Scruffs Squad

Scruffs Squad Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Scruffs Squad, Mental Health Service, Chapel Street Church Gresley, Swadlincote.

Canine Wellbeing Specialist

Professional canine wellbeing specialists providing safe, structured, and impactful dog-led experiences that enhance emotional wellbeing and create lasting positive moments for people of all ages. 🐾

🐾 Meet Elsa – The Newest Member of Scruffs Squad 🐾We’re so excited to finally introduce Elsa, our beautiful young Samoye...
01/04/2026

🐾 Meet Elsa – The Newest Member of Scruffs Squad 🐾

We’re so excited to finally introduce Elsa, our beautiful young Samoyed, who has officially joined the Scruffs Squad team.

Elsa is full of personality – playful, energetic, curious and always ready to get involved. She brings a fun and engaging energy that will help make our sessions interactive and memorable.

One thing that makes Scruffs Squad a little different is that we work with rare and unique breeds that many people may have never met before.

Elsa joins our calm and gentle Chow Chow, Otis, meaning participants in our sessions get the chance to experience two very special breeds with very different personalities.

Our goal is to create positive experiences with dogs, build confidence, encourage interaction and simply bring a bit of joy to people’s day.

👀 You’ll be able to see Elsa in action very soon, as we’ll be announcing details of our first Scruffs Squad session shortly.

We can’t wait for you all to meet her 🐾

31/03/2026
Big things are coming for Scruffs Squad 🐾Our goal has always been simple:To create meaningful, positive experiences betw...
30/03/2026

Big things are coming for Scruffs Squad 🐾

Our goal has always been simple:

To create meaningful, positive experiences between people and dogs.

Through our sessions we aim to help:

• Build confidence
• Reduce anxiety and stress
• Encourage social interaction
• Promote responsibility and empathy
• Create positive, calming moments with animals

Scruffs Squad sessions can support:

🐾 Children and young people
🐾 Schools and alternative provisions
🐾 Care homes and older adults
🐾 Community groups
🐾 Individuals who simply benefit from time with a dog

Every session is designed to be engaging, safe and tailored to the people involved – whether that’s calm interaction, confidence-building activities, or more energetic sessions.

But Scruffs Squad is about to grow… 👀

A new four-legged team member has been training behind the scenes and will soon be joining our sessions.

We can’t wait to introduce her properly very soon 🐶

Stay tuned…

18/03/2026

🐾 What is Scruffs Squad & Who Is It For? 🐾

We’ve had a lot of people ask what we actually do at Scruffs Squad, so here’s a simple breakdown 👇

At Scruffs Squad, we provide calm, structured dog interaction sessions designed to support wellbeing, confidence, and positive experiences with dogs.

Our sessions are built around two very different but equally important things:
🐶 Helping people
🐾 Helping dogs



🧠 Who can benefit?

👶 Children & Young People
• building confidence
• learning calm behaviour around dogs
• positive interaction and engagement

🏡 Care Homes & Elderly Settings
• companionship
• gentle interaction
• mood-boosting visits

💼 Workplaces & Community Groups
• wellbeing sessions
• stress relief
• something different and engaging

🐕 Dog Owners & Puppies
• puppy socialisation
• confidence building
• calm behaviour around other dogs



🐾 What do sessions look like?

Every session is calm, safe and structured, and may include:
• gentle interaction with dogs
• guided activities
• confidence-building exercises
• basic training and engagement
• relaxed, positive experiences



🐶 Why Scruffs Squad?

We focus on calm, controlled environments where both people and dogs feel comfortable.

Our dogs, including a calm Chow Chow who is a who huge part of what makes these sessions so special — helping create positive, memorable experiences.



⭐ Getting Started

We’re currently offering Free pilot sessions as we continue to grow and work with more people in the community.

If you think this could benefit you, your family, or an organisation you’re part of, feel free to message us or comment below 🐾

👀 Keep an eye out…
We may also have a new fluffy team member joining Scruffs Squad very soon… 🐶❄️



🐾 Puppy Confidence & Socialisation Sessions – Pilot Group 🐾Just a reminder we are offering Scruffs Squad Puppy Socialisa...
09/03/2026

🐾 Puppy Confidence & Socialisation Sessions – Pilot Group 🐾

Just a reminder we are offering Scruffs Squad Puppy Socialisation Sessions and we’re looking for a small number of local puppies to join our first pilot group.

