A Typical day Boarding at Wagging Dogs
We follow a gentle, balanced daily rhythm built around your dog’s emotional and physical needs. Please note the following is an approximate. Puppies, young, elderly and dogs recovering from surgery are taken out more frequently and placed on a managed exercise programme to fit their capabilities.
With small guest numbers, personalised routines, and plenty of attention, your dog will feel relaxed, cared for, and truly at home. Every part of the day is thoughtfully planned to support your dog’s happiness, health, and emotional balance.
A gentle start to the day creates a positive, low-stress environment from the moment your dog wakes up. Breakfast is served in your dog’s own bowl, following your feeding instructions. We always allow at least an hour of rest before and after meals to support healthy digestion and comfort before any activity.
Early Stroll to stretch, sniff, and explore — ideal for stimulating curiosity in a relaxed way.
Duration: Approx. 20 minutes.
Rest is as important as activity. Scheduled downtime supports emotional balance, reduces over stimulation, and allows for natural recovery after walks.
Morning Rambles take in different countryside routes through Dartmoor and the South Hams. Planning walks that stimulate your dog’s senses and keeping things enriched is at the heart of everything we do.
Relaxation time to settle, nap, or simply enjoy quiet company in a homely environment. This peaceful period supports calm behavior and mental well-being.
Mindful walk during the afternoon at slower-pace.
Main meal is served as per your instructions. Just like in the morning, we ensure ample time to
rest before and after eating to support digestion and comfort.
Evening stroll, depending on your dog’s energy levels and needs, helping them relax before bedtime. Duration: 10–20 minutes.
Winding down with relaxation and cuddles! Wellness checks and brushing is always carried out with care, calmness, and affection.
Last thing before lights out taken out for a toilet break before bedtime treat and lights out.
How to Organise Your Dog’s Boarding Stay
At Wagging Dogs, we make it easy to arrange a safe and enjoyable boarding experience for your dog. Here’s how the process works from first contact:
1. Initial Enquiry
Because of our unique rural location in Holne, Dartmoor National Park, the first step is to get in touch and tell us a little about your dog. Please message us with your preferred dates and your dog’s basic details to check availability.
2. Meet & Greet
Once we’ve confirmed availability, we’ll arrange a meet and greet session and walk. A successful meet and greet helps ensure your dog feel comfortable and happy and gives you peace of mind. If all goes well, we’ll move on to confirming you’re booking.
The meet and greet is really useful as it allows:
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Your dog to visit our home and become aware of its surroundings
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You to chat about your dog’s routine, personality, likes and dislikes
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A chance for your dog to get to know me in a calm, relaxed setting
3. Booking & Consent Form
Before your dog’s stay, you’ll complete a booking and consent form. This step ensures your dog receives personalised care while you're away. This gives me all the important information I need to care for your dog, including:
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Feeding times and habits
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Medication or special care needs
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Emergency contact details
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Vet information
4. Trial Night
A one- night overnight trial stay for dogs new to home boarding or for stays longer than three nights is organised. This helps your dog get familiar with the environment and ensures they feel secure before a longer stay. Many owners find this a great confidence booster — for both them and their dogs!
5. Daily Care & Countryside Walks
Your dog will enjoy:
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Walks in the beautiful countryside of Dartmoor and South Hams
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Rest and play in a calm, homely environment
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Individual attention and low guest numbers
Dogs are only walked off-lead with your prior written consent, and only when we’re confident they will safely return.
Wagging Dogs is based in Holne, within the stunning Dartmoor National Park, and is easily accessible from across the South Hams.
Whether you're heading away for a weekend or embarking on a longer trip, we offer flexible, mutually convenient rendezvous points to help make drop-offs and pick-ups as smooth as possible. Wagging Dogs offers a calm, caring alternative to kennels.
If you're travelling via Totnes train station, or heading towards Cornwall, Bristol, London, or are off to the North, we can meet you at just off the A38 at:
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Buckfastleigh
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Ashburton
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South Brent
We also regularly support families departing from or living further afield in:
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Ivybridge
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Kingsbridge
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Salcombe
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Totnes and surrounding villages
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Plymouth
If you're located outside these areas, don’t worry — just get in touch. We're always happy to discuss how we can help with home dog boarding to suit your travel plans.
Book Your Dog’s Stay
Please use the online booking and consent form below to get started in arranging your pets stay with us.
