Group Class Or Private Session: Which To Book
For owners choosing between our two £35 session formats.
Both of our £35 options give you the full 30 minutes in the heated pool, so the decision is not about money. It is about your dog's temperament and what you want out of the half hour.
This guide compares the two honestly, including the situations where a group class is the wrong choice.
Key points
- Group classes suit confident, sociable dogs who enjoy other dogs.
- Private sessions suit nervous, reactive, recovering or easily distracted dogs.
- Both are £35 and both run for 30 minutes.
Group classes
A group class puts your dog in the water alongside other friendly dogs. For a sociable dog it is often the most fun half hour of their week — the presence of other dogs pulls hesitant swimmers in and turns swimming into play.
It suits dogs who greet well, share space calmly and already have some water confidence.
Private sessions
A private session is your household only. Nothing competes for your dog's attention, the pace is set entirely by them, and there is no pressure to keep up.
It is the better choice for a nervous first-timer, a dog who is reactive or uncomfortable around other dogs, a dog rebuilding fitness, or a household that simply wants focused time in the water.
Multi-dog households
Our Owner In Pool session covers up to 4 dogs from the same household in a single £35 slot. For families with several dogs that is usually the most sensible booking, and it keeps the dogs with familiar company.
How to choose
If you are torn, start private and move to a group class once your dog is confident.
- Confident, sociable, loves other dogs — group class.
- Nervous, first-time or easily overwhelmed — private.
- Reactive on lead or wary of other dogs — private.
- Multiple dogs in one household — Owner In Pool, up to 4 dogs.
- Specific goal like weight loss or conditioning — private, so nothing distracts.
Common questions
Do group classes cost more?
No — group classes and Owner In Pool sessions are both £35 for a 30-minute slot.
My dog is reactive. Can they still swim?
Yes, in a private session. The pool room is yours for the slot, so there is no contact with other dogs.
Can I bring more than one dog?
Yes. An Owner In Pool session covers up to 4 dogs from the same household in the one £35 slot.
Can we move from private to group later?
Absolutely. Plenty of dogs start privately to build confidence and join group swims once they are settled in the water.
Book the session that fits your dog
Tell us about your dog's temperament and we'll suggest which format to start with.
What Happens Next?
- 1. We review your enquiry
- 2. We call or text to confirm
- 3. Bring your dog and a towel!
Related guides
Owner In Pool vs Swim Coach
For owners deciding who should be in the water with their dog.
CostWhat dog swimming costs
For owners comparing prices before booking a first swim.
PreparationNervous dogs and water
For owners of dogs who are frightened of, or unsure about, water.