These sessions are designed to help puppies build confidence, calm behaviour and positive social skills in a safe environment.

During the session we’ll work on:
• safe puppy socialisation
• confidence building games
• calm interactions with other dogs
• basic engagement and focus exercises
• positive handling and real-life skills

📍 Local sessions in South Derbyshire
⏱ Around 45–60 minutes
🐶 Puppies 8–20 weeks old

Perfect for new puppy owners who want to build confidence early and socialise their puppies from an early age!

As these are our first pilot sessions, we’re offering them at a discounted introductory price.

Spaces will be very limited so we can keep the group calm and controlled.

If you have a puppy and would like more information or to reserve a space, send us a message or comment below 🐾

🌟 Coming Soon: 6-Week Puppy Socialisation Classes in Swadlincote! 🌟

Got a puppy aged 12–18 weeks? 🐶

We’re planning small, safe, weekly socialisation sessions to help puppies:
✨ Build confidence and curiosity
✨ Meet other puppies in a calm, supervised environment
✨ Learn polite puppy-to-puppy and puppy-to-human interactions

Owners will also learn:
🐾 Handling and socialisation techniques
🐾 Confidence in guiding puppy behaviour
🐾 Tips for a happy, well-adjusted pup

📅 Evening & weekend sessions being considered — book weekly or for the full 6-week block
⚠️ Maximum 6 puppies per session — advance booking essential
📍 Exact venue to be confirmed — secure your puppy’s spot now and we’ll update you with details!

💬 Interested? Comment below or send a message to join the early interest list and reserve your place! 🐕💛

05/03/2026

🐾 What Happens in a Scruffs Squad Session? 🐾

One question we often get asked is… what actually happens during a session?

Our sessions are designed to be calm, positive and engaging, helping both people and dogs enjoy meaningful interaction.

Depending on the setting, sessions can include:

🐶 Meeting and interacting with the dogs – gentle strokes, bonding and building confidence around dogs.

🧠 Wellbeing moments – time spent relaxing with the dogs, which can help reduce stress and lift mood.

🐾 Simple activities – including basic training games or light agility activities that people can take part in or watch.

💬 Conversation and connection – dogs naturally help people open up, talk and engage with others.

Every session is slightly different depending on the people involved, but the aim is always the same:

Creating positive experiences that benefit both human wellbeing and canine wellbeing.

If you’d like to learn more about our sessions or try a free taster session, feel free to message the page.

We’d love to hear from you.

🐕

05/03/2026

🐾 A Little Reminder From Scruffs Squad 🐾

Dogs aren’t just pets… they’re companions, teachers, and sometimes the best therapy we never knew we needed.

At Scruffs Squad, we believe every dog and every person can benefit from connection, confidence building, and positive experiences together.

That’s why we offer sessions designed to support both canine wellbeing and human wellbeing, including:

🐶 Care Home Visits – calm, friendly interaction bringing joy and comfort to residents
🐾 1:1 Sessions – personalised time for people who may benefit from quiet dog interaction
💼 Workplace Wellbeing – wellbeing events where dogs help create relaxed, positive environments
🌍 Community Sessions – fun, engaging activities helping people and dogs build confidence together

We’re also passionate about showing that every dog is capable of more than people think – whether that’s learning new skills, building confidence, or simply bringing happiness to others.

If you’d like to learn more about what we do or are interested in a free taster session, feel free to message the page.

Let’s build something positive for both people and dogs. 🐕

We’re Offering Free Wellbeing Taster Sessions 🐾Scruffs Squad is currently offering a limited number of FREE canine wellb...
25/02/2026

We’re Offering Free Wellbeing Taster Sessions 🐾

Scruffs Squad is currently offering a limited number of FREE canine wellbeing taster sessions for:

• Care homes
• Community groups
• Workplace wellbeing events
• 1:1 wellbeing support

These structured sessions are designed to support emotional wellbeing, engagement, confidence and connection through calm, professionally handled dog interaction.

