Crabtree Canine Enrichment and Training Centre, The Warren, Crowborough, TN6 1UB
Crabtree Canine Enrichment is a very special place that has been set up for dogs of all breeds and ages. It is situated just outside of Crowborough in East Sussex.
It has been created with many things in mind, in particular to encourage dogs to do things they really enjoy, in a natural environment.
Explore. Investigate. Immerse.
Sensory experiences are really important for dogs-this is why Crabtree Canine Enrichment was put together
Crabtree is set in an area of amazing beauty and it is a place where dogs can explore and feel safe. Dogs need to be able to do what comes naturally-their natural behaviors are important for their wellbeing and welfare which is why they should have the choice to sniff, explore and be curious.
This helps reduce stress levels and is vital if a dog is new to a home or is suffering from anxiety or uncertainty. An example of this is during firework season and it is areas like Crabtree which can help to lower stress levels and can be used as part of a stress reduction programme.
Enrichment is proving to be one of the most important things that we offer to our dogs-the ability to choose is vital at these times.
At Crabtree, dogs get the opportunity to make full use of their specialised senses. The area is situated away from both noise and pollution, as we all know dogs see the world through their noses.
A range of enrichment areas also help dogs to develop more awareness of their bodies, through proprioceptive activities, which is particularly beneficial for puppies and senior dogs.
Finally, individual appointments ensure that your dog will have room to explore on his own, which will have a calming effect. This is especially important for reactive or newly rehomed dogs.
Other benefits of canine enrichment include:
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Helps to keep dogs’ brains young;
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Helps dogs to become more independent;
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Reduces stress levels and helps to encourage calm interactions;
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Helps boost confidence through making choices as they move around the area.
But above all dogs love being able to use their senses and have the choice of where to explore at their leisure -all ages and breeds of dogs are welcome!
Every new visitor will receive a booklet on enrichment via email which outlines why enrichment is so important for dogs
Will all dogs benefit from a visit?
Yes, they will! All breeds and ages are welcome at Crabtree, but enrichment can be especially beneficial for:
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Dogs receiving palliative care;
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Those recovering from illness and/or surgery;*
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Dogs that can’t cope with human or canine interaction;
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Puppies and senior dogs with restricted or limited mobility;
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Reducing stress levels in recently rescued or rehomed dogs;
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Those with problem behaviours including anxiety and reactivity.
*Pennie is also a canine therapist and can help you formulate a plan to assist your dog's rehabilitation.
Cost: Fully loaded enrichment sessions, £25.00 for one dog, £30.00 for two dogs
For other services, please contact Pennie.
During the winter appointments are available on Wednesdays and Sundays from 10.00 - 3.00 and at other times by special arrangement.
Summer appointments (May-end of September) Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 9.30-5.00 and at other times by special appointment. Please contact Pennie for more details
Does your dog have allergies or GI issues?
The entire area is an experience for any dog, this includes dogs with food allergies. It can be set up for your dog if he/ she has multiple allergies.
If you have a dog that has GI issues or guarding issues this is no problem and the areas can be set up so that there are a multitude of things to seek out and sniff and obstacles to investigate without food being involved.
The first appointments of each day are reserved for these dogs.
Free places for rescue centres or dogs in foster.
There are places reserved every month for dogs that are in shelters or foster. Please contact Pennie for details
Please note:
- Crabtree is also a base for Pennie's other services. Please see below for more details.
- Sessions are by appointment only, and will be held under the guidance of Pennie herself.
- All dogs must wear a well-fitting and comfortable harness.
- A long NON-EXTENDING lead of approx 2 metres must be worn at all times. This is non-negotiable.
- To gain maximum benefit, dogs should be allowed to make their own choices and discover things at their own pace.
- Owners are encouraged to limit the amount of talking, to promote full absorption into the environment.
- We do NOT condone aversives of any kind. As such, clickers and anti-pull harnesses are not permitted.
Other services available at Crabtree :-
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Behavioural Consultations - It is beneficial to discuss problem behaviours in a quiet, stress free, neutral space, away from the home environment. Price for behaviour help start from £60.00 per hour
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Canine Bowen Therapy - Bowen is a gentle, hands on therapy which can be useful for both physical ailments (eg. reducing pain and promoting recovery after operations) and mental issues (eg. reducing stress and anxiety). Bowen sessions are £45.00 per treatment
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One-to-One Training Sessions - Crabtree makes the ideal location for one-to-one training sessions, as it is secluded and private this allows dogs to relax and focus. This also makes it the perfect environment for reactive dogs. Enrichment and exploring can be very helpful when resolving anxiety issues around other dogs by building confidence. The biggest benefit is in knowing that there will be no other dogs in the area which can help reduce anxiety in a non-threatening outside area. Packages are available for 3 sessions. Individual training sessions are £45.00
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Puppy Development Sessions - Curiosity should be encouraged in puppies as it helps them to learn about their world. Crabtree offers a safe area for for puppies to explore, either individually or as part of a social session.
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Talks & Demos - Follow our Facebook page for upcoming events.
More information on all these services can be found on this website. Alternatively, please feel free to contact Pennie for more details.
Testimonials
Crabtree is such a special place, for both dogs and humans, as you feel relaxed as soon as you arrive. Set in the middle of peaceful countryside, with no distractions apart from the sounds of nature, you can truly “switch off “ from the mundane and simply enjoy focusing on your dog. My special boy, Mr O is a tri paw rescue with many issues, and to watch him explore with such great interest in an environment that he felt completely safe and comfortable in was a heart -warming experience. Pennie is so kind and knowledgeable, and to spend quality time with your dog sharing a personal experience, is enhanced by being in the company of someone who truly understands the importance of the bond between the dog and their guardian and how we can all learn more to understand our best friend’s needs.
Lisa and Mr O
Our Bulgarian rescue dog Billy really enjoys visiting the Crabtree Canine Enrichment centre. It is a lovely tranquil place dogs and humans can relax and explore together. Pennie always sets up the centre with new things for Billy to find and investigate different smells and tastes and lots of different textures and surfaces to climb on. It is a great experience for building a dogs confidence and a chance for them to use all of their amazing senses. Pennie is very knowledgeable and has a very quiet and calm manner which is brilliant when you have a dog who is wary of people We have found visiting Crabtree has helped Billy and ourselves enormously I would recommend it to anyone.
Jo and Billy
Crabtree is a wonderful place to take your dogs for a sensory adventure! It is always set up with so much to explore, all safe, and nothing out of bounds, my pack have a whale of a time, lots of treats to find, games to work out, things to climb over, they are really able to investigate without the pressures of others people/ dogs/ traffic etc. There is enough space for the 3 of them to do their own thing, yet small enough to keep an eye on what they are all up to. They love their trips to Crabtree, and never get bored, although they always come home and fall asleep-they get plenty of mental stimulation as well as slow and gentle exercise.
Psyche, Gilbert, Riley and Ziggy
Thank you Pennie for a wonderful experience for Buck and I at Crabtree, it really is a magical spot hidden in the woods with only the sounds of nature all around.... Buck had a
lovely time sniffing all the wonderful smells and discovering all the yummy treats.
This was our first experience at a proper dog enrichment centre and it's brilliant you have done a great job.... thank you also for all your pearls of wisdom and advice, it was a fun day out for both of us, look forward to next time!
Lucy and Buck.