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We have introduced our quarter day service. Its More Than Just a Walk – It's an Adventure!
We all know dogs love their dog walks, but what if they could have even more?
It’s perfect for owners who want more than a one-hour dog walk. Unlike typical group walks, we don’t risk run-ins with unpredictable dogs or traffic! it’s all about safety, fun, and stimulation. It's so much more than just a walk around the block, this is purposeful playtime in our fully secure private field, complete with enrichment zones, play equipment, and constant supervision from trained staff. And it's great for dogs who normally need to be walked on a lead.
For just £16.50, your dog gets half an hour more than a standard group walk — in a far safer and more enriching setting.
Compare that to a typical 1-hour group walk for around £14, often on busy pavements or in public parks with unfamiliar dogs and unpredictable situations.
If you’re a UK dog owner, chances are you’ve wondered whether dog walking or doggy daycare is the better choice for your furry friend. The answer? It depends on your dog’s personality, routine, and daily needs.
At The Dog Bus, we specialise in outdoor dog daycare in Manchester and Cheshire, offering dogs the space, socialisation, and enrichment they crave. But we also understand that dog walking has its place — especially for dogs with special requirements.
So, how do you choose? Below, we’ve broken down the key benefits of each to help you make an informed, tail-wagging decision.
Dog Need | Doggy Daycare (e.g. The Dog Bus) | Dog Walker |
---|---|---|
Socialisation | Consistent play with other dogs & humans all day long | Limited to brief encounters or solo time |
Exercise | Off-lead fun in secure, supervised fields for hours | Typically 30–60 minutes, sometimes on-lead |
Mental Stimulation & Enrichment | Daily activities like agility, scent games & group play | Usually a familiar walking route |
Individual Attention | Small groups with low ratios (max 1:8 at The Dog Bus); special care on request | One-to-one or small group focus |
Convenience | Includes pick-up & drop-off via our custom Doggy Bus, even when you’re not home | More flexible day-by-day scheduling |
Supervision | Constant supervision from trained dog carers | Only during walk; not between visits |
Rest & Sleep Time | Quiet indoor spaces for naps and calm time | Can nap at home between walks |
Routine & Structure | Dogs thrive on set schedules and consistent playmates | Times may vary based on availability |
Best For Busy Owners | Full-day care lets owners focus on work or commitments worry-free | Helpful if you need short-term cover |
Energy Levels | Ideal for high-energy, social dogs | Better for calmer, older, or more independent dogs |
Separation Anxiety | Constant company helps reduce loneliness | Limited relief, only during walk period |
Safety | Enclosed fields, professional supervision, and group management | Public routes, variable environments |
Emergency Support | Trained staff on hand, emergency protocols in place | Depends on the walker and availability |
While dog walking can be a good solution for low-energy or independent dogs, the benefits of outdoor dog daycare in Manchester and Cheshire are hard to beat.
At The Dog Bus, we provide a full day of freedom, friendship, and fun in the fresh countryside air. Dogs enjoy off-lead adventures in enclosed, professionally supervised fields, tailored enrichment sessions, structured social time, and restful downtime — all included in a single, easy-to-manage service.
Unlike many indoor daycare centres, we believe dogs need space to be dogs. That’s why our outdoor setup mirrors natural canine behaviour — running, sniffing, playing, exploring — all under the watchful eye of our trained dog care team.
🐾 More Time, More Fun – Instead of just an hour, your dog gets a full 90 minutes of supervised, off-lead adventure! That’s 50% more time to run, play, and explore in a safe, enclosed setting.
🐾 A Safe & Secure Environment – Unlike public parks and pavements where unexpected encounters with other dogs, traffic, or distractions can occur, our private, fully enclosed space ensures zero risk from uncontrolled dogs, busy roads, or unknown hazards.
🐾 Enrichment & Play – This isn’t just a walk—it’s a dog’s dream playground! With agility equipment, scent games, and space to roam freely, your pup will enjoy both physical and mental stimulation, keeping them happier, healthier, and better behaved.
🐾 Smaller, Well-Matched Groups – We carefully group dogs based on their size, temperament, and play style, ensuring a stress-free, social, and enjoyable experience for every pup.
🐾 Incredible Value – A standard one-hour group walk costs on average £14, while our 1.5-hour premium adventure walk is just £16.50. That’s only £2.50 more for an extra 30 minutes of play and enrichment in a secure, purpose-built space!
🐾 Peace of Mind for Owners – You can relax knowing your dog is getting safe, high-quality exercise in an environment designed for their wellbeing. No risks, no stress—just pure enjoyment!
You now have the option of :
Upgrade their daily routine and let them experience the best of both worlds—longer walks, better safety, and more enrichment.
Spaces are limited, so book now and give your dog the adventure they deserve!
Available slots will be 9:00 – 10:30 – 10:30 – 12:00 am and 12:00 – 1:30 pm.
We are rolling out our quarter-day option area by area. Check out the areas we cover and time slots by clicking below: