Where can I board my dog near Glasgow?

The Dogchester is a luxury dog hotel in ML11, offering behaviourist-led dog boarding for Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Central Scotland.

Is The Dogchester different from traditional kennels?

Yes. Unlike kennels, The Dogchester provides real bedroom-style suites, outdoor enrichment, behaviourist-led care, and daily video updates.

Do you accept anxious or nervous dogs?

Yes. We specialise in anxious and first-time boarders. Your dog's stay starts with a gentle Trial Night Assessment to ensure they feel safe and relaxed.

Where is The Dogchester located?

We are located at Blackwood Yet, Lesmahagow Road, ML11 0HZ — minutes from the M74 and easily accessible from Lanarkshire, Glasgow, and Central Scotland.

Do you offer residential dog training?

Yes. We offer Residential Training Retreats led by Clinical Animal Behaviourist Nanci Creedon M.Sc., using only positive reinforcement methods.

Do you allow trial nights before booking?

Yes. Every new dog starts with a Trial Night Assessment so we can ensure they are comfortable, happy, and suitable for our enrichment-based routines.

What is a Trial Night Assessment?

A Trial Night Assessment is a gentle, overnight stay designed to help your dog experience The Dogchester before a longer holiday. It allows us to assess comfort levels, routines and individual needs in a calm, home-style environment.

Why does my dog need a Trial Night before boarding?

Trial Nights ensure your dog feels completely safe and relaxed before a longer stay. They also allow us to understand their personality, preferences and any behavioural needs to tailor their care plan.

Is the Trial Night suitable for anxious dogs?

Yes. Our low-stress, behaviourist-led environment is ideal for anxious or first-time boarders. Many dogs relax much more quickly here than in traditional kennels.

How soon will I know if my dog is suitable for a longer stay?

Most dogs complete the Trial Night successfully. After checkout, we provide you with a summary of how your dog settled and discuss recommended next steps before booking a holiday.

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We offer gentle Trial Night Assessments to ensure your dog feels completely safe and happy before a longer stay — ideal for anxious or first-time boarders.

Trial Night Assessment – The Dogchester

Every new guest starts with a Trial Night Assessment to ensure your dog is
comfortable, confident, and happy at The Dogchester.
This helps us tailor routines and confirm we’re the perfect fit for your dog.

Book Your Trial Night

What is a Trial Night?

The Dogchester operates as a members-only luxury dog hotel, which means
every dog must complete a Trial Night before staying for a holiday.
This ensures that we only accept dogs who genuinely enjoy our environment,
keeping the hotel calm, happy, and safe for all guests.

During the trial stay, we assess your dog’s comfort level, emotional needs,
routine preferences and general wellbeing so we can create the perfect holiday experience.

What We Assess During the Trial Night

Emotional comfort – does your dog settle and relax?
Stress signals – pacing, barking, anxiety, vocalising.
Suitability for social time – if they enjoy being around other dogs.
Separation coping – are they comfortable without family present?
Night-time routine – sleep patterns and comfort.
Feeding habits – do they eat well in a new environment?
Medical or mobility needs – what adaptations might they need?
Comfort in a real bedroom – ease in our VIP suite environment.

What You’ll Need to Bring

Your dog’s usual food (to keep their tummy settled).
Any medication with clear instructions.
A familiar blanket or toy (optional but helpful).
Emergency contact information.

Why the Trial Night is So Important

It protects your dog, your peace of mind, and the calm environment for all guests.

Ensures your dog is truly happy before a longer stay.
Allows us to design a personalised routine.
Gives your dog time to explore their suite safely.
Confirms compatibility with our environment and routines.
Reduces anxiety for both dog and owner.
Helps dogs bond with the staff before a holiday stay.

What Happens During the Trial Night?

1. Check-In

You’ll meet a member of our team who will note feeding routines, medication, and preferences.

2. Settling into the Suite

Your dog is shown their VIP room and allowed time to explore and settle.

3. Enrichment & Outdoor Time

A mix of sniffing, exploring, play, and calm activities depending on your dog’s needs.

4. Dinner & Night Routine

We follow your dog’s normal schedule to help them feel relaxed.

5. Morning Assessment Report

You’ll receive honest feedback about how your dog settled, coped overnight,
and how suitable they are for future stays at The Dogchester.

What Owners Say About the Trial Night

“Our dog’s trial night gave us so much peace of mind… the videos and updates were wonderful,
and she came home happy and relaxed.”

– Dogchester Client

“The morning report was so reassuring… we knew instantly The Dogchester was the right place.”

– Returning Guest Family

Trial Night FAQ

How long does the trial night last?

One overnight stay, usually from afternoon check-in to morning collection.

Can I check on my dog during the trial?

Yes — you will receive updates, photos, and videos.

What if my dog doesn’t settle?

We will always be honest. If your dog is unhappy or distressed,
we’ll discuss alternatives and next steps that best support their wellbeing.

Do you accept all breeds?

Yes, all breeds are welcome as long as they pass the Trial Night Assessment.

Find The Dogchester

Address:
The Dogchester
Blackwood Yet
Lesmahagow Road
ML11 0HZ

Phone: 01555 535214
Email: info@thedogchester.co.uk

Book Your Dog’s Trial Night

Your dog’s holiday starts here.

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Book a Trial Night

Looking for premium dog care in Scotland? Explore our most popular services: • Dog Boarding Glasgow • Dog Boarding Lanarkshire • Luxury Dog Hotel Scotland • VIP Dog Suites • Trial Night Assessment • Residential Dog Training Retreats • Dog Weight Loss Camp

The Dogchester Luxury Dog Hotel

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