The best in home dog boarding
Dougal's Doggy Digs is a unique service offering the very best in luxury home dog boarding in Cheshire. We are fortunate to have 8 acres of our own paddocks and woodland so dogs get plenty exercise and are not shut away in a small basic boarding kennel for most of the day. We have secure fenced dog paddocks that are at least an acre in size, this is their garden where they get out several times a day, then they also get taken for walks in the bigger fields and through the woods.
When your best friend isn't playing and exploring they have their very own sitting room complete with leather sofas, dog beds and blankets. They love to cuddle up in here, and are cosy in front of the wood burning stove.
We love having your dogs to stay while you're on holiday and they have lots of fun here and settle in very quickly. It is a good idea for your dog to attend a fun day at our doggy day care. , so they can make friends and get to know us, before their holiday.
Here are some of the requirements for your dog to attend Dougal’s:
We require your vets details and microchip number for your dog.
Please bring enough of your dogs food and treats for their stay as to avoid any unnecessary diet changes.
All visiting dogs must be insured and up to date with their annual booster, kennel cough vaccinations. We require you to bring their vaccination card when you drop your dog off. You can upload an image as proof of vaccines to our booking system.
Dogs are also required to have a regular flea and worming routine. Details of last flea and worming treatment is required.
We can only take dogs that can get along with other dogs although dogs can easily be separated, and exercised alone if need be.
We can accommodate both dogs and bitches we much prefer neutered dogs if of adult age, we do not accept bitches in season.
A typical day for the dogs boarding at Dougal’s:
Please note this is not set in stone and can alter depending on each dogs needs or weather conditions.
6.00 - 7.00 Good Morning Pawpals - First thing in the morning all the doggies staying at Dougal’s get let out for toileting before coming back in for their breakfast.
7.00 - 9.00 Chill Out. After the dogs have been fed they have at least 40 mins quiet time before going for morning exercise. It is important to give dogs time to digest their food to reduce any risk of stomach torsion (bloat) more common in larger breeds.
9.00 - 12.00 Morning Exercise Time. All dogs have access to lots of secure outdoor space at Dougal’s and we are a big believer in letting dogs behave like dogs. Off lead exercise where your dog has the freedom to use their natural senses. Sniffing all the new smells, meeting new canine pals and exploring their new surroundings. We have 4 secure outdoor areas for the dogs to play, equipped with hiding places, tunnels and platforms to climb on. We often set up little treasure hunts for the dogs to sniff out little treats, this is a great activity for all dogs, the over excited dogs it gives them focus and helps calm them and the slightly nervous anxious dogs it distracts them and also gives them something else to focus on. At Dougal’s we have a fabulous purpose built indoor daycare building with more fun activities, Callum the Caterpillar, a ball pit, photo booth, comfy sofas and a big TV. We also have our own little woodland where we can take the dogs for on lead walks, they really love this as there are so many smells and sounds for them to encounter. So a fun-filled morning is guaranteed!
Not all dogs require lots of exercise and may prefer a bit of peace and quieter time. In these cases some enrichment toys and snuffle mats are great for older dogs, convalescing dogs or puppies to enjoy. They then also have the option to relax on a comfy bed with cosy blankets or one of the large sofas enjoying a bit of daytime TV.
12.00 - 2.00 Nap Time! It is important that dogs get some time to relax and enjoy a nice quiet snooze. Dog require more sleep than us humans. Adult dogs generally require 12 - 14 hours per day, puppies 18 - 20 hours and senior dogs 15 - 18 hours. If any dogs require extra meals at lunchtime this is done during this time.
2.00 - 4.00 Afternoon Activities. After the doggies have had a nice snooze they are invited to go outside for toileting. Then they can have some more play with their friends, we often do some photoshoots in the afternoon or try out some new games or a bit of basic obedience for some yummy rewards. Some dogs staying with us may require bathing or grooming, this usually takes place during the afternoon after they’ve had a bit of outside time.
4.00 - 6.00 Dinner Time! After a fantastic day the dogs are usually keen for their evening meal. Dogs are fed separately unless owner has given written consent to feed dogs from the same household together. Once they’ve been given time to enjoy their meal the dogs are again left in peace to relax and digest their food properly.
6.00 - 6.30 Toilet Time. An opportunity for the dogs to go outside for a toilet break.
6.30 - 8.30 Just Chilling.
8.30 - 9.00 Bedtime Biscuits! Evening toilet time before it’s time to settle down for the night. Dogs get out for the toilet before coming in for their bedtime biscuits and cuddling up for the night. Sweet dreams pawpaws…