Pups of all shapes and sizes are welcome at The Waggington by Coco and Co, Manuka. Photos: Michelle Kroll.
New friends, adventures galore, treats at every turn and daily play in wide open spaces – what more could your best friend want?
Cynthia Dimond took over established grooming salon Coco and Co in early 2023. Soon after, she noticed Canberra’s inner south residents lacked a doggy daycare close to home, and decided to launch The Waggington to fill the gap.
The Waggington quickly became Coco and Co’s signature service, and it’s kept tails wagging ever since.
“I absolutely adore dogs and always have, so when I saw the opportunity to take on a respected brand and create The Waggington to complement it, I jumped right in,” Cynthia says.
“This job brings our whole team so much joy. It’s also a very important role that we play, because in most households, dogs aren’t outdoor animals anymore.
“They’re relaxing on our couches and sleeping in our beds as a cherished member of the family. It’s wonderful, but it also means our pooches aren’t content to sit around all day waiting for us to come home.”
The Waggington’s first dogs arrive at 8 am ready for an activity-packed day. They socialise for a while indoors before heading off to the local dog park for playtime.
“We spend a few hours out in the open, letting the pups run around, wrestle and chase balls to get all their beans out,” Cynthia says.
“When we return around lunchtime everyone gets the chance to relax for a while, and maybe have a cuddle or a nap.
“If the group is energetic in the afternoon, we might go for another walk, play some foraging games or switch on their minds with some training. Quiet time can be just as enjoyable though, so we tailor our schedule to their needs.”
The team books a maximum of 12 four-legged visitors per day across both daycare and grooming. This ensures every dog gets the right amount of attention in a way that suits them.
“Even though they get to spend the day with friends, our pooches need one-on-one time as well,” Cynthia says.
“By keeping a lower ratio of dogs to staff than most daycares, we make sure they get plenty of love and care.
“Grooming is an essential part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Since we are attached to a beautifully outfitted, open-plan salon, it’s really convenient for us to keep your dog’s grooming up to date.”
The Waggington’s salon is fully equipped to cater for all needs and breeds, in a safe and welcoming environment. Experienced, professional groomers wash, dry, tidy and clip coats, trim nails, and even cleanse the floppiest ears.
One in three Canberrans shares their home and heart with a dog. As pet populations in the nation’s capital continue to increase, so too does the demand on doggy daycare services.
“Many people think of it as an optional extra, but whether it’s in a centre or in your home, some form of daycare is crucial for dogs who would otherwise spend long hours alone,” Cynthia says.
“Dogs need social interaction just like people do. Without it they get lonely and bored, restless or anxious, and that’s when we see behaviours like digging, barking and chewing start.
“What we do is also about peace of mind for owners. They can go about their day feeling confident that their best friend is in a safe, loving environment.”
For more information or to make a booking for daycare or grooming services, visit The Waggington.
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