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, often gifting them to family and friends rather than looking to make a profit. 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

  • “I was so pleased to be introduced to Lucy and these classes - it's a fantastic idea! Lucy is professional, fun and runs a very well oiled machine. I felt totally at ease at all times as our pups were treated with the best of care. I could wholly recommend this experience to puppy parents, it is superb for socialisation. Thanks for having us all!"

    Leigh Messenger

    Labradoodles - May 2023

  • “The pups had so much fun at your sessions, thank you for asking us to be a part of it! Your compassion towards them was so evident and it was lovely for them to get so much gentle socialisation so early in life!"

    Abbie Merritt

    Irish x Gordon Setters - January 2023

  • "It was the ultimate feel good experience for me and my puppies! Lucy was amazing with the pups - the love and attention they received in the class definitely helped them become more confident and it was lovely to see them spread happiness to all the participants. We loved it!"

    Sian Millward

    Schnauzer x Poodles - February 2023

  • "Such a memorable experience full of joy and laughter. Our pups were real heroes to zeroes over the course of each session, with periods of wonderful chaos followed by cute zonk outs. It was incredibly fun and uplifting for us as humans and great for the puppies' socialisation. Lucy and her helpers are kind and unflappable! All round an excellent, unique experience which I wouldn't hesitate to recommend to others."

    Elspeth Pontin

    Labrador x Huskies - June 2023

  • My labs had so much fun and were so well looked after from start to finish - their welfare was Lucy's number one priority and this was thoroughly explained to everyone at the start of each session. It was such a lovely experience to watch, not only seeing the pups having fun and growing in confidence but also the joy and smiles they brought to the people. I'd highly recommend it anyone, you will not regret it!

    Suzanne Hudd

    Labradors - January 2024

  • Where do I start, from the get go Lucy was absolutely wonderful, professional and highly organised. Lucy and her team made the whole process so much fun and the puppies absolutely loved coming along to the classes. Anyone thinking about taking their puppy’s along do it! Thanks again to the whole team - you have been amazing!

    Matt Garland

    Retriever x Alaskan Huskies - February 2024