dogs are hardwired to perform
- Choice and agency: Self-directed exploration, which research suggests supports emotional welfare
Many owners report their dogs are calmer and more settled after sessions that combine mental and physical engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this just an off-leash dog park?
No. Dog parks are social spaces where dogs play together (often chaotically). The Enrichment Forest is private, sensory-focused, and designed for individual exploration and mental engagement, not dog-dog social interaction.
Can I bring multiple dogs?
Yes, if they’re from the same household and get along well. The session price stays the same whether you bring one dog or multiple from your household.
What if my dog is reactive to other dogs?
Perfect! Sessions are completely private. You’ll never encounter another dog during your time slot. This makes it ideal for reactive, anxious, or dog-selective dogs who can’t safely enjoy dog parks.
Do I have to stay with my dog?
Yes. You’re present as observer, supporter, and for safety. You don’t have to direct, control, or constantly engage—just be there while your dog explores.
What if my dog doesn’t seem interested?
Some dogs need time to understand that exploration and choice are allowed. If your dog seems uncertain during the first visit, that’s normal. Many dogs build confidence over 2-3 sessions.
Can I use this for training?
Absolutely. Many trainers and owners use the space to practice recall, impulse control, calmness around novel stimuli, or confidence-building in a controlled, low-pressure environment. The private setting is ideal for training without the unpredictability of public spaces.
How often should we visit?
Frequency depends on your dog’s needs and your goals:
Weekly:Ideal for experiencing all four themes regularly, building routine
Bi-weekly:Provides variety and enrichment without over-commitment
Monthly or occasional:Perfect for special outings, decompression after stressful events (vet visits, travel), or supplementing other activities
What if my dog just wants to dig the whole time?
That’s completely fine! If digging in the dig pit satisfies your dog for 30 minutes, that’s instinctual fulfillment. There’s no requirement to experience every element. Let your dog choose what engages them.