Welcome to Oh My Dog
Our Doggy Day Care is...
Look no further for top-notch dog care services! We are committed to providing a wholly positive experience for both you and your dog. Our establishment was founded in 2019 and we are proudly licensed by South Hams District Council (# SHLAIA57). We are fully insured and accredited with APDWS, adhering to their Gold Standard Code of Practice. Our team is also trained in Emergency Canine First Aid and continuously updates our knowledge of modern, science-based, force and fear-free dog handling.
Juliet attained degree level Canine Behaviour and Training with Dogenius.
She is currently studying The Puppy Lab - The Ultimate Puppy Course with The School of Canine Science as well as an advanced canine first aid refresher.
We are located in central Totnes in a spacious unit with tonnes of natural light and air. We help fulfil your dog's social, physical and emotional needs - for when you need to be elsewhere, to treat your dog to a break from their usual routine and equip dogs, young or old, with the skill set to excel in 'real life' situations and be socially robust.
A home from home dog day care
About Us
There are maybe 2 people in the world that we'd trust with our dog and one of them is her therapist! Yes, most people can care for a dog, but will they advocate unequivocally for them? Will they constantly strive to keep updating their knowledge of modern, science based, force free guidance? Can they read the micro clues our dogs bodies naturally display? This is why, when my restaurant sold, we decided to open Oh My Dog; a crèche if you like - not school. The dogs are not being put through their paces (no one wants to study 9 hours a day!) rather they are learning to interact politely, communicate effectively and navigate their way through life with minimum drama and maximum happiness.
That said, I'm about to embark on becoming a qualified trainer to expand our services to be able to offer one to one guidance for dogs and their humans.
Presently, whilst Eugene expertly walks 3 sets of 5 dogs a day in our beautiful local forest, I 'Auntie' the newbies, the rescues, and the puppies here at the centre.
If you've any questions, would like to visit us or would like a phone consult please drop us a message.
Juliet & Eugene.
Chill ...
We fully endorse learning the art and joy of doing nothing!
Explore ...
Low value treats are hidden to sniff out when the right group of dogs are in the unit. Sniffing is one of their most favourite, healthy activities - it is akin to meditation!
Criteria ...
We say no to just as many doggies as we say yes to! Not all dogs thrive in a daycare environment. They don't have to be super gregarious - many of the dogs that come are fairly indifferent to each other, but love human company, walks & adventures and the sense of community - but they do have to be at ease. Even at low levels, stress felt all day is exhausting.
Our assessments are also ongoing. Some dogs don't reach social maturity until they are 3 years old & even then, a negative encounter can have lasting effects.
So if we do say no it's because we care.
Case Studies
When Bow first came to day care he hadn't had the opportunity to interact with many dogs; pandemics, illness and living in a secluded hamlet all meant his life skills were lacking and he showed some fear. Here at Oh MY Dog we don't consider a dog that appears to lose its mind with glee every time it meets another dog to be an accurate description of 'Socialised' - in fact it is those that can deftly and politely navigate away from dogs with whom they have no interest in playing with that are winning!