A MARRIED couple who nearly split during lockdown say dogging saved them – and they are now stronger than ever.

The Cheshire pair, who have asked to be kept anonymous, say their relationship lost its spark during Covid.

They had both been interested in dogging – having sex in public – so decided to give it a go when restrictions lifted.

The couple loved it and now take part most weeks – and say their relationship is better for it.

The husband, aged in his 50s, said: “We would both been interested in dogging to a degree over the years, but we had never actively participated.

"But the thought of meeting new people after being isolated for so long was exhilarating.

"It is now something we really look forward to and enjoy, and it has helped us appreciate each other more as well."

The couple say lockdown was extremely tough for them.

While the wife, aged in her 40s, stayed at home with their two children, he carried on working due to the essential nature of his role.

He says she became ‘jealous’ of the freedom his job allowed him to have while she was stuck inside.

They were on the brink of separation when restrictions were finally eased and households could mix outside again, they say.

After talking about the state of their relationship, they agreed they needed to ‘spice things up’, and as both had always been interested in dogging, they decided to get involved.

He said: "Lockdown was really tough for us. I was able to go out, but she was at home with kids for four months.

"She was jealous of my freedom and then when she was complaining I was thinking, ‘I would quite like to have had six months off’.

"Dogging had always been of interest to us, and we wanted to meet people after how painful lockdown was.

"We used the excuse we were going to a country park for ‘exercise’ in summer 2020, and things went from there really.

"It brought excitement back to the relationship, and we each go with different partners if it feels right.

"There are actually lots of nice people who do it, but you have to be really careful. We are always together for safety reasons, plus we like watching each other."

Three years on, the couple are still dogging every week and have found enjoyment in swingers clubs, which he says are a more comfortable and safe environment.

She said: "Our relationship became boring and predictable. I hated that he could go out and I was stuck inside.

"The thought of dogging offered excitement and it was an opportunity to learn new tricks. That is ultimately what helped us get through the tough times."

He added: "We go to swingers clubs, and try and dog once a week. It is not guaranteed something will happen every time. You can go weeks without meeting anyone you fancy.

"But sometimes it does and it moves pretty quickly because everyone is on the same page – we all know why were there and what we'd like to happen.

"Swingers clubs are nicer environments as they are safer and warmer, so we often use those as well – it has been an interesting learning curve.

"Human beings are social animals, and dogging is widely enjoyed among a variety of different people from a variety of different backgrounds.

"We really are grateful we found it when we did – it saved our marriage."