My Dog Activities, Training & Behaviour

The Pool

Swimming for your dogs

Opened in 2023, we are based in Adisham, Kent (click HERE for Google Maps link) and have a 32ft x 16ft (9.6m x 4.6m) swimming pool available to hire for your dogs (and you if you wish). Open from April to October, depending on the weather. Over 18's are able to swim with the dogs if desired.

We get you started with an initial induction session where staff will assist you and your dog, will be in the pool for your dogs first swim, go through some health and safety training, complete a short risk assessment form and ensure your dogs are comfortable around/in the pool. If this all goes well you are free to book future pool sessions during our opening times, without staff in the pool/paddock with you. Occasionally we might suggested staffed sessions for a while after your induction session until your dog is confident in the pool. Our site is in beautiful rural countryside. A fantastic place to relax and enjoy some special time with your dog. We have parking just outside the pool paddock.

Scroll down for extra information about booking the pool and the booking calendar (bottom of the page).

The length of your session is the time you have in the pool paddock, not the pool specifically. If you book a 30 minute session you need to be exiting the pool paddock 30 minutes after your start time, not after 30 minutes in the pool. We will have other bookings before and after you so it is important to stick to your time slot and not arrive early or leave late. For most dogs 20-30 minutes swimming is plenty. Book a longer session if your dog takes while to get in, you want to swim for longer, you want a more relaxing session, or are coming with multiple dogs. Be organised with your swimwear and you will have plenty of swim time even in a 30 minute session.

Accessibility - the pool is in a field so might not be completely accessible for everyone, as much as we would like it to be. We are super happy to chat and/or meet with you and work with you where possible. If changing to/from swimwear is likely to take up a lot of your session it might be possible for us to allow some extra time, just ask.

Costs:

First visit (40 minutes) - £40
20 minutes unstaffed (10-15 mins swimming) - £16.50
30 minutes unstaffed (20 mins swimming) - £25
45 minutes unstaffed (35 mins swimming) - £37.50
60 minutes unstaffed (50 mins swimming) - £50
20 minutes staffed (10-15 mins swimming) - £18.50
30 minutes staffed (20 mins swimming) - £27.50
45 minutes staffed (35 mins swimming) - £40
60 minutes staffed (50 mins swimming) - £55

Please note - we are a reward based, fear/force free training business and while you are here with us (if not in every day life) do not use any corrective/punishment based training - no shouting at your dog, yanking on leads, smacking, pulling about, forcing to swim, or anything that may cause fear or intimidation Also no choke chains, electric collars, prong collars, or slip leads - dogs in flat collars, harnesses (and head halters if they are comfortable in them) please. Thank you.

Have a good read through the information below before booking. But if you have any more questions please pop us an email at jo.philpott@mydog-atb.co.uk.

Pool Hire Information

Please email us at jo.philpott@mydog-atb.co.uk if you cannot find any information you need.

Dogs in the pool

A maximum of 4 dogs can share a pool session together as long as they have met previously and are relaxed and comfortable around each other. Please do not do initial meet and greets during a pool hire session.

Dogs need to have a good level of basic training and be responsive to their owners. We have close neighbours, dogs in training and other businesses on site and so we are not able to accommodate dogs that bark consistently, although happy for you to book an initial induction session and we can make a plan from there if needed. We have horses in adjoining fields, although not directly over the fence. Dogs may not be suitable if they are very worried by, or will bark at the horses.

Dogs need to be fully fit with no illnesses or injuries. We will need confirmation from a vet that swimming is suitable if your dog does have a long term injury.

The fencing around the pool paddock is 4-5 foot. If your dog is an escape risk they can swim in a harness with a longline attached (as long as we are very careful with it).

Not all dogs are natural swimmers. If your dog has not swum before it is possible they will not be confident enough to swim on their first visit. For most dogs new to swimming we aim to build confidence on the decking and the ramp in the first session. We are a force free training centre and it is important to us that your dog is comfortable throughout their visit. We will not force or lift your dog into the pool, they must chose to enter themselves. If they don't quite get to swim on their first session they will still have an enriching, fun time and their confidence should grow over time. There are some dogs who dislike water and will never be swimmers.