This is a great opportunity to:
✔ Experience the benefits first-hand
✔ See how sessions are structured
✔ Explore how canine wellbeing could support your setting

No obligation — just a chance to see what we do.

If you work within one of these sectors (or know someone who does), feel free to message the page for more information.

Let’s create calmer, more connected spaces together.

🌟 Coming Soon: 6-Week Puppy Socialisation Classes in Swadlincote! 🌟Got a puppy aged 12–18 weeks? 🐶We’re planning small, ...
22/02/2026

🌟 Coming Soon: 6-Week Puppy Socialisation Classes in Swadlincote! 🌟

Got a puppy aged 12–18 weeks? 🐶

We’re planning small, safe, weekly socialisation sessions to help puppies:
✨ Build confidence and curiosity
✨ Meet other puppies in a calm, supervised environment
✨ Learn polite puppy-to-puppy and puppy-to-human interactions

Owners will also learn:
🐾 Handling and socialisation techniques
🐾 Confidence in guiding puppy behaviour
🐾 Tips for a happy, well-adjusted pup

📅 Evening & weekend sessions being considered — book weekly or for the full 6-week block
⚠️ Maximum 6 puppies per session — advance booking essential
📍 Exact venue to be confirmed — secure your puppy’s spot now and we’ll update you with details!

💬 Interested? Comment below or send a message to join the early interest list and reserve your place! 🐕💛

20/02/2026

Behind the scenes at Scruffs Squad 🐾

Today wasn’t about perfection.

It was about trying something new, going slowly, and building confidence one small step at a time.

We’ve started introducing gentle, structured challenges using agility-style equipment — not to create performance dogs, but to build focus, resilience and trust.

Some approach it boldly.
Some take their time.

Both are completely okay.

That’s something I carry into the work we aim to do within care homes, community settings, 1:1 support and workplace wellbeing.

Progress looks different for everyone.
The key is creating an environment where growth feels safe.

If you’re exploring wellbeing support within your setting, I’m always open to a conversation.

🐾 Scruffs Squad – Canine Wellbeing Services 🐾At Scruffs Squad, we believe dogs have a powerful ability to support emotio...
18/02/2026

🐾 Scruffs Squad – Canine Wellbeing Services 🐾

At Scruffs Squad, we believe dogs have a powerful ability to support emotional wellbeing, confidence and connection — when interaction is calm, structured and purposeful.

We currently offer sessions across the following sectors:

🏡 Care Homes
1:1 and small group visits designed to encourage reminiscence, reduce isolation and bring warmth and companionship into care environments.

👤 1:1 Wellbeing Sessions
Tailored sessions supporting emotional regulation, confidence building and positive canine interaction — introductory agility-based exercises where appropriate.

🏢 Workplace Wellbeing
Stress-reducing wellbeing visits and structured wellbeing events designed to improve morale, encourage team connection and promote positive workplace culture.

🌍 Community & Youth Settings
Engaging sessions combining safe canine interaction with confidence-building activities, including basic agility-style exercises and teamwork-based tasks.

All sessions are:

✔ Fully insured
✔ Risk assessed
✔ Infection control compliant
✔ Professionally supervised
✔ Focused on both participant and dog welfare

Our aim is simple — to create meaningful moments of calm, joy and growth through safe and structured canine wellbeing sessions.

We are currently welcoming conversations and pilot opportunities.

Please message directly for further information.

11/02/2026

Why canine wellbeing matters 🐾

In busy, demanding and sometimes overwhelming environments, the presence of a dog can do something truly powerful — it helps people pause.

Research continues to show that positive interactions with dogs can help to:

• reduce stress and anxiety
• lower heart rate
• encourage communication
• support emotional regulation
• bring comfort during difficult moments

But canine wellbeing is about more than simply spending time with a dog.

At Scruffs Squad, every interaction is designed to be calm, safe and meaningful — creating space for connection, reflection and emotional support.

We are passionate about showcasing the incredible impact dogs of all breeds can have, while always maintaining the highest standards of welfare, professionalism and care.

Because sometimes… the smallest moments of connection can make the biggest difference.

🐕‍🦺 Launching soon.

Address

Chapel Street Church Gresley
Swadlincote
DE119LX

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Scruffs Squad posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram