We Only Take Dogs When It’s the Right Fit

We understand that every dog is different — and that’s a good thing. Choosing a dog-day-care setting isn’t simply about availability or location: it’s about ensuring your dog thrives. Our philosophy is to always keep your dog’s welfare front and centre.

Over many years of careful observation, trial and experience, we’ve found that some dogs simply don’t feel comfortable or relaxed in a typical busy day-care environment. It’s not a question of breed or judgement — it’s about matching the environment to your dog’s individual needs and temperament.

In some cases, we believe a different setting (such as quieter sessions, one-to-one support, or smaller group interactions) will better support a dog’s well-being and long-term happiness

Here are a few specific patterns we’ve noticed — and the reasons why certain dogs might struggle in a large, high-energy day-care environment

  • Over-Stimulation

    Some dogs find large groups, constant activity and high levels of interaction overwhelming. They may struggle to ‘switch off’ once they return home, become anxious or frustrated, or find it harder to relax amid the pace of a big day-care group.

  • Strong Herding or Working Breeds

    Certain dogs with strong herding or working instincts find their natural drives triggered in a group dog-care setting. For example, they may attempt to ‘manage’ or herd other dogs, which can increase their stress levels — and that in turn impacts other dogs too

  • High Prey Drive

    In a busy and dynamic environment, some dogs with an elevated prey drive are more easily triggered by motion, smaller dogs or bursts of activity. Once that drive kicks in, it can be difficult to redirect, and the dog may find it hard to relax and enjoy the day.

  • Giant or Extra-Large Breeds

    We adore dogs of all sizes — but very large or giant breed dogs may struggle in a high-energy, multi-dog environment because their physical size can inadvertently raise the risk of unintentional escalation of play, or misunderstandings among dogs. The result can be less fun and more stress

What This Means for You and Your Dog

If your dog falls into any of these categories, it doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy other forms of care — it just means that a smaller-scale, calmer group or a different format might be a better match. Our goal is always to be honest, transparent and prioritise what’s best for your dog’s welfare.

We’ll happily help you assess whether day-care as we provide it is a great fit — or whether we should recommend an alternative that may better suit your dog’s temperament. Because what matters most is that your dog enjoys their day, thrives, and returns home happy, relaxed and ready for the next one

There’s no “one size fits all” when it comes to dog-care. What we do offer is a thoughtful, experienced service built around your dog’s individual needs. If your dog is not a perfect match for our standard day-care model, we’ll say so — and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.