In the 24 hours before your session please:

give your dog a quick brush
do not apply flea/tick treatment
do not let them swim in lakes, streams, ponds (if possible)

For your session please:

make sure you bring towels (and coats/jumpers if they are likely to get cold)
make sure they are clean (i.e. not covered in mud, grass, burrs etc)
do not give any meals for 1-2 hours beforehand
make sure they have been for at least a short walk 1-2 hours beforehand and used the garden before you set out for us. We want to avoid toileting in the pool, around the pool and in the pool paddock as much as possible.
take off any flea/tick collars
bring them in a normal flat collar or harness (or head halter as long as they are comfortable in it)
do not bring prong collars, electric collars, slip leads or extendable leads
dogs must be on lead from the car to the pool paddock and back. No off lead dogs outside the pool paddock
do not use any corrective/punishment based training when here on site - no shouting at your dog, yanking on leads, smacking, pulling about, forcing to swim, or anything that may cause fear or intimidation
clear any poo and take poo bags home

No in season bitches and no dogs with a cough, vomiting or diarrhoea within 48 hours before your booked session, or any other on-going illnesses.

People in the pool

You do not have to go into the pool with your dog but over 18s can swim in the pool with their dogs if they like. We are not allowed under 18s as per our insurance agreement, sorry. The pool water is not heated, it is generally about 18-22 degrees. Once you are in it does not feel cold. There may be some sediment on the floor of the pool and dog hair and bugs floating on the surface - although we do clean the pool throughout the day.

Children are welcome to come along but they need to be supervised at all times, can not go in the pool and must be sensible and follow instructions from staff and parents.

If you are swimming we suggest wearing a t-shirt/longer sleeves and shorts/leggings over swimwear as the dogs can scratch when they are swimming. We have a small changing area (in a shed) for getting changed to go home if wanted, or just wrap yourself in a towel to head home.

We must have at least 2 people in the pool paddock if someone is swimming, no lone swimming for safety. If you are coming by yourself and want to swim you can book a staffed session so we can be around for your safety.

We can have a maximum of 6 bodies in the pool at any one time (people or dogs).

We are a non-smoking site - no smoking (including e-devices) anywhere on site or in the pool paddock.

We have a small changing area. It is just a shed but it is clean and tidy and a private space to get changed if you want.

The deck area gets very wet when dogs are swimming. Anything left in that area is likely to get wet - phones, clothes, shoes etc. Place items on the picnic bench. If you want to take photos in/around the pool bring a waterproof case as you may drop your phone/camera in the water.

Your first session

Your first visit to us will be with a member of staff. We want you and your dog/s to have fun but we need to ensure you, your dog and our pool are safe and no injuries/accidents occur. Once we have gone over the basics with you we will guide you and your dogs to using the pool. Staff will usually go in with your dog and you can swim during your first session if you like.

Staff will ask you a few questions during your visit and complete a short risk assessment. Visitors with a low risk rating will then be able to book future sessions without staff supervision. Others will be able to book staffed sessions. This will all be explained for you.

What to book?

First Visit - book this the first time you are visiting us, 40 minutes
Pool Hire - subsequent visits for most users, staff on site but not in the pool paddock with you
Staffed Pool Hire - subsequent visits with a member of staff present, for lone swimmers, those with a higher risk rating (will be explained to you at your first session) and those who would like some staff support for you/your dog

Money off bundles

Once you have completed your induction sessions we have pool hire bundles available with 8-10% off. Bundles are paid at the time of purchase and need to be used within 6 months. You will receive a unique code to book your sessions from the bundle purchase. No refund is offered for any sessions not used within the 6 month period.

XL Bullies in the pool

We are delighted to be able to have XL bullies use the pool, including off lead and unmuzzled. Sadly there are a few extra rules for them:

On lead and muzzled between the car and the pool paddock and until the gate is secured
You bring your exemption certificate and public liability insurance document with you to your first session. We must keep a copy of these
The dog handler ratio is 1:1, each XL Bully must have 1 member of the family/staff
We are not able to have mixed households with XL Bully sessions (we are trying to get this reviewed so you can come with your friends and will update)

Make sure you bring your documentation with you to your first session.

