Canine Human Enrichment Center

Programs include weekly group sessions like “Fun with Dogs” on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, a structured Puppy Program on Saturdays, and private or semi-private training by appointment. Seasonal events such as “Trick and Treat” and a Fall 2025 Foundations in Scent & Detection program are offered. Training emphasizes play, enrichment, and real-world exploration over obedience drills, with a focus on building confidence, recall, and manners through positive interaction.

Pricing Summary

Group sessions cost $20 per session; Puppy Program is $60 per session; private or semi-private training is $100 per session for 1–4 dog teams; scent work program pricing is TBD; community events accept donations.

Canine Human Enrichment Center is a dog training and enrichment facility located in Winchester, VA, offering a unique, play-based approach to dog training that emphasizes bonding through fun activities rather than traditional methods. The center features eight acres of fenced yards, woodland paths, and activity stations designed for dogs and their owners to explore and learn together. Services include group sessions like “Fun with Dogs” on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays, a dedicated Puppy Program on Saturdays, and private or semi-private training by appointment. They also host seasonal events such as “Trick and Treat on the CHEC Trail” and offer a specialized Foundations in Scent & Detection program starting in Fall 2025. The facility is led by Laura, a professional with experience since 1976 in dog training, breeding, and kennel management, and Maureen, a clinical psychologist with a graduate degree in applied animal behaviour and welfare from Edinburgh University.

The center focuses on enrichment, positive interaction, and real-world exploration, making it ideal for owners seeking a joyful, non-coercive environment to train their dogs. They cater to puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs, with programs designed to build confidence, improve manners, and enhance the human-canine bond through games, sniffing, and outdoor play.

Additional services include private consultations, scent work training, and community events tied to local rescues. The facility does not offer boarding, grooming, or day care, but provides a dedicated outdoor space for training and socialization.

The center promotes a philosophy rooted in modern canine science and emphasizes fun, choice, and enrichment over punishment-based techniques.

Accomplishments

Laura has over 45 years of professional experience working with dogs since 1976, specializing in pet, service, search and rescue, and detection dog training, as well as breeding and kennel management. Maureen holds a graduate degree in applied animal behaviour and welfare from Edinburgh University and brings clinical psychology expertise to the center’s training philosophy.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact the center to schedule a free visit and assessment to determine the best approach for their goals. Classes and events can be reserved through the website or by phone. Private training requires scheduling an appointment.