Blog - Playful Pups Retreat

Back to School Isn’t Just for Human Kids—It’s Time to Enroll Your Puppy, Too!

As families prepare for the back-to-school season—stocking up on supplies, setting new routines, and planning Fall sports schedules—don’t forget about the four-legged member of your household. While the kids are heading back to class, fall is the perfect time to send your puppy to school, too! Just like children, puppies thrive with structure, consistency, and…

dog and owner checking in at Playful Pups

How Early Should You Book Your Dog’s Overnight Stay for Fall & Holiday Travel?

As the vibrant colors of fall roll in and the holiday season begins to take shape, many families are already planning their seasonal getaways. Flights are booked, hotels are reserved, and activities are being mapped out. But what about your dog’s vacation plans? At Playful Pups Retreat, a premium pet resort serving Central Pennsylvania, our…

10 Ways We Keep Your Dog Cool, Safe, and Stress-Free During Summer at Playful Pups Retreat

Summer is one of the most exciting times of year for pups—longer days, more outdoor adventures, and plenty of playtime with friends! But with rising temperatures and booming seasonal sounds like thunderstorms and fireworks, it’s also a time when extra care is needed to keep our four-legged guests both cool and comfortable. At Playful Pups…

What Kairos Time Taught Me About Being Present with Our Dogs

As a lifelong learner and someone who’s always striving to grow—both personally and professionally—I recently read 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. The book offers powerful insights for business owners, but one concept in particular stood out to me not just as an entrepreneur, but as a dog lover:…

Why Dog Training is the Key to a Happy, Healthy Life for Your Pup

Training your dog isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong journey that strengthens the bond between you and your furry best friend. Whether you’re raising a brand-new puppy, adopting a rescue, or living with a senior pup, ongoing training plays a crucial role in shaping a dog’s behavior, enriching their mind, and creating a life filled…

15 Lessons I’ve Learned from the Playful Pups Retreat Journey

Fifteen years ago, I followed a dream—and a deep love for dogs—by opening the doors to what would become Playful Pups Retreat. At the time, I never imagined how many lives we would touch or how much this journey would shape me. Today, Playful Pups is not just a business; it’s a community built on…

dog and staff member playing in waterscape

The Joys and Benefits of Water Play for Dogs

As the summer sun blazes, there’s no better way to beat the heat than engaging in water play with your canine companion. Not only does it provide a refreshing escape from the high temperatures, but it also offers numerous benefits for both dogs and their humans. Water activities are more than just fun—they can provide…

small brown dow with owner checking into playful pups retreat

Comfort-Focused Care: Creating Cozy Vacations for Your Dog at Playful Pups Retreat

Summer is here, and that means it’s vacation time—for you and your furry family members! As you plan your much-deserved getaway, your dog deserves a relaxing, fun-filled vacation too. At Playful Pups Retreat, we’re all about creating the ultimate comfort-focused care experience for every dog who stays and plays with us. Because just like people,…

Pet First Aid 101: What Every Dog Parent Should Know

Did you know April is Pet First Aid Awareness Month? While first aid might not be top of mind during our busy day-to-day lives, having a basic understanding of pet first aid—and being prepared for emergencies—is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent. At Playful Pups Retreat, the safety…

large black and white dog with owner at reception desk with staff

Choosing the Best Dog Care Facility – Why Staff Training Matters

As the owner of Playful Pups Retreat, I recently had the opportunity to escape the chill of early spring and head to sunny Arizona with our amazing General Manager, Nykole. We attended a high-level Business Retreat focused on growth, leadership, and innovation in the pet care industry. Surrounded by some of the most passionate and…