‘Wiggle Butts Wonderland’ Offers Private Dog Park for Pups Near Front Royal

For many dog owners, the local park is the perfect place to let their pets run, socialize, and play. But for families whose dogs are shy, reactive, or don’t mix well with others, public dog parks can be stressful — or even unsafe. That’s where Wiggle Butts Wonderland, a new private dog park just outside Front Royal, is filling a unique need.

The park is the creation of Wendy Kurtz, a longtime dog lover and owner of Macy Blue Pet Care, who also provides pet sitting and doggy daycare. She said the inspiration for Wiggle Butts Wonderland came directly from her experience with rescues and clients whose pets couldn’t thrive in crowded, public spaces.

“Some dogs are reactive. They might bark, lunge, or even fight if they’re around others,” Kurtz explained. “A public park just isn’t an option for them. But they still need to run, play, and get exercise. This space gives them the freedom to be dogs without their owners worrying about what might happen.”

A Park Designed With Dogs in Mind

The park, located near the 4-H Center off Route 522, offers families the option to rent a private, fenced-in area by the hour. Owners and dogs enjoy the whole space to themselves, complete with picnic seating, shaded areas, and plenty of activities.

Inside the park are multiple enrichment features, from doggy pools filled with squeaky toys and balls to a “stick library” where dogs can pick out their favorite branch. Exercise stations encourage agility, while an eye-catching red fire hydrant stands as a playful nod to every pup’s favorite landmark.

For an extra $5, Kurtz sets up scent games before guests arrive — a popular option among her clients. These scavenger-style activities encourage dogs to use their noses, providing the kind of mental stimulation that experts say is just as important as physical activity.

“It’s not just about running around,” she said. “Dogs need challenges. They need bonding time with their humans. This park helps provide all of that in a safe environment.”

Beyond the Fence

One of the park’s most unusual features is its proximity to a creek that runs along the property. While the water lies just outside the fenced area, Kurtz has installed 20-, 30-, and 40-foot leads attached to trees, allowing dogs to safely splash and wade under supervision.

“Some pups just love the water,” she said. “This way they can cool off and play, and their owners don’t have to worry about them running off.”

For Fun — and for a Cause

Although maintaining the park requires time, effort, and upkeep, Kurtz emphasized that Wiggle Butts Wonderland isn’t about making money. Instead, it’s a labor of love.

“If you adopt through a rescue, I give you a discount,” she said. “And if you’re a rescue group needing to train or rehabilitate a dog, there’s no charge. I know how hard it can be to find the right space, so I want this park to be part of the solution.”

Kurtz also takes pride in creating much of the park herself, adding new features little by little. “I’m not crafty, but every time I finish something, it feels like an accomplishment,” she said with a smile.

Daycare and Pet Sitting

In addition to the private dog park, Kurtz offers doggy daycare and pet sitting through her business, Macy Blue Pet Care. The two services complement one another: while daycare provides regular exercise and socialization, the park offers quiet, controlled time for dogs that need a slower pace.

“I always tell people there’s no sitting in dog sitting,” she joked. “We’re active with the dogs all day, whether that’s playing fetch, going for walks, or just giving them the interaction they crave. The best part is seeing them go home tired and happy.”

A Place for Every Pup

For dog owners living in apartments or neighborhoods without much yard space, Wiggle Butts Wonderland offers a safe and convenient escape. It’s only a few miles from town, easy to find with clear signage, and provides something that’s hard to get anywhere else: privacy.

“It’s about creating a place where every dog belongs,” Kurtz said. “Not every dog fits in at a public park, and that’s okay. They still deserve a chance to run, to play, and to just be dogs.”

Reservations for Wiggle Butts Wonderland can be made online, and more information is available on the park’s website and Facebook page. Kurtz regularly posts updates, photos, and videos of her “pup clients” enjoying the space.

For dog owners looking for a safe and fun option just outside of Front Royal, this hidden gem in the countryside may be exactly what their four-legged friends need.