General Pool Info
Below is some general information about the pool and what to expect when coming along. We also have a FAQ section - please read both sections before your visit to get the most out of your session.
Dogs in the pool
A maximum of four dogs can share a pool session together as long as they have met previously and are relaxed and comfortable around each other. Please do not arrange initial meet and greets during a pool hire session.
​
Dogs need to have some basic training and be responsive to their owners. We have close neighbours, dogs in training and other businesses on site and so we are not able to accommodate dogs that bark consistently, although happy for you to book an initial induction session and we can make a plan from there if needed. We have horses in adjoining fields, although not directly over the fence. Dogs may not be suitable if they are very worried by, or will bark at the horses.
​
Dogs need to be, healthy and free from injuries. We will need confirmation from a vet that swimming is suitable if your dog does have a long term injury.
​
The fencing around the pool paddock is 4-5 feet high. If your dog is an escape risk they can swim in a harness with a longline attached (as long as we are very careful with it).
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. If your dog has not swum before it is possible they will not be confident enough to swim on their first visit. For most dogs new to swimming we aim to build confidence on the decking and the ramp in the first session. We are a force free training centre and it is important to us that your dog is comfortable throughout their visit. We will not force or lift your dog into the pool, they must chose to enter themselves (albeit with our encouragement). If they don't quite get to swim on their first session they will still have an enriching and fun time, and their confidence should grow over time. There are some dogs who dislike water and will never be swimmers - and that is okay too.
In the 24 hours before your session, please:
-
give your dog a quick brush
-
do not apply flea/tick treatment
-
avoid swimming in lakes, streams, ponds if possible
​
For your session please:
-
bring towels (and coats/jumpers if they are likely to get cold)
-
dogs should be clean (i.e. not covered in mud, grass, burrs etc)
-
do not give a meal for 1-2 hours beforehand
-
make sure they have been for at least a short walk 1-2 hours beforehand and used the garden before you set out for us. We want to avoid toileting in the pool, around the pool and in the pool paddock as much as possible.
-
take off any flea/tick collars
-
bring them in a normal flat collar or harness (or head halter as long as they are comfortable in it)
-
do not bring prong collars, electric collars, slip leads or extendable leads
-
dogs must be on lead from the car to the pool paddock and back - no off lead dogs outside the pool paddock
-
do not use any corrective/punishment based training - no shouting, yanking on leads, smacking, pulling about, forcing to swim, or anything that may cause fear or intimidation
-
pick up any poo and take poo bags home
​
No bitches in season, and no dogs with a cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, or other on-going illnesses within 48 hours before your booked session.
People in the pool
You do not have to go into the pool with your dog but over 18s can swim in the pool with their dogs if they like. We are not allowed under 18s in the water, as per our insurance agreement, sorry. The pool water is not heated, it is generally about 18-22 degrees. Once you are in it does not feel too cold. There may be some sediment on the floor of the pool and dog hair and bugs floating on the surface - although we do clean the pool throughout the day.
Children are welcome to come along but they need to be supervised at all times, can not go in the pool and must be sensible and follow instructions from staff and parents.
If you are swimming we suggest wearing a t-shirt/longer sleeves and shorts/leggings over swimwear as the dogs can scratch when they are swimming. We have a small changing area (in a shed) for getting changed to go home if wanted, or just wrap yourself in a towel to head home.
We must have at least 2 people in the pool paddock if someone is swimming, no lone swimming for safety. If you are coming by yourself and want to swim you can book a staffed session so we can be around for your safety.
We can have a maximum of 6 bodies in the pool at any one time (people or dogs).
We are a non-smoking site - no smoking (including e-devices) anywhere on site or in the pool paddock.
We have a small changing area. It is just a shed but it is clean and tidy and a private space to get changed if you want.
The deck area gets very wet when dogs are swimming. Anything left in that area is likely to get wet - phones, clothes, shoes etc. There is an area away from the pool to leave items.
Your first session
Your first visit to us will be with a member of staff. We want you and your dog/s to have fun but we need to ensure you, your dog and our pool are safe and no injuries/accidents occur. Once we have gone over the basics with you we will guide you and your dogs to using the pool. Jo P will usually go in with your dog and you can swim during your first session if you like.
We will ask you a few questions during your visit and complete a short risk assessment. Visitors with a low risk rating will then be able to book future sessions without staff supervision. Others will be able to book staffed sessions. This will all be explained for you.
Pups on SUPS
Maisie and Jo P enjoy stand up paddleboarding (SUP) out and about in the local area. Jo is able to introduce your dogs (and you) to stand up paddleboarding in the pool, either using her board or your own board (or inflatable kayak). This can be a great option for both dogs who are keen swimmers and dogs who are happy around water but not so keen on swimming.
Using Jo's behavioural and training skills she can help build your dogs confidence on the board as well as a general introduction to paddleboarding with your dog. Board training starts on land, so don't be surprised if we are not straight in the water. Jo can give you training to carry on at home to keep building confidence as well.
For those who have not been paddleboarding before we highly recommend getting stated by hiring a board from a company such as Canoe Wild near Canterbury to have a try without your dog first.
Pups on SUP sessions need to be staffed sessions, so either an induction session or staffed follow up session. Please make a clear note on your booking that you would like a SUP introduction and whether you would like to bring your own board or use ours. Feel free to email us if you have any questions.
XL Bullies in the pool
Sadly, we no longer accept XL Bullies in the pool due to a insurance changes and low usage in the past. Feel free to contact us to talk about this more, especially if you have used the pool previously with your XL Bully.