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A Day in the Life at Lola’s House: What Your Dog Experiences Here

Introduction

At Lola’s House, we do things a little differently. Unlike large-scale dog daycares where playgroups can be chaotic and unpredictable, we provide a structured, calm, and home-like environment where every dog is given the attention, space, and routine they need to thrive. Our approach is built on trust, understanding, and years of experience caring for dogs in a way that supports their well-being and development.

For new or potential clients wondering what a typical day looks like at Lola’s House, here’s an inside look at what your dog experiences when they stay with us.

7:00 AM – The Day Begins

Our day at Lola’s House starts at 7:00 AM when we wake up. With dogs in the house, our mornings are peaceful but structured, ensuring that everyone starts the day on the right foot (or paw!).

The first order of business? A quick morning toilet break in the garden. The dogs are let out to stretch their legs, do their business, and start the day with some fresh air. This is a calm, quiet moment to ease into the morning rather than an energetic play session.

8:00 AM – Breakfast & Relaxation

After their morning stretch, breakfast is served at 8:00 AM. All the dogs staying at Lola’s House are fed according to their individual dietary needs. Since we have a strong background in dog nutrition, we ensure that every dog is getting the best care possible. If a dog has special feeding requirements, we are happy to accommodate them.

Once breakfast is finished, it’s time for the first structured part of our day: relaxation. We believe that teaching dogs how to be calm is just as important as socialisation or training. After eating, the dogs settle into their designated beds in the lounge while we have our own breakfast and a bit of reading time. This quiet, structured relaxation helps set the tone for the rest of the day—reinforcing that Lola’s House is a calm space, not a chaotic one.

9:00 AM – Morning Arrivals & Settling In

If new dogs are arriving for the day, this is when we welcome them. Arrivals at Lola’s House are handled with care—every dog is greeted and then introduced to the group in a controlled, supervised manner.

• The Garden Introduction: New arrivals first meet the other dogs in the garden, where we closely monitor interactions.
• Comfort for Nervous Dogs: Most dogs that stay with us are regular visitors and know the routine well, but if a dog needs extra reassurance, we provide them with one-on-one attention or even take them on a short walk to help them settle in.

Our goal is always to make sure every dog feels at home.

10:00 AM – Morning Play (But Only in the Garden!)

Play at Lola’s House is very structured—and it only happens in the garden. Unlike many other dog care environments, we do not allow dogs to play indoors. Instead, we teach them that the house is a place for relaxation and rest.

When play does happen:

• Only dogs who want to play are in the garden.
• Play is always monitored to ensure that it remains calm and friendly.
• Boisterous or overexcitable behaviour is not allowed.

This approach prevents overstimulation and ensures that every dog in our care has a positive experience—whether they’re playful or more reserved.

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM – Walk Time

Between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, we take the dogs out for their daily walk. We believe in quality over quantity when it comes to walks, focusing on keeping the experience calm, structured, and enriching for the dogs.

Our walking routine:

• We walk in small groups (a maximum of two dogs per person).
• We prioritise friendships and match dogs that walk well together.
• Walks take place in a variety of locations, including Newton Park, Stapenhill Gardens, Stapenhill Cemetery, and occasionally further away at Calke Abbey.
• The atmosphere is kept calm from the start to ensure all dogs stay under control.

We don’t take dogs on walks if they are too boisterous, as our focus is on balanced, well-managed outings.

2:00 PM – Afternoon Nap & Quiet Time

After their walk, the dogs come home and naturally fall into rest mode. At Lola’s House, we promote regular nap times because rest is just as important as play and exercise.

To encourage relaxation, we use place training—a technique that helps dogs understand that their bed is a safe and calming place. Whether they sleep in the lounge or are split into two rooms (one of us stays in each room), the result is the same: a peaceful, well-rested group of dogs.

3:30 PM – Light Afternoon Activities

The afternoons are generally quiet, but we do incorporate light activities depending on the group. This could include:

• A bit of garden play for those who need to stretch their legs.
• Toilet breaks before home time.
• Scent work or puzzle games for dogs who enjoy extra enrichment.

However, everything is done in moderation to maintain the calm environment that sets Lola’s House apart.

5:00 PM – Wind Down & Home Time

At 5:00 PM, we start winding down for the day. This is when we begin the final routine:

• Any remaining dogs have their dinner.
• We send photos and updates to owners throughout the day—something our clients love!
• The final pick-ups happen, and we take time for one-on-one handovers with owners.

Unlike some places where handovers feel rushed, we ensure that each dog’s owner gets a proper update about their pet’s day.

Evening Routine for Overnight Guests

For the dogs staying overnight, the routine continues into the evening:

• Dinner is served at 5:00 PM.
• We relax together in the lounge or bedroom for the rest of the evening.
• If needed, we take the dogs out for a final calm evening walk.

By nighttime, every dog at Lola’s House is content, relaxed, and ready for a restful sleep.

What Makes Lola’s House Special?

There are a lot of dog boarding and daycare options out there, but Lola’s House is different. Here’s what sets us apart:

✔️ A Calm Environment – No hectic playgroups or loud, chaotic spaces. We only accept dogs who fit into our balanced, structured atmosphere.

✔️ No Boisterous Dogs – This keeps playtime enjoyable and prevents stress for more sensitive dogs.

✔️ We Know Every Dog Personally – Unlike larger daycares, we only take a maximum of six dogs plus Lola at any one time, meaning every dog gets individual attention. During non-peak times we usually only have two or three dogs plus Lola.

✔️ Two Full-Time Carers – With both of us present, dogs are never left alone.

✔️ Professionalism & Expertise – We aren’t just dog lovers; we’re qualified and experienced in dog training and behaviour.

✔️ 5-Star Reputation – Our clients love Lola’s House! We have over 20 five-star reviews, and every single dog that has stayed here has left happy.

Ready to Give Your Dog the Lola’s House Experience?

If you’re looking for a dog daycare or boarding experience that prioritises calm, structured care, Lola’s House is the perfect place. Whether you have a playful pup or a sensitive soul, our home-based environment ensures that your dog feels safe, secure, and part of the family.

Want to book a stay? Contact us today to find out more!

Written by Jack Fairclough

Published on 30th January 2025

Reference list: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (GPT-4). Retrieved from https://chat.open