About Doggy Day Academy

At Doggy Day Academy, we believe daycare should be so much more than just “dogs playing together all day”.

Our Academy model is built around structure, enrichment, and choice – giving dogs a safe, supportive space where their needs are met in full.

What benefits will my dog get from attending?

Your dog will:

Receive the very best care in a safe, secure, and fun environment
Learn to build positive friendships with both other dogs and humans
Burn off energy in controlled, thoughtful ways, that prevent over-arousal and frustration
Engage in the Wag & Learn Circuit – a rotation of activity stations including:
Scent Shed (themed scent searches updated monthly)
Parkour zone (confidence-boosting obstacles)
Trick & training stations (life skills through fun)
Enrichment puzzles and games
Follow a structured daily timetable designed to meet physical, mental, and emotional needs
Practise basic life skills in groups and individually (with optional one-to-one training add-ons if extra help is need
Enjoy sensory enrichment using sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste including herbs, textures, and dog-friendly scents
Take part in dedicated rest and nap times, helping dogs avoid over-tiredness and making sure they leave calm, happy, and balanced

Get out in the Community

At Doggy Day Academy, we believe dogs thrive when they get to experience the world around them – not just the four walls of a daycare. That’s why we offer optional community outings to complement our structured in-house programme.

Your dog could enjoy:

Adventure Walks – exploring new environments, full of sights, smells, and discoveries
Short On-Lead Walks – gentle strolls for a change of scenery and a leg stretch
Picnic in the Park Trips – relaxed outings with time to settle, sniff, and share some calm enrichment in the fresh air
Parkour Walks – confidence-building fun using natural and urban obstacles
Sniffari Walks – letting dogs follow their noses on scent-led adventures
Training Walks – structured outings where life skills are practised in real-world settings

These activities bring variety, enrichment, and real-life learning opportunities – helping your dog transfer their skills from the Academy into the wider world.

What else do we offer?

Collar-free, harness-free play for safety (dogs are only briefly moved with slip leads when necessary, then freed immediately)
A Puppy Playroom for dogs under 6 months, with gentle introductions into the main groups when they’re ready
Quiet relaxation areas where dogs can choose to rest when they need a break
Indoor and outdoor play zones, shaded outdoor spaces for summer, and cosy indoor areas for winter
Trained Canine Tutors supervising every activity to ensure safe, positive interactions

What do pet parents gain?

Complete peace of mind knowing your dog is in safe, loving hands all day
Freedom to get on with your work or day-to-day life without worrying about your dog being bored or lonely
A calmer, more fulfilled dog at home, less likely to invent their own mischief when left alone

Is the Academy right for every dog?

Our structured model isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. Before enrolling, it’s worth considering whether your dog enjoys being around other dogs and people in a busier setting. Day Academy may not be suitable for:

Puppies or dogs that aren’t fully vaccinated (unless supported by titre testing)
Females in season
Dogs who haven’t been socialised and may struggle in group settings (our training services may help first)
Dogs with a tendency to intimidate or “bully” others
Dogs who act as “fun police” stopping play rather than joining in

We also offer tailored services and add-ons (such as training walks, one-to-one sessions, or smaller group activities) for dogs who may benefit from a different approach.