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Why I Don’t Offer Trial Nights – and What I Do Instead
This often surprises people, so I’ll be straight about it. I don’t offer trial nights. Not because I’m inflexible — but because, for most dogs, trial nights don’t actually do what owners hope they will. At Daisy’s Digs , we take a different, more honest approach. Why trial nights sound good (but usually aren’t) On paper, a trial night feels reassuring: “Let’s see how my dog gets on” “It’s only one night” “If it goes wrong, it’s short” In reality, one-night stays are often the
Dale Solan-Cooper
Mar 22 min read
How Many Dogs Stay at Daisy’s Digs at One Time (and Why That’s Deliberate)
This is one of the most common questions we get — and for good reason. The number of dogs matters. A lot. At Daisy’s Digs , we deliberately keep numbers low . Not because we couldn’t take more — but because taking more would change the entire experience for the dogs. So, how many dogs stay at one time? We care for a small, carefully managed number of dogs at any one time. That number is chosen to ensure: dogs aren’t overwhelmed routines stay calm and predictable every dog is
Dale Solan-Cooper
Feb 232 min read
What Happens If My Dog Doesn’t Settle? An Honest Answer
This is one of the most important questions dog owners ask — and one that many boarding providers quietly avoid. So here’s the honest answer: Most dogs do settle. A small number don’t. And that’s not a failure — it’s information. At Daisy’s Digs , we don’t ignore signs of stress or try to “push through” when something isn’t right. Your dog’s welfare comes first, even when that means making a difficult call. First: what not settling actually looks like A dog taking a little t
Dale Solan-Cooper
Feb 162 min read
Why Home Boarding Is Safer Than Kennels for Small Dogs.
Kennels aren’t bad.They’re regulated, necessary, and work well for some dogs. But if you have a small dog , home boarding is often the safer, calmer option — not because kennels are dangerous, but because they aren’t personal. At Daisy’s Digs , we look after small, calm dogs only , in a home environment designed around how small dogs actually cope with being away from their owners. Small dogs experience kennels differently What feels “normal” to a large, confident dog can fe
Dale Solan-Cooper
Feb 162 min read
Why Routine Matters More Than Luxury for Dogs in Boarding
When owners start looking for dog boarding, it’s easy to be impressed by luxury kennels — glossy photos, themed rooms, webcams, “spa days,” and add-ons. But here’s the truth most experienced carers will tell you: Dogs don’t need luxury.They need routine. At Daisy’s Digs , we focus on what actually keeps dogs calm, settled, and happy — not what looks good on Instagram. Dogs don’t value “nice” the way humans do Humans love novelty. Dogs don’t. For dogs: new smells new sounds n
Dale Solan-Cooper
Feb 92 min read
The Difference Between Licensed Home Boarding and Informal Pet Sitting
A lot of people assume home boarding and pet sitting are basically the same thing. They’re not. The difference isn’t branding — it’s regulation, accountability, and welfare standards . And if you’re leaving your dog with someone else, that difference matters. What licensed home boarding actually means Licensed home boarding is regulated by the local authority. To operate legally, a home boarder must: be inspected by the council meet specific welfare standards limit dog number
Dale Solan-Cooper
Feb 83 min read
How Long Does It Take a Dog to Settle Into Home Boarding?
Leaving your dog with someone else can feel emotional — and one of the biggest worries owners have is: “How long will it take my dog to settle?” The honest answer is: most dogs settle within 24–72 hours in a calm, home-style setting. Some settle much faster. A small number take a bit longer, depending on personality, past experiences, and how they cope with change. At Daisy’s Digs , we specialise in small, calm dogs and keep the environment relaxed and predictable — which m
Dale Solan-Cooper
Feb 81 min read
What to Expect on Drop-Off and Pick-Up Day
Drop-off day can feel emotional — for owners as much as for dogs. Knowing what to expect can make the whole experience calmer and more positive for everyone. Here’s how drop-off and pick-up works at Daisy’s Digs. On Drop-Off Day We aim to keep drop-offs calm and unhurried. A relaxed handover helps dogs settle more easily. When you arrive: We’ll take time to welcome your dog and help them feel comfortable Dogs are gently introduced to the environment We avoid rushing or overwh
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 262 min read
Is Home Boarding Right for My Dog?
Choosing the right care for your dog while you’re away is a big decision. Not every type of boarding suits every dog, and that’s okay. Home boarding can be a great option — but it works best for certain dogs. Here’s how to tell if it’s the right fit for yours. Dogs Who Usually Do Well with Home Boarding Home boarding is often ideal for dogs who: Are small or calm in nature Enjoy human company Prefer a quieter environment Are comfortable around other dogs of similar size Follo
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 192 min read
Why We Specialise in Small, Calm Dogs
At Daisy’s Digs, we specialise in caring for small, calm dogs. This isn’t a limitation — it’s a deliberate choice that allows us to provide the best possible care. Here’s why this approach works so well. A Quieter, More Relaxed Environment Smaller dogs often thrive in calm surroundings. By focusing on dogs with similar sizes and temperaments, we can maintain a peaceful environment where dogs feel safe and comfortable. There’s less noise, less competition for attention, and mo
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 121 min read
How We Keep Dogs Safe, Calm and Comfortable While You’re Away
Leaving your dog while you’re away can be worrying. Every owner wants to know their dog is safe, comfortable, and well cared for at all times. At Daisy’s Digs, safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. Here’s how we make sure dogs feel settled, secure, and cared for during their stay. A Calm, Home Environment Dogs staying with us are cared for in a real home, not a kennel setting. This means familiar household sounds, relaxed routines, and a calm atmosphere t
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 52 min read


What Should I Pack When My Dog Comes to Stay?
Preparing your dog for boarding doesn’t need to be stressful. A few familiar items can make a big difference in helping your dog settle quickly and feel comfortable. Here’s what we recommend bringing when your dog comes to stay at Daisy’s Digs. Your Dog’s Food Please bring enough of your dog’s usual food for their stay. Keeping meals consistent helps avoid upset stomachs and keeps routines familiar. If your dog has any feeding instructions, allergies, or preferences, let us k
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 42 min read


Why Home Boarding Is Often Better Than Kennels for Smaller Dogs.
When it comes to leaving your dog while you’re away, choosing the right type of care matters — especially for small dogs. Many owners automatically think of kennels, but for some dogs, particularly smaller or calmer breeds, a home boarding environment can be a much better fit. Here’s why. The Kennel Environment Kennels are designed to care for a large number of dogs at once. While they work well for some pets, they can also mean: Busy, noisy surroundings Limited one-to-one in
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 42 min read


Welcome to Daisy’s Digs – A Home-From-Home for Small, Calm Dogs 🐾
If you’re looking for dog boarding that feels more like a family home than a kennel , you’re in the right place. Daisy’s Digs was created for owners who want peace of mind when they’re away — knowing their dog is safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for. Why Daisy’s Digs Exists We saw the same problem again and again:large kennels, rotating staff, minimal personal attention. That’s not how we’d want our own dog looked after — so Daisy’s Digs does things differently. We off
Dale Solan-Cooper
Jan 42 min read
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