Owner Swimming Session

Dog & Owner Fun Pool FAQ's

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Do I need to bring anything with me?

We recommend you bring a change of clothes and a towel each for you and your dog.

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What happens during my 1 hour session?

Your session time includes rinsing your dog down in the shower and fitting it with a life jacket before it enters the pool. Please note, excessively dirty dogs and dogs with long nails will not be allowed to enter the pool. Your changing time is also included in your 1 hour session. After their swim, a member of staff will give your dogs a quick wash and dry. If you are booking the Dog & Owner Fun Pool Hire session because your dog is reactive and would feel more comfortable with you showering them, then you must leave yourself time to do this before getting changed. 

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Will a staff member be in the pool with me and my dog?

A member of The Suddy Dog team will be present in the pool room throughout your session. Owner Swims are designed for you to swim and interact with your own dog, so our team member is not responsible for swimming your dog. However, if you or your dog need a little extra assistance, they can enter the pool to help where required.

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What if my dog is reactive?

Reactive dogs are very welcome to enjoy an Owner Swim with us. We simply ask that you let us know about your dog’s reactivity when completing your booking form so that our team can prepare appropriately for your visit.

A member of The Suddy Dog team will be present in the pool room throughout your session; however, for reactive dogs, you will be responsible for rinsing and preparing your dog for the pool. Our team member will talk you through how to correctly fit your dog’s life jacket and will be available to provide guidance and assistance where needed.

After the swim, you will also need to wash and dry your dog before getting yourself changed. Your full Owner Swim experience, including preparation, swimming, washing, drying and changing, is included within your 1-hour session, so please allow enough time for everything.

 

What if my dog is dog reactive?

That’s not a problem! We understand that busy or communal areas can sometimes cause unnecessary stress, so we’ll do everything we reasonably can to make their visit as calm and comfortable as possible.

Please make sure your dog’s reactivity is clearly noted on your booking form so our team knows before you arrive.

When you get here, leave your dog safely in the car and come into reception to let us know you’ve arrived and complete any payment required. When the pool room is ready, we can come out to your car to let you know. Where appropriate, we can then open the pool room entrance so you can take your dog directly from your car into the pool room, avoiding reception and other communal areas as much as possible. Every dog is different, and our team will always do what we reasonably can to minimise unnecessary stress and help your dog have a positive experience with us.

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What should I wear in the pool?

We recommend wearing a long sleeve top and swimming shorts to help prevent dog scratches and a pair of water shoes. If you have a wetsuit you are welcome to wear it.

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Do you have changing facilities?

Yes. Changing facilities are available before and after your Owner Swim; however, please note that we do not have shower facilities for customers. We recommend bringing a towel to dry off after your swim and showering or bathing at home afterwards. Please remember that changing time is included within your booked session time, so allow enough time at the end of your swim to get changed.

 

Should I feed my dog prior to the swimming session?

Please make sure your dog has not eaten for at least 2 hours before swimming and allow at least 2 hours after swimming before giving them a full meal.

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Does my dog need to be vaccinated?

As The Suddy Dog has lots of dogs visiting throughout the day, it is important that your dog is vaccinated. If your dogs vaccines are not up to date you can still bring them along, however, it is at your own risk.

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Will there be other dogs in the pool area when me and my dog are swimming?

All of our sessions are private, so the only dogs that will be in the pool room are those that you have booked in for the session.

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*Please note that while swimming is a fun activity and exercise for most dogs, there are some breeds you need to be aware of that struggle in the water due to their physical characteristics. These include dogs with flat faces and large and heavy heads. Unfortunately we will be unable to accept brachycephalic dogs without a vet approval*

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