XL Bullies can now swim with their friends at the launch of a heated indoor pool for dogs.

Carly Fernandez and Jess Wardlaw came up with the idea, billed as the first of its kind in Kent, while chatting in a park one day.

Their new venture, Canine Paws Academy, is now open at Mockbeggar Business Park in Cliffe and allows dogs of all breeds to bond with each other, and their owners, in the water in a safe environment.

It promises to be inclusive for everyone and the company has insurance and strict guidelines, meaning even banned XL Bullies are allowed to use the premises, providing their owners bring the appropriate paperwork.

Carly said XL Bullies must enter with their muzzle on and once the shutters have come down and the dogs securely fastened they can remove them and “have some fun”.

She said owners of the controversial dogs have thanked her for “creating something for them to enjoy”.

It is also suitable for anxious dogs and those who struggle to behave.

Carly, from Strood, said: “I used to feel uncomfortable at classes because my dog was very reactive and would be hiding in the corner. I would get dirty looks because he was not doing the right thing and we would end up leaving.”

The 36-year-old said she wants people to feel comfortable at her classes and has the option for one-to-one lessons as well as workshops.

The 24ft pool is heated to 28 degrees and can be hired out for one dog and up to three four-legged friends - and it’s large enough for their owners to go in too.

“We want people to have fun with their dogs,” Carly said.

As well as fetch, the pooches can also don a life-jacket and learn how to “otter”, which is the proper way to swim rather than “just splash around to survive”.

Carly says swimming is great exercise for dogs.

“It aids weight loss and mental well-being,” she said. “Just 30 minutes in the pool is equivalent to a 30-mile run.”

Devon Larnder-King and Mike McKee, from Chatham, have already brought their one-year-old dog Cooper for a swim a number of times.

“We want to take him paddle-boarding with us so we wanted him to learn how to swim,” Mike said.

Devon said Cooper loves it and cries when they arrive outside because he is so desperate to go in.

“He loves the water,” Devon said. “When we go for a walk he is always the one to jump in the river. It’s great to be able to get in with him here.”

The academy has only been open five weeks, but for Carly it’s a dream come true.

“Jess and I had an idea one day to create an inclusive place where people could feel comfortable to learn and build a relationship with their dogs,” she said.

And it’s not just in the pool where the pair can bond.

The training studio uses the latest science-based training techniques to help dogs learn tricks and thrive “in many different disciplines”.

“We have a rubber floor so the dogs don’t slip,” Carly said. “It’s a purpose-built room rather than a hall shared with Scouts or aerobic classes.”

Carly said: “We wanted to create somewhere that was inclusive and everybody would feel they had somewhere to go to work with dog on obedience and building a relationship.

“We are very big on growing the bond between the owner and their dog.”

To book time on any of the activities click the link here.

Once a month the studio will be covered in straw bales as Kent Barn Hunt brings its navigating workshops to the academy.

Owners will be able to work to build their pet’s confidence and develop a closer bond as they work their mind and sense of smell to hunt for clues amongst the straw.