Puppy Play & Stretch
Yoga inspired movement in a room full of puppies - the perfect way to spend your afternoon.
Where do the puppies come from?
Those of you who come to Puppy Play & Stretch will hear the story of each litter I work with, every one is different.
Wherever I can I opt to work with happy accidents, otherwise it’s a litter from a family pet where the dog parents have chosen to have some puppies for the joyful experience, the pups often going to family and friends rather than anyone breeding professionally. I can never promise what puppies will be at the classes as I’m always searching for the right person to work with, rather than any one specific breed. An in person home visit is always done to ensure the mum is a beloved pet and not just used for breeding.
Puppy Welfare
Wellbeing
Each session starts with an introduction from the teacher where participants are given guidelines on handling the pups and asked to let the pups come to them. The pups are normally very excited to meet lots of new people but participants are told to respect whatever mood the puppies are in - if they want to sleep they are left to sleep
Two wellbeing team members are present at every session alongside the teacher and litter owner to ensure everyone is respectful of the pups and treating them with kindness and care. Several members of the wellbeing team are veterinary nurses who have helped craft our welfare protocols
There is maximum of two sessions a day so puppies are never away from home and mum for an extended period of time
Food & Water
Our pups can get thirsty after an energetic run around so we always make sure there is fresh water available, even if it causes a few more accidents!
Pups always stick to their regular feeding schedule with sessions scheduled around their regular daily routine. If the litter owner feels the pups are getting hungry during a session the pups are provided with food and treats
Cleanliness & Safety
We know pups can be a little mischievous so all the studios we work with are 'puppy proofed' with suitable barriers to prevent pups going into any areas which could contain potential harms
The studio is cleaned, sanitised and checked for any debris ahead of every session and all mats are cleaned and sanitised before and after each session
We ask participants not to bring in anything the puppies may fancy chewing on and instead we provide each litter with their own set of toys
All shoes are removed ahead of entering the studio and participants are provided with hand sanitiser
The teacher leading the session has a Canine First Aid Diploma so is equipped to handle an emergency first aid situation should one ever arise
Rest
There is only ever a maximum of two sessions in one day with a break in between to allow puppies time to rest
All participants are reminded not to disturb any pups who fall asleep during the sessions
There is always an area available with comfort blankets where the pups are guided to by the wellbeing team for rest if it looks like they want a break from interactions
What the pup parents are saying