Use code XLBULLY10 for 10% off your bookings.

Pups on SUPS

Maisie and Jo P enjoy stand up paddleboarding (SUP) out and about in the local area. Jo is able to introduce your dogs (and you) to stand up paddleboarding in the pool, either using her board or your own board (or inflatable kayak). This can be a great option for both dogs who are keen swimmers and dogs who are happy around water but not so keen on swimming.

Using Jo's behavioural and training skills she can help build your dogs confidence on the board as well as a general introduction to paddleboarding with your dog. Board training starts on land, so don't be surprised if we are not straight in the water. Jo can give you training to carry on at home to keep building confidence as well.

For those who have not been paddleboarding before we highly recommend getting stated by hiring a board from a company such as Canoe Wild near Canterbury to have a try without your dog first.

Pups on SUP sessions need to be staffed sessions, so either an induction session or staffed follow up session. Please make a clear note on your booking that you would like a SUP introduction and whether you would like to bring your own board or use ours. Feel free to email us if you have any questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a session with a friend?

Yes, we can have up to four dogs sharing a session. You can share your session with a friend, or several, as long as the dogs have met before the session and they are comfortable and relaxed around each other.

What do I need to bring with me?

Towels for your dog, and you if you are swimming too. We do not supply towels. Toys for your dog if they have a favourite. We do have some toys here but dogs usually prefer their own and if your dog is a strong chewer or likes to destroy toys please do not use ours and bring your own. Some dogs get cold after swimming so a coat/robe might be helpful for these dogs.

If you are going in the pool bring swimwear and a change of clothes for yourself. Ideally bring something with longer sleeves/legs to go over your swimwear as dogs can often scratch whilst they are swimming.

Is the pool heated?

No, the temperature of the pool is usually between 18 and 22 degrees. It can feel cold as you get in but it's not too bad once you are in.

Should my dog eat beforehand?

The general guidance is that dogs should not eat a meal in the 1-2 hours before swimming. There is a risk of vomiting if they take in a lot of water whilst catching toys and swimming. There is also a risk of bloat (GDV) if they are very active after a meal, especially for large breed, deep chested dogs.

Is swimming safe?

Generally yes, swimming is a safe, fun and enriching activity for your dog. Not all dogs will enjoy swimming and we need to honour how they feel. As with any activity there is a risk of injury and illness. Dogs should be given regular breaks from swimming during your session, particularly if they are catching toys in the water as there can be a small risk of water intoxication (taking in too much water). It is possible for dogs to incur injuries when swimming and getting in and out of the pool. You use the pool at your own risk.

What if my dog will not go in?

There will be some dogs who do not want to swim. We are a force free training centre and no force should be used to make dogs swim. They must enter the pool by their own free will. If a dog does not swim on the first time we will work with you to build more confidence for future sessions and can give you some hints and tips about growing water confidence. Dogs who do not swim still experience a fun and enriching session. No refunds are given for non-swimmers.

My dog is not very toy driven and prefers food can I use food to get them in the pool?

Usually no, we cannot have any food (human or dog) in or around the pool or the decking area as we do not want it getting dropped in the water. If you make a note for us on your initial booking we will be able to help but luring a dog with food towards something they are not sure about is usually counter productive.

Is the paddock dog proof? How tall is the fencing?

The pool paddock fencing is 4-5 foot tall, closer to 5 foot in most places. Most dogs will be safe off lead in the pool paddock. If your dog is an escape risk you can keep a longline on them attached to a harness (as long as we manage it carefully to be sure it does not get caught). We can provide longlines.

My dog gets overwhelmed easily (aka reactive) and can not be around other dogs. Can I still come?

Yes, we have days each week where we have no/few other dogs on site so you can book a visit at a quieter time. It is probably a good idea for easily overwhelmed dogs to be kept on a lead/longline for their first visit, until they relax in the new surroundings. Quieter days are generally Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays, or early/late at the weekends. Give us an email or a call and we can help find as suitable time.

