When Mr. Thompson arrived to collect his two year old dog Paddy, he expected to be met by a dog jumping around in delight to see owner. However, he was in for a little surprise. What he actually found was his "excited" Greyhound sprawled out in front of my fire, fed, watered and sound asleep, no doubt dreaming of his earlier walk around High Cup Nick!

Mr. Thompson just started to laugh when he saw the situation, and said his dog was enjoying "luxury" dog boarding ! These comments reflect exactly what I'm trying to achieve – all the home comforts – but at a different address.
No loneliness of being stuck in a kennel but a personal, friendly, welcoming and very warm atmosphere.
And I offer this kind of service for a reason. It's what I would want for my own dog.

To keep things personal, I limit the number of dogs staying to just three. This ensures a real bond develops between your dog and myself, something essential in maintaining respect for me both as a trainer and home owner. The bond reassures the dog while he's away from home, making for a very happy and content animal.

Living in Cumbria really does spoil me when it comes to deciding where to go walking. One day I could be on the Fells, another the Pennines, or I may settle for a trip in the Eden Valley countryside.

Wherever I go, my guest dogs enjoy controlled "off lead" exercise. The supervised freedom I allow is a wonderful way in they can interact with each other. The importance of dogs being able to socialise is invaluable. It allows them to mix without the need to prove who the leader is. This allows training to be maintained and often improved.

Exercise is tailored to suit the needs of the dog and if necessary, your dog can be walked separately.

And the weather?
Ssshhhhhh …… who cares about a drop of rain! I’ve plenty of towels!

A structured day ensures your dog has a well balanced and enjoyable stay.

Prior to accepting new guests for boarding and residential training, I do ask that your dog stays with me for a two day assessment. This enables me to bond with him and see how he interacts with other dogs.
However, please be aware that should the assessment prove difficult, you may be asked to collect your dog earlier than anticipated, though thankfully this rarely happens.

As all serious owners know, keeping a dog healthy is very important. Therefore on arrival I ask to see an up to date vaccination record before I can accept your dog. This must include Kennel Cough. He must also to have been recently wormed.

Please give me full details if your dog is on medication, as this will allow me to continue in your absence. Each dog gets a daily MOT to make sure they’re in the very best of health. Should there be any health problems with my guest dogs, they will be cared for by my vets, Frame Swift & Partners, in Penrith.

To maintain your dog’s routine and familiarity, I ask that you bring his usual bedding, food and toys. And please - make sure he has enough food. My guest dogs develop a real appetite when they stay with me and may need more than usual!

While grooming is all part of the stay, if you would like your dog’s coat cut, please let me know beforehand as I can arrange this with a professional dog groomer.

While I accept most breeds, I'm unable to board a dog which has displayed any aggressive tendencies, any "full" males or any bitches in season - for obvious reasons!