Playful Pups Blog
What Makes a Boarding Facility Feel Like a Home Away from Home?
Leaving your dog overnight is never just a simple drop off. It is an act of trust. Whether it is a long-awaited summer vacation, a weekend away, or visiting family while school is out, pet parents want one thing above all else. They want the peace of mind that their four-legged family member is safe,…
When the Fur Starts Flying: Surviving Shedding Season with Your Sanity (and Wardrobe) Intact
This is the time of year when many dogs begin to “blow coat”, a natural seasonal shedding process where they release their dense winter undercoat to prepare for warmer weather. Whether you share your home with a short-haired Lab or a fluffy double-coated Husky, shedding season tends to make its presence known. You lint roll.…
Creating Healthy Routines for Puppies in Their First Year
Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, joyful, and sometimes overwhelming. Between potty training, teething, socialization, and sleepless nights, it can feel like you are building the plane while flying it. The good news is that puppies thrive on structure. One of the greatest gifts you can give your dog during their first year is…
Stay & Train vs. Private Training: Choosing the Best Option for Your Dog
When it comes to dog training, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every dog brings their own personality, learning style, and life experiences to the table, and every pet parent has different goals, schedules, and challenges. Two of the most common and effective training options are Stay & Train programs and in-home private training. Both can…
Seasonal Safety Tips for Central PA Pet Parents – Winter Edition
If you are native to Central Pennsylvania, you know that our winters can be unpredictable, with freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and sudden weather shifts. For our fellow dog parents in Elizabethtown, Hershey, and surrounding communities, keeping dogs safe during winter is a daily concern—both at home and especially when choosing daycare or overnight lodging. Here…
What Professional Dog Training Really Looks Like (and What It’s Not)
January is National Dog Training Month, making it the perfect time to pause and talk honestly about what professional dog training truly looks like—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t look like. At Playful Pups Retreat, we believe training should be thoughtful, humane, and grounded in a deep understanding of dogs as individuals. One of…
Puppy Training Resolutions for 2026: Basic Skills Every Dog Should Know
As we start wrapping up another busy, joy-filled year with our furry family members, many of us begin thinking about our goals for the new year. January isn’t just a time for fresh starts for people—it’s also National Train Your Dog Month, making it the perfect moment to set thoughtful, achievable resolutions for your dog’s…
Fifteen Years of Gratitude: Reflecting on the Journey of Playful Pups Retreat
Reflecting on Fifteen Wonderful Years at Playful Pups Retreat As another year comes to a close, I find myself feeling both humbled and grateful. This year marks the end of our 15th year in business at Playful Pups Retreat — a milestone that feels both surreal and deeply meaningful. It’s November as I sit to…
Preparing for Your Dog’s Holiday Stay: A Complete Guide to Overnight Boarding at Playful Pups Retreat
The holidays are a joyful time filled with family, fun, and travel — and at Playful Pups Retreat, we’re here to ensure your dog enjoys a wonderful vacation of their own while you’re away. Our team takes pride in making every pup’s stay as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible. To help you prepare for…
A Lifetime of Love: The Story Behind Playful Pups Retreat
From as far back as I can remember, dogs have been an inseparable part of my life. My first dog, a sweet dachshund named Cinnamon, joined our family when I was just five years old. Later, when I was a teenager, a spirited Miniature Schnauzer named Gretchen became my closest companion. Looking back now, I…