If your dog cannot tolerate a staff member being present we can do an induction session without your dog beforehand to go through all the training and then you can book your first swim session afterwards. Send us an email.

My dog gets super excited and can bark all the time can I still come?

Maybe. The site is not really suited to dogs that will bark consistently. We have neighbours, who we care about and do not want to disturb, we have other businesses running on site who deal with anxious and nervous dogs, and we are a training venue. The odd bit of barking here and there is not a problem and to be expected, but dogs that will bark consistently are usually in a state of stress (through overwhelm, excitement, fear, nervousness, anxiety or frustration) and possibly not suited to the venue. If you have a very barky dog give us an email before you book and we will be happy to work with you to find a quieter day/time and help reduce the arousal level.

Can I pay at the time?

Sorry, not usually. Our staff might be busy training others so we need payment to be made in advance of your session. You can pay online when you book. If this creates difficulties for you give us an email we can try and help.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can rebook or cancel your session up to 1 hour beforehand. We are very aware that the British weather can be unpredictable. Your confirmation email has links for rescheduling and cancelling or you can give us an email.

We are happy to run sessions in light drizzle but in heavier rain sessions will likely need to be rebooked. If the weather is looking bad we will aim to contact you 1-2 hours before your session to check if you are happy or would prefer to reschedule.

We may need to rebook or cancel your appointment if the pool chemicals read outside normal values, staff are not available or if the weather is bad. We will endeavour to rebook your session or offer a full refund. Please make sure you check your mobile/email before you set out.

What chemicals are used in the pool and are they safe?

The main chemical used in the pool is chlorine. We test the pool at least once a day to ensure chlorine is within normal safe limits for humans. For most dogs this will be absolutely fine. Staff dog Maisie swims most days. Chlorine is necessary to help keep the water clean and safe for you and your dog to swim in.

If your dog has super sensitive skin or allergies you should discuss swimming with your vet first and then try a session if the vet is happy. Skin irritation is very unlikely.

Dogs have been known to drink a small amount of pool water and this should not pose a problem to most. Dogs can be encouraged to drink from the freshwater bowl next to the pool when they have breaks from swimming.

At times we may use chemicals to increase and decrease the PH and alkalinity levels of the pool. These are chemicals routinely used in home swimming pools they should not cause any problems to your dogs.

How can visitors help look after the pool?

Everything that goes into the pool on dogs and people needs to be cleared from the pool to keep the water nice and safe. Pool maintenance takes time and is expensive and if the pool becomes unsuitable for use we will need to cancel sessions.

There are some things you can do to help the maintenance and care of the pool:

dogs need to come clean and dry
brush your dog within 24 hours of your appointment
any clothes/swimwear you wear should be clean
take your dog for a quick walk before they come (unless the weather is very hot)
no flea treatments applied to the back of the neck within 24 hours before your visit
take off flea collars before swimming
dogs should not swim in lakes, streams or ponds within 24 hours before your visit if possible
please come as clean as you can if you are swimming to reduce the amount of lotions, sun cream, and makeup going in the pool
give your dogs regular breaks to walk around the paddock in case they need the toilet
discourage dogs from peeing on the pool decking, stairs and around the outside of the pool
no people peeing in the pool
no throwing of stones in the pool paddock
no sharp objects around the pool
no jumping in to the pool or running around it
no people on the ramp

During your first visit we will go through some training to ensure that the pool is looked after during your visits. It is possible for dogs to puncture the lining of the pool so we will train them to use the ramp and not scrape at the sides of the pool. It is also important that people using the pool do not lean on the edges, do not push off the edges/sides and get in and out only via the steps.

We want you all to have the best time but we need to ensure that you, your dog and our pool are all safe during visits :-)

Is there a toilet on site?

Yes, we have a compostable toilet on site. It is at the other end of the site past the polytunnel, please ask staff. Dogs need to be left in the car (or with another person if they are comfortable).

Closed for 2024, opens again April 2025

The Pool

Swimming for your dogs

Pool Hire Information

Pups on SUPS

Frequently Asked Questions

Pool Booking

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