Theer are a whole host of places to visit with your pet if you want to treat them to some pooch pampering.

Therapaws

When Julie Grantham's Welsh Springer Spaniel, Lucy, began suffering from arthritis her vet suggested the holistic approach of regular swimming.

That was 12 years ago, and since then Julie and her husband have formed Therapaws, through which Lucy and hundreds of canine chums have benefitted from swimming in the specially-adapted heated pool at the couple's home in Sidlesham.

"Word quickly spread that we had a heated swimming pool for dogs either through recommendation from vets or people who had already brought their pets along after an operation," says Julie.

Therapaws works with a varied range of clients from Canine Partners for Independence, guide dogs, post-op dogs, dogs with age-related problems, show dogs, racing greyhounds or just doggies who enjoy a good old splash around in the pool and a get- together with friends.

"We find that many people come first because their dog has a condition such as arthritis and they need the exercise and support that swimming gives. But the dogs end up loving it so much they come back regularly just for fun," says Julie.

"On Saturdays, for example, we have social swims when both dogs and owners get exercise and a chance to socialise. The dogs swim and the owners keep fit by running round throwing things for their pets to retrieve in the water. We've even had a couple of Therapaws weddings among owners!"

Therapaws is the first swimming pool of its kind in the county. And it is known for its charity work.

"We pick a different charity every year and raise money through sponsored swims, raffles, an agility show in June and sponsored walks," says Julie.

Before their swim the dogs have a shower, and any nervous clients are gently encouraged in and kept on a lead to begin with. Doggy water wings are available for dogs that need extra support. Afterwards they have a blow dry to keep off the chill.

Dog owners can book their pets a birthday celebration at Therapaws, with invites for their chums and goodie bags.

Therapaws, Sidlesham, 01243 641114. Cost is £6.50 for half-hour lesson.

The Dog Barn

Hundreds of little paws have padded through the doors of The Dog Barn at Aldingbourne since it opened last year.

The Barn, previously an old cattle barn, has been adapted for dog training by farming couple Cherry and Peter Gillbard, with seamless rubber flooring, double- insulated walls and stable doors for ventilation.

A wonderful mural painted by local artist Melody Pryce runs round the walls depicting different dogs engaged in the four main categories of training – fly ball, heel work to music, general dog and puppy training and agility.

"A lot of people commented to me in the past about taking their dogs to train in places that either had floors that were too slippery or they didn't feel were particularly clean," says Cherry.

"We spent a lot of time researching the floor for the Barn and found the only place in the UK that did this special seamless rubber that was originally used to house rhinos!

"It's perfect for dog training, agility, doggy dancing or just having a good work-out with your dog, as the paws don't impact on it."

With help from SEEDA, which gave them a redundant buildings grant, Cherry and Peter have turned the Barn into a state-of-the-art dog training venue used by clients such as Sussex County Dog Trainers, Wag Tails puppy classes, Happy Puppies and Clever Canine Club.

"If you want to get your dog involved in agility, doggy dancing, clicker training, obedience classes or just have a jolly good run around then you'll both find what you want here. We also have an enclosed outside area for off lead and recall," says Cherry.

Cherry gives 12 per cent of any takings to a charity which is very dear to her - Canine Partners for Independence.

"My son has cerebral palsy and to see how these dogs can help a disabled person regain their independence and dignity is wonderful," she adds.

Dog training classes, in whatever form, have seen a rise in popularity over recent years. "It's stressful when you can't control your dog," says Cherry. "People want to be able to do that and have fun with them at the same time."

The Dog Barn, Aldingbourne, 01243 545982.

Canine Reiki Touch

Our lives are often very busy and stressful and this can have an impact on our pets.

Fiona Stewart is a former cognitive research psychologist and a fully-qualified Reiki Master who has used her healing touch to help calm many breeds of dogs from collies, labradors and retrievers to Jack Russells and terriers.

"It can be used on any dog provided they are happy to be touched. Often I can be at a show and dogs will actually seek me out for treatment. They will run up to me and brush themselves against me," says Fiona.

She says Reiki can help dogs with many conditions including irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety separation, behavioural problems and food absorption.

It works by hands being placed gently on the six mains zones of the dog's body. The more a dog needs attention in one area the longer they will let you lay the hands on that area.

"The eyes and jaw represent the sixth-sense area which may often indicate a need for higher training or stimulus," says Fiona.

"The throat area is for emotional communication. The heart area indicates the ability to show and receive love. Rescue dogs often exhibit a blockage in this area. The solar plexus concentrates on levels of confidence and security.

"If there is an imbalance here it can result in aggression or behavioural problems. The lower abdomen and hips represent emotional attachment, and the base or tail indicates how stable the animal feels in relation to their home and owner."

Fiona practices Reiki on her own border collie Rousse, who had been traumatised by being left in kennels for months on end before being fostered by Scally Wags dog school and bought by Fiona.

"We bonded straight away and through reiki his confidence has returned and he is a much happier dog," she says.

Canine Reiki Touch. Contact caninereikitouch@aol.com

Who let the dogs out?

Your dog doesn't have to miss out now when you are getting out and about.

There are many venues - from caravan parks to tea rooms - which are advertising themselves as 'dog-friendly'.

For more on dog-friendly resorts, restaurants, hotels, holiday parks and beaches - and on how to, wait for it, join the Wet Nose Society, send a dog an e-card or for holistic natural doggie treats, and more - visit www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk