Dave's Dogs - Dog Walking and Training

Dave's Dogs - Dog Walking and Training Professional dog walker based in Colchester, Essex, dedicated to providing safe, enriching walks that promote your dog's wellbeing. Hi, I'm Dave!

Whether solo or in small groups, I focus on making every walk a positive experience when you can't be there. I've been a dog lover my whole life, but spent 18 years working in marketing and design. My journey into dog walking and training started with my elderly Labrador and best buddy, Sylvester. When he developed arthritis, I gained a qualification in canine hydrotherapy and worked at a local ce

ntre to help him and other local dogs out. When I lost Sylvester in 2023, I adopted Albert, a two-year-old Hungarian Vizsla with a whole bunch of issues, through no fault of his own. This little guy sparked my passion for learning more about dog behaviour and training. I studied with the Institute of Modern Dog Trainers (IMDT), where I learned all about positive training methods, which focus on rewarding good behaviour rather than punishing unwanted behaviour. I'm fully insured, DBS checked, and I never walk more than four dogs at a time. I believe in 'natural' walks, where each dog is encouraged to use their natural senses to explore, rather than relying on balls and toys. Plus, I offer convenient collection and drop-off services for all my clients in West Colchester and surrounds. As a pet parent myself, I understand how important your dog is to you and that you need someone you can trust to look after them. With my passion for dogs and understanding of their behaviour, your dog will be in safe hands with me. I look forward to meeting you and your pup!

Waiting patently for the sausage rolls to come out of the oven.
27/12/2024

Waiting patently for the sausage rolls to come out of the oven.

This month I'm sharing some tips on how to help anxious and reactive dogs cope with the festive season.Part 5: Getting b...
26/12/2024

This month I'm sharing some tips on how to help anxious and reactive dogs cope with the festive season.

Part 5: Getting back to normal

What a year it’s been! From being chained to a desk and staring at a screen all day to spending my days doing what I lov...
23/12/2024

What a year it’s been! From being chained to a desk and staring at a screen all day to spending my days doing what I love - caring for and learning more about dogs!

A big thank you to everyone who has supported me on this new adventure, from my friends and family, all my lovely customers and of course, most importantly their brilliant dogs!

This is me tapping out and putting my feet up for a few days, so I wish you all a peaceful Christmas and happy new year.

Here’s to 2025 and whatever it brings!

Spot the vizsla…When I say Albert likes being warm, I’m not lying!
22/12/2024

Spot the vizsla…

When I say Albert likes being warm, I’m not lying!

This month I'm sharing some tips on how to help anxious and reactive dogs cope with the festive season.Part 4: Creating ...
18/12/2024

This month I'm sharing some tips on how to help anxious and reactive dogs cope with the festive season.

Part 4: Creating calm

Albert’s 4 today!
16/12/2024

Albert’s 4 today!

A lovely Saturday morning stroll with Betty and Chester. A bit of misplaced Christmas music thrown in because why not?! ...
14/12/2024

A lovely Saturday morning stroll with Betty and Chester.

A bit of misplaced Christmas music thrown in because why not?!

13/12/2024

Albert’s progression in his first mantrailing session. These are worth watching to see how quickly your dog will learn the ropes and understand what you’re asking them to do.

I already knew how incredible a dog’s sense of smell is but to see your own dog in action is bonkers and I love it.

We’ll be back to visit very soon!

Albert got his first certificate today! 👨‍🎓This morning we joined the brilliant Fiona at Mersea Mutts for a 3 hour intr...
13/12/2024

Albert got his first certificate today! 👨‍🎓

This morning we joined the brilliant Fiona at Mersea Mutts for a 3 hour introduction to Mantrailing.

Albert loves using his nose and today he learned how to track the scent of another person to locate them in the woods (in a nutshell).

I feel like a proud dad because Albert struggles with things that he’s unsure about. But he didn’t react once today and that was down to Fiona’s meticulously planned session and adaptations made to ensure he could take part and succeed at a level he was comfortable with.

Albert tracked the scent of another MAN who he’d never met before. I have to be honest and say that I was a bit gobsmacked because this is way out of Albert’s comfort zone. By the end I’m fairly certain he could’ve delivered treats by hand. We didn’t do this though as we need to go at baby steps with Albert and it was so important to end the session on a high.

If you’ve got a reactive dog, or just one who loves to use their nose, I highly recommend booking onto one of Fiona’s sessions because you and your dog will love it.

Footage of Albert in action is in following post!

I know British winters are grim, but sometimes you have to stop on your walks to take it all in. Beautiful!
12/12/2024

I know British winters are grim, but sometimes you have to stop on your walks to take it all in. Beautiful!

This month I'm sharing some tips on how to help anxious and reactive dogs cope with the festive season.Part 3: Managing ...
12/12/2024

This month I'm sharing some tips on how to help anxious and reactive dogs cope with the festive season.

Part 3: Managing visitors

Facebook reminding me of the time a squirrel decided to climb up my leg whilst minding my own business through the park....
11/12/2024

Facebook reminding me of the time a squirrel decided to climb up my leg whilst minding my own business through the park.

Just call me Dave Doolittle the Squirrel Whisperer.

I bloody love Dexter. He was one of my first dogs to walk and we have a special bond. He’s such an easygoing little chap...
11/12/2024

I bloody love Dexter. He was one of my first dogs to walk and we have a special bond. He’s such an easygoing little chap and rarely walks on lead because the boy knows exactly where the treats are and what to do to get them!

Picking him up today made me laugh because after knocking on the front door, I heard his mum say “Dexter, it’s for you!”.

I do home visits, too! WhatsApp me to discuss your needs.
11/12/2024

I do home visits, too!

WhatsApp me to discuss your needs.

Archie doing a spot of Wim Hof cold water exposure - Labrador-style today.
09/12/2024

Archie doing a spot of Wim Hof cold water exposure - Labrador-style today.

Silica gel are those little crunchy packets that seem to be everywhere around Christmas.Whilst they help to keep product...
09/12/2024

Silica gel are those little crunchy packets that seem to be everywhere around Christmas.

Whilst they help to keep products fresh, they're not great if a dog gets hold of them. Here's why...

Albert’s over-exerted himself with festive cheer this weekend and made some new human friends. Time for a kip.
08/12/2024

Albert’s over-exerted himself with festive cheer this weekend and made some new human friends. Time for a kip.

Some dogs don’t like it when you leave them after a walk or home visit, so I sometimes use a towel to create a simple sn...
06/12/2024

Some dogs don’t like it when you leave them after a walk or home visit, so I sometimes use a towel to create a simple snuffle mat with a few of my training treats in it. It helps the dog to refocus on something else, rather than on me leaving.

Buddy wasn’t quite sure what I was doing so I helped him to work it out!

Address

Colchester

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+447824701605

Website

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Videos

I did an evening drop in for lovely Labrador Loki whilst his family had to go out. We popped out for a quick mooch/pee/poo and look who we bumped into! @thecricketerscolchester @copfordalma

Fun Fact… Did you know why dogs have a split in their upper lip? That little groove, called the philtrum, plays a key role in their incredible sense of smell! When dogs lick their noses, the philtrum helps spread moisture to the nose. A wet nose traps scent particles, allowing dogs to detect even faint smells more effectively. This amazing feature is just one reason why dogs are born sniffing superstars! 🐾🐶👃 #DogLovers #DogFacts #DogsOfInstagram #CanineScience #PetTips #DogBehaviour

Choosing the right dog walker is so important - especially if your dog is reactive or working with a trainer or behaviourist. Every dog has unique needs, and a knowledgeable, experienced walker can make all the difference. If your dog is reactive, look for someone who understands how to handle challenging situations calmly and confidently. Ask about their experience with similar dogs and how they approach safety during walks. It’s also helpful if they’re willing to communicate with your trainer or behaviourist to keep everything consistent for your dog. As someone studying to be a dog behaviourist and part of a network of Colchester trainers and behaviourists, I’m passionate about supporting reactive dogs and their owners. Feel free to get in touch to see how I can help! #DogBehaviour #ReactiveDogSupport #ColchesterDogs #PositiveDogTraining #DogWalkerUK #ReactiveDogsMatter #DogBehaviouristInTraining #DogsOfColchester #CalmCanines #ProfessionalDogWalker

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