Our Blog

Dive head first into the world of dog care, behaviour and training, as well as tips on dog boarding and day care. Whether you choose to work with us or not… we have your back!

Open for Bookings 2024 & 2025

GREAT NEWS -- Here at Hartwell Dog Boarding & Day Care we are taking bookings for both 2024 and 2025!  Bookings for 2024 are already limited, with over 200 days already claimed (at the time of writing!) I've no doubt the last 150 days will fly off once the New...

Why We’re Different: The Benefits of Exclusive Dog Boarding for One Family at a Time

When it comes to choosing where your beloved furry friend will spend their time away from home, it's not just a decision—it's a responsibility. As dog lovers ourselves, we understand that your dog is more than just a pet; they’re a cherished member of your family. So...

Christmas Cheer? Or Inner Grinch?

Full of Christmas Cheer, or channelling my inner Grinch?  One of the BIG joys about being a holiday home to so many dogs is that they are all so different.  Sure, we get big dogs, small dogs, dogs who malt enough to make it look like we have a carpet, dogs...

Boarding V Dog Kennel – Part 2

What would you prefer... One to One or One to Twenty-Five? Okay, okay, you need more information - I get it!  When your dog comes and stays with us for their holiday, they have access to us all day - every day - without fail.  If they are left home alone it...

Dog Boarding or Kennels?

Dog Kennels or Holiday Home?  Choosing where your dog goes is an important decision.  It has to be right if you ask me.  Somewhere with people you trust, in an environment that they love and makes them comfortable.  After all, your pooch is a...

Your Dog is on Holiday, and Holidays are meant to be fun!

We are BIG gamers in this house.  I don’t mean we love to fire up the PS5 and spend all night glued to the TV (we don’t have a PS5 - but I am open to donations!).  We love to game the old-fashioned way… …with a board game, at a table, and a nice big cup of...

Getting Dogs to Settle

We often get asked how we get new dogs to settle so quickly when they first arrive for their holiday with us.  I wrote yesterday about the Meet & Greet, that helps massively.  It also helps to have a very calm and relaxed home environment, making it as...

Your Dogs Stress Free Holiday

I mentioned yesterday that this year we have had the amazing privilege of welcoming 30 different doggies into our home from as little as half a day, up to 32 days.  It also means we have met and built relationships with over 30 different pet parents! We have met...

The GREAT Discount

2023 has been a very dog-tastic year for us!  Not only did we welcome 30 different pooches into our home, but they spanned a whopping 17 different breeds!  Giant, beautiful Mastiffs… to the teeny tiny and adorable miniature Dachshunds. Your spaniels,...

Surprise Turns to Joy

Seeing surprise turn quickly into joy and happiness is still one of the best experiences I get running a Dog Care business.  Sadly, it’s not something I see with our regular customers, they are used to the service now, but it's a privilege I get to see in new...

Year In Review (and What’s to Come!)

Looking Back at 20232023 was arguably one of the most important years of my life - it was the year my partner Becky and I eloped to America, got married and had an incredible 2 week expeirence touring some of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.  While the...
What to Pack: Essential Items for Your Dog’s Boarding Stay

What to Pack: Essential Items for Your Dog’s Boarding Stay

To ensure that your dog's stay is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable with any home boarder; it's essential to pack the right items. In this post, we will guide you through the essential items to pack for your dog's holiday. By including these items, you can help create...

How Long Can You Leave Your Dog Alone For?

How Long Can You Leave Your Dog Alone For?

If you're a dog owner, you likely understand the importance of providing your furry friend with love, attention, and care. However, life can sometimes get in the way, and you may find yourself having to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. While it's...

Why You Should Take Your Dog For a Walk Daily

Why You Should Take Your Dog For a Walk Daily

Taking your dog for a walk every day is important for both the physical and mental health of your furry friend. Not only does it provide them with the opportunity to get some much-needed exercise, but it also gives them a chance to explore and interact with the...

How to Stop Your Dog Jumping up at People

How to Stop Your Dog Jumping up at People

Are you tired of your dog jumping up on you every time you come home or want to greet them? It can be frustrating and even dangerous if your dog is large or jumps on children. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to teach your dog to stop jumping up. Here are...

How to Lure a Dog (Dog Training & Obedience)

How to Lure a Dog (Dog Training & Obedience)

Luring is a training technique that involves using a small object, such as a toy or a treat, to coax a dog into performing a specific behavior. It can be a useful way to teach a dog new behaviors, especially for dogs that are food-motivated or toy-motivated. Here is a...

Importance of Balanced Dog Training

Importance of Balanced Dog Training

Balanced dog training is a term used to describe a type of training that focuses on creating a positive and harmonious relationship between a dog and their owner. This type of training emphasizes the use of positive reinforcement, rather than punishment or...