Luxury Dog Boarding
When an owner recently described my boarding as “luxury dog boarding”, I could see what he meant.
He'd arrived to collect Paddy, expecting to be met by an excited and loving dog. What he actually found was two year old Greyhound sprawled out in front of my fire, sound asleep, after enjoying another morning on the Fells!
I suppose Paddy best sums up the dog boarding I offer. All the home comforts - but at a different address!
And this service is for a reason.It's what I would want for my own dog. No kennels, no solitude but a personal, friendly, welcoming and very warm atmosphere. To keep things personal, I limit the number of dogs staying to just three. This ensures a real bond develops between the dog and me, which is essential in maintaining respect for me both as a trainer and home owner.
But don’t worry. It’s not all about eating and sleeping. Each day my guest dogs enjoy long walks with "off lead " exercise. We walk over the Lakeland Fells, the Pennines or one of the local woods and footpaths close to my home.
And the weather? Ssshhhhhh…….who cares about a drop of rain! We’ve plenty of towels!
The controlled freedom I allow is a wonderful way in which the dogs interact with each other. The importance of dogs being able to socialise with each other is invaluable. It allows them to mix without the need to prove who the leader is. This allows training to be maintained and often improved.
Exercise is tailored to suit the needs of your dog and if necessary, your dog can be walked separately.
A typical day....
7.00 to 7.30am
9.30 to Midday
Midday to 3.00pm
3.00pm to 5.00pm
5.00pm to 10.00pm
Rise and shine, a "walk around the block" (all "presents" collected), then back for breakfast.
This is what breakfast was for! Onto the Fells / Pennines or elsewhere for a long walk.
Time to relax - winter by the fire, summer in the garden with me.
A local afternoon walk then back to refuel for tomorrow.
Time spent with me before the last "walk" - then lights out and a biscuit.
Two Day Assessments
Prior to accepting new guest dogs for boarding / residential training, I do ask that your dog stays with me on a two day assessment.
This enables me to bond with your dog and see how he/she interacts with other dogs.
However, please be aware that should the assessment prove difficult I will ask you to collect earlier than anticipated – though this very rarely happens!
Your Dog’s Health
As all serious owners know, keeping your dog healthy is very important. Therefore on your arrival I ask to see an up to date vaccination record before I can accept your dog. This must include Kennel Cough and he/she need also to have been recently wormed.
Please give me full details if your dog is on medication, as this will allow me to continue in your absence. Each dog gets a daily MOT to make sure they’re in the very best of health. Should there be any health problems with my guest dogs, they will be cared for by vet in Penrith.
And please - be sure that you don’t send too little food – my guests burn the calories when they stay with me and may need more than usual!
While grooming is all part of the stay, if you would like your dog’s coat cut, please let me know beforehand as I can arrange this with a professional dog groomer.
While I accept most breeds, I'm unable to board a dog which has shown any aggressive tendencies, any "full" males or any bitches in season - for obvious reasons!
To discuss boarding, please telephone or email me.