Enrichment Dog Walks
Your dog deserves the very best. That’s why we offer Enrichment Dog Walks—a specialized dog walking service designed to fulfill the whole dog, body and mind. Each session provides a unique experience tailored to your dog's interests and needs.
Services:
Not Your Average Dog Walk
Patrick’s Pet Care began as a dog walking company a decade ago. We’ve evolved to offer Enrichment Dog Walks based on what science says dogs need to be fulfilled: discovery & engagement of the senses and the mind, the ability to choose, physical exercise, and individual attention.
Our Enrichment Dog Walks aren’t intended to be used as a daily dog walking service (though you certainly can!)—they are designed to be a consistent, regular treat for your dog to make sure they are getting the enrichment they need and deserve. Book a session when you know you have a particularly busy week ahead or pair our Enrichment Dog Walks with your regular daily dog walking service to help keep your pup happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated.
Our Enrichment Walks Provide:
- Choice-based, dog-led walks
- Customized enrichment activities based on your dog’s interests
- Reinforcement of a force-free training regimen
- Consistent, professional, and local staffing by our apprentice dog trainers
- Direct & real time communication through our app
- Detailed reports with photos and/or videos
- GPS tracking
- Different options for dogs who have different needs
We do not go to public dog parks to avoid exposure to common parasites and off leash dogs.
Our Enrichment Dog Walks
Exploration Walks (Sniffaris)
For dogs who want to enjoy any safe area of his/her choosing.
- 25-35 minutes long
- Designed to trigger and fulfill the dog's seeking and consummation systems
- Also known as a “Sniffari,” a long leash will be used to allow the dog to lead and explore
- If desired, a basket muzzle, which allows the dog to pant and drink water, can be provided to protect the dog from grabbing or ingesting anything it may find during the walk
- Scent games, “Find It,” fetch, food puzzles and other enrichment activities can be incorporated
- Assumed to be solo, but can be paired by request, based on availability
- For dogs older than 4 months
Exercise Walks
Perfect for energetic dogs who need exercise.
- 30-45 minutes long
- Designed to maintain stamina, provide an outlet for a dog’s physical needs of exercise, and activate the endocannabinoid system
- This walk can be a run/jog on a leash, with minimal exploration for the dog
- Exercise helps release endorphins and opioids in the brain, promoting an overall feeling of wellbeing
- Games like fetch and tug can be played using a long line leash, to encourage exercise
- Assumed to be solo, but can be paired by request, based on availability
- For dogs older than 4 months to approximately 12 years
Puppy Socialization Walk
For puppies 8 weeks to 4 months who may not be fully vaccinated and can’t get through a full day without relief.
- 25-35 minutes long
- 1 hour service window between 10-11am and 3-4pm
- Offered exclusively by staff who are certified in fear- and force-free puppy socialization
- Customizable to focus on a puppy’s particular needs and living situation
- We can also perform tasks to help keep the puppy happy during the day, such as hand feeding, changing puppy pads, swapping out treats, refreshing their water, and cleaning up any accidents
- Enrichment games and activities
- Work on name recognition, harness desensitization, and leash manners
- Practice coming and going to avoid separation anxiety
- Safely socialize the puppy to all things “new” in the world using our fear and force free practices
TLC Walk
For senior and disabled dogs, including dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis.
- 25-35 minutes long
- Customizable to focus on a senior or disabled dog’s particular needs and living situation
- Taking the time needed to make it enjoyable for them
- Helping those who have difficulty with movement
- Slow pace to allow time to stop and smell the roses
- Enrichment games and activities that are compatible with any impairments or restrictions they have
- If the dog requires lifting, it must be less than 50lbs
Need help reinforcing your dog's training regimen? Are walks with your dog a struggle?
Our Training Department also offers Training Walks!
Learn MoreWhat Makes Us Special?
GPS Tracking
Every visit is tracked in real time so you can verify that your dog is safe and happy
Trained Specialists
Our staff are experts at what they do because they’re trained, tested on it, and paid well. All of our staff are fear-free, force-free certified, and most are apprentice dog trainers.
Consistent, Local Staff
We’ll know you and your dog by name, and you’ll know your specialist by name, too.
Package Options
Easily combine Enrichment Dog Walks with Dog Montessori School and other services.
Detailed Reports
Feel like you joined your dog on his/her walk. See for yourself–check out a sample report card.
Peace of Mind
Comprehensive insurance means accidents are covered. Background Checks mean we take your trust seriously.
Serving Washington, DC
Our enrichment dog walking services cover all areas on the map marked in blue. For a detailed look, click here.
New Customers
Enrichment Walk Basic Requirements:
Your dog is ready for our Enrichment Dog Walks if they do not pull excessively on the leash, growl or bark at other dogs while on leash, and if they aren’t afraid of the outside world to the point of being a flight risk. If your dog does experience any of these challenges, you will want to start with our training walks first.
- Valid DC Dog License
- Age: 8 weeks +
- Vaccinations (Puppies Under 20 Weeks: 1st round of Distemper, Parvovirus, Bordetella
- Vaccinations (All Dogs Over 20 Weeks): Rabies, DHPP / DAPP, and Bordetella
- In-person Meet and Greet and first Enrichment Walk - $50
Learn More About Enrichment Walks
Experience Nimbu's Enrichment Walk
Your Dog Walking Questions, Answered!
All About Our Exercise & Exploration Enrichment Walks
What Our Clients Say
Henry absolutely adores the enrichment walks with the team. They make sure he has a wonderful time on their adventures exercising, sniffing, and playing games - the videos and photos are a highlight of my day. I would highly recommend Patrick's to anyone looking for training, walking, and daycare services for their dogs - your doggos will thank you!!SUSAN K.
I adopted a wonderful but challenging rescue pup and was totally overwhelmed. I needed support and a safe, positive environment where Nimbu would be able to thrive. I found Patrick’s and it changed our lives! Nimbu loves her enrichment walks where she’s learning to be calmer on walks and explore her environment confidently.ANJANA P.
