The Suffolk Canine Creche at Martlesham has added to its offer with the introduction of a swimming pool for pooches.

It means that dogs can enjoy the water without the bother of river mud and mess or pebbles on the beach - and the early signs are the centre’s canine customers love it.

Although dogs are natural swimmers some are a bit nervous at first and there are special buoyancy jackets available to wear.

The bespoke heated and specially filtered indoor pool, from the United States, also includes a specially designed ramp and deck, built by local builder Lloyds from Kesgrave, for safe and easy launching into the water.

Owner Candace Rose said: “It is going really well. We have some dogs that are total water babies and they are loving it.

“We introduce them to it slowly, and only a few dogs at a time, It won’t be a complete free-for-all.”

A variety of dogs have taken the plunge so far, from a Golden Labrador to a Jack Russell/Shih Tzu cross and a Labradoodle to a Springador.

The “bow-wow factor” at the Suffolk Canine Creche (SCC) has also been enhanced further by the introduction of The Woofington Post, a regular communication to customers about activities at the centre, the dogs and its staff, while another new service, “Fluff The Ruff”, involves an air-conditioned grooming spa.

The creche, which was a finalist in the Small Business category of this year’s EADT Business Awards, has continued to impress, having now been nominated for the Pet Service Business of the Year title at the 2015 National Pet Industry Federation Awards.

This winners are due to be announced at a ceremony taking place at the Crown Plaza hotel in Liverpool next month.

Candace added: “The highly successful ‘Me & My Best Friend’ course held in the school holidays involved our young owners in obedience, activity and dog handling.” This event is being repeated during the half term.

A recent Puppy Party for new owners was fully subscribed, with all owners receiving a “goody bag” to take away as well as learning about socialisation, caring and managing their puppies, building great relationships for the future for both dog and owner.

And a “Christmas Photo Shoot” commenced on September 29 with a choice of scenes, one being a magical retro Christmas scene complete with Nutcracker Soldiers, ideal to use as a Christmas Card later in the festive season.