The Need-to-Nose
The Doggy Paddle Experience
🐾 32ft x 16ft covered above-ground pool with a docking station for easy access
🐾 Heated pool, so we invite you to swim with your dog.
🐾 State-of-the-art filter and heating system.
🐾 Located at Four Acres Nursery in Berkhamsted, in a beautiful rural setting.
🐾 On-site allocated parking
🐾 Safe, enclosed, and secure premises
🐾 Private and multi-dog sessions
🐾 Pool party available to hire
🐾 30-minute and 45-minute slots available to book.
🐾 Open 6 days a week.
🐾 Reception and changing rooms are located on-site at our barn.
🐾 Wash down station station.
🐾 Doggy life jackets are available on-site, free of charge.
What to expect from your swim session
Once you arrive for your swim, please make your way up to our welcoming reception located in our barn.
Please note that we kindly ask you not to arrive before your scheduled time slot, as a session may be in progress.
All dogs must be kept on the lead until the session has started.
If your pup is new to us, they must wear a life jacket. Please ask at reception; we have a wide range of sizes available.
Once your dog is comfortable in the water, they will no longer need to use a life jacket.
Whilst not mandatory, we encourage owners to swim with their dogs; it’s a wonderful bonding experience and helps your dog's confidence immensely.
Your 30-minute session will look like this: 5 minutes to change, 20 minutes to enjoy the water, and 5 minutes to change and exit.
Your 45-minute session will look like this – 5 minutes to change, 35 minutes to swim, 5 minutes to change and exit. Our 45-minute session is ideal for first-time swimmers, the more energetic pups, or those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
We have our very own wash down station for you to use before you leave.
What to bring
Towels for you and your dog
Swimwear, we recommend a wetsuit or a long-sleeved t-shirt to avoid your dog's claws.
*Please note we do not offer wetsuit hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact us.
Prepayment by debit or credit is required. Visit our booking page.
Yes! We recommend swimming with your dog for the full experience.
Yes, we have a changing room inside the barn. Once you enter the barn and use the indoor facility please exit to the pool. After your session you collect your items (storage provided) and make your way out of the pool area, walk along path to the side of the marquee and through the gate to the doggy wash station. You will be unable to re-enter the barn after your swim as we have a one-way system in place for health and safety reasons.
We welcome kids 12 years and above who are competent swimmers; an adult must accompany them. The pool is 52" deep so your child must be able to stand head and shoulders above the water.
We will happily reschedule your session free of charge we require a 48-hour notice. We are unable to offer a refund.
Yes, we have a dog-friendly non-slip ramp for easy entry/exit into the pool.
Yes! We offer great discounts for block bookings. Visit our booking page.
Yes, we welcome all size breeds.
Absolutely, we encourage you to make precious memories and would love you to share them on our socials.
Yes, we offer our very own doggy wash-down station for your convenience, free of charge. This is located outside the barn as you leave.
Yes, we use chlorine and UV disinfectant, which is safe for dogs.
Only if your dog has an injury or any ongoing health conditions.
We recommend that all dogs be fully vaccinated; however, it’s not mandatory for private sessions. A ‘titre’ test is not mandatory.
We are open March to October
Up to 5 people are allowed in the pool at any time.
Yes, for a bundle of 6 sessions, you will have 6 months to use them, and for 12 sessions, you will have12 months; any unused sessions will be forfeited.
We have a state-of-the-art filter system, but please remember this is a doggy swimming pool and there will be some hair.
We are on hand to guide and encourage your dog. Some dogs will require a few sessions to build their confidence. We recommend booking a 45 min session, so we, as experienced dog handlers, have time to assess your dog in the pool.
One of our team members will supervise the session and be on hand to help the session go smoothly. Dogs must always be supervised and handled by their owners. Owners are fully responsible for their dog's safety, behaviour, and well-being throughout the session.
We welcome dogs of all ages from 6 months.
Always consult your vet before booking a swim.
We pride ourselves on having the best filter system, and we test the water regularly throughout the day.
We are located within the Four Acres Nursery in Berkhamsted. We have our very own private paddock with a covered, heated pool.
Your dog should not eat a meal for at least 2 hours before the session and ideally two hours post swim.
Yes please. For the comfort, safety, and hygiene of all our swimmers, we kindly ask that dogs arrive clean and free from mud or heavy dirt. This helps us keep our pool water fresh and enjoyable for everyone.
We do not offer swimming lessons. We are on hand to give guidance and support on the best way to help your dog during the session. But please remember this is a private session and time for you and your dog to enjoy together.
We recommend suitable footwear that you would wear around a pool.