Dog owners' dreams are coming true as they can now swim with their four-legged friends in a specialist pool in Norwich.
The Hellesdon business opened in August 2020 and faced a tough battle throughout Covid, energy price increases and now the cost-of-living crisis – but the popular venue is keeping its head above water.
Rachel Lambert and her mum George Lambert had the idea to open the business when they visited a hydro pool in Bognor.
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Rachel, a certified canine hydrotherapist and co-owner of Doggy Paddle Norwich, said: “I fell in love with the idea of swimming with my dog.
“I realised there was a gap in the market in Norwich and with the help of the UEA enterprise team I put together a business plan.”
There are many pros to dogs swimming in specialist pools.
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The warm water offers weight-free exercise which can reduce pain and inflammation as well as relax muscle tension and increase range of movement which is great for older dogs.
Rachel said: “Additionally swimming in a controlled enviroment can boost water confidence, increase fitness levels, and support weight loss.
“Plus, it’s fun.”
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The pool offers private swimming with owners as well as hydrotherapy from as little as five months old.
Though staff say a dog is never too old to start.
But why is this so special? Rachel said: “If your dog already enjoys swimming, it is so fun to be in the pool with them, and they get very excited.
“Our pool is heated and clean so definitely appealing.
“A lot of our owners say swimming with their dogs is like therapy for them too.
“For those that are not yet swimmers, it provides an added confidence boost if you are right there with them.”
To find out more or to book a session visit doggypaddlenorwich.co.uk
Which dog breeds make the best swimmers?
Staff at Doggy Paddle Norwich think that all dogs can paddle, but how effective that initial paddle is depends on the breed.
Rachel said: “Labradors, spaniels, retrievers, shepherds, and poodle mixes have body types that are naturally built for swimming.
“Whereas other breeds including dachshunds, boxers and greyhounds take a little extra practice with their coordination - but once they have it, they swim just as well as the rest.”
So there are no excuses for a dog to not jump in the pool with their owners.
And for owners that aren’t so confident – there is a chair where they can sit on the side and watch their dogs enjoy splashing around on their own or with friends.
The centre is indoors and private so perfect for anxious and reactive dogs to spend some quality time with their owners.
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