The person behind your dog’s extraordinary day
Hello, I’m Phil, founder of Tails of The Lake.
I started Tails because I believed daycare should do more than keep dogs occupied or simply wear them out. Every dog is different, so we take the time to understand what helps each one feel confident, engaged and settled—then build their day around them.
That’s why we deliberately have more staff per dog. It gives us the time to notice the small things, adapt what we’re doing and support each dog as an individual rather than simply managing a group.
Our team is trained in dog behaviour and first aid, but qualifications are only part of it. The real standard is knowing your dog properly and giving them an experience that genuinely suits them.
For me, that’s what premium daycare should mean.
Before you choose a daycare, ask these 12 questions.
The right daycare should be able to explain how it approaches safety, suitability, group structure, enrichment, rest, staffing and communication.
I’ve put the questions I believe every dog owner should ask into a free guide, so you can compare your options properly and make a confident decision for your dog.
Use it with us—or with any daycare you’re considering.
What makes a day at Tails different
Scent Garden Adventures
A completely different themed enrichment experience every month, designed to keep your dog interested, engaged and using their brain.
Private Lake & Countryside
Space to explore, exercise and enjoy something most daycares simply can’t offer.
More Staff Per Dog
Fewer dogs per member of staff means more attention, more flexibility and more ability to build the day around your dog.
A Day Built Around Your Dog
We get to know what your dog needs, then shape the balance of play, enrichment, social time and rest around them.
More thought. More attention. More for your dog.
ENRICHMENT IN ACTION
See what a thoughtful daycare experience looks like
The Scent Garden is one example of how we create experiences around a dog’s natural instincts and individual interests. Watch Henning explore it at his own pace—and hear what his owner Adrienne thought of his experience.
The difference owners see in their dogs
The real measure of a daycare experience isn’t simply whether a dog enjoyed the day. It’s the confidence, fulfilment and positive change their owners notice over time.
She’s become so much more social and confident and the way she plays with other dogs has completely changed for the better. She gets so excited when Hannah or Phil arrive to collect her… and when she comes home, she’s always happily exhausted after a morning full of fun!
She’s become so much more social and confident and the way she plays with other dogs has completely changed for the better. She gets so excited when Hannah or Phil arrive to collect her… and when she comes home, she’s always happily exhausted after a morning full of fun!
Melissa — Lola
Google review
Phil and Tails of The Lake has changed my life and Dotti’s. Phil has turned my dog around and I am exceptionally happy with what he has achieved… Dotti will be staying under his care and guidance as she enjoys it so much and is learning so much.
Phil and Tails of The Lake has changed my life and Dotti’s. Phil has turned my dog around and I am exceptionally happy with what he has achieved… Dotti will be staying under his care and guidance as she enjoys it so much and is learning so much.
Rick — Dotti P
Google review
She was quite an anxious dog on the first visit with lots of new sights and smells, but the team looked after her and eased her in gently. Her confidence has grown massively and she now gets so excited to come here every week!
She was quite an anxious dog on the first visit with lots of new sights and smells, but the team looked after her and eased her in gently. Her confidence has grown massively and she now gets so excited to come here every week!
Katy — Bonnie
Google review
An extraordinary day, built with purpose
Every part of the day has a role—from carefully managed social time and individual attention to enrichment, exploration and the freedom to enjoy our countryside setting.
Let’s talk about your dog
If you’re looking for daycare that does more than simply keep your dog occupied, send me a message and tell me about them—their personality, what they enjoy and what you’d like daycare to help with.
I’ll call you personally so we can talk it through and decide whether Tails of The Lake is the right fit for your dog.
No hard sell. Just an honest conversation about what your dog needs and how we may be able to help.
