For many dog owners, finding the right daycare can be a challenge. While some dogs thrive on endless exercise and adventure, others simply need a calm, safe environment where they can relax while their owners are at work. That’s exactly the idea behind The Running With Dogs Lounge, a unique new dog daycare in Hampshire that is redefining what daycare can be.
The lounge is the latest venture from Sarah Baxter and her husband, founders of The Running With Dogs Company, whose journey with dogs began more than 13 years ago in London.
The business originally started with a simple but effective concept. Sarah’s husband, having gained professional dog training qualifications while working with Dogs Trust, recognised there was a growing demand among busy London dog owners who needed someone to exercise their pets during the working day.
“He would collect groups of dogs from Victoria Park in Hackney and literally go running with them,” Sarah explained. “That’s where the name Running With Dogs came from.”
After starting a family, the couple decided to swap city life for the Hampshire countryside, relocating to Upper Clatford, where Sarah’s husband grew up. It was there they established their now well-known countryside dog daycare, offering acres of open farmland for energetic dogs to enjoy.
Today, that original daycare continues to thrive across two-and-a-half acres of farmland, giving active dogs plenty of space to run, play and socialise.
However, over the years the couple noticed that not every dog wanted—or needed—that level of activity.
“We realised some of our dogs had simply had enough exercise or too much stimulation,” Sarah said. “We wanted to create something completely different.”
That vision led to the creation of The Running With Dogs Lounge.
Rather than focusing solely on exercise, the lounge provides a peaceful, comfortable environment where dogs can enjoy a balanced day. Outside are two spacious gardens complete with agility equipment, parasols, gondolas and even paddling pools for warmer days. There are scenic paddock walks offering beautiful countryside views before dogs head indoors to unwind.
Inside, the atmosphere is designed to feel just like home.
Owners are welcomed into a comfortable reception area where they can enjoy a coffee while settling their dog in. There’s even a small dog library, while the heart of the business is the lounge itself—filled with sofas, cosy blankets and comfortable dog beds where canine guests can spend the afternoon relaxing after their morning adventures.
The new service is particularly well suited to nervous dogs, older pets, those recovering from surgery or simply dogs that prefer a quieter environment.
Sarah says owners are encouraged to stay during their dog’s first visit if it helps put both owner and pet at ease.
“If you’ve got a nervous dog, you’re more than welcome to come in with them,” she said. “Have a coffee, watch how they settle and see them gently introduced to the other dogs. We want owners to feel completely comfortable before leaving their pets with us.”
It’s this personalised approach that Sarah believes sets the business apart.
Dogs have always been central to family life, with three of their own at home, and Sarah says their passion extends to every breed and personality.
“We love every kind of dog,” she said. “Small dogs, big dogs, fluffy dogs, non-fluffy dogs, loud dogs and quiet dogs. Our aim is to create a daycare for everyone.”
While the original farm daycare remains the perfect choice for dogs that love plenty of exercise, the new lounge offers an alternative for those who simply want companionship, gentle play and somewhere peaceful to spend the day.
Bookings for The Running With Dogs Lounge are now open through the company’s website, where owners can browse the available services and book online with ease.
For more information, visit www.therunningwithdogscompany.co.uk or follow The Running With Dogs Company on Facebook and Instagram.