Dave's Dogs - Dog Walking in Colchester

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

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 centre 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 behavioural and emotional 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. From these experiences and a need for change in my career, Dave's Dogs was born. I'm fully insured, DBS checked, and first aid trained. 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 guardian 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 continued understanding of their behaviour, your dog will be in safe hands with me. I look forward to meeting you and your pup!

Harry came on his first adventure walk this morning and whilst his mum and dad had to pop out for a few hours, I dropped...
29/11/2025

Harry came on his first adventure walk this morning and whilst his mum and dad had to pop out for a few hours, I dropped in this afternoon to keep him company for a bit.

Think he was still a bit knackered from his 9k walk though, so we chilled on the sofa whilst Harry gazed at his Christmas tree. Bliss…

It’s grim out there, but we’re on a long adventure walk and the dogs are in their element!I won’t lie, though, a warm ho...
29/11/2025

It’s grim out there, but we’re on a long adventure walk and the dogs are in their element!

I won’t lie, though, a warm house and a cuppa is quite appealing.

I love my job, I love my job, I love my job 😂

27/11/2025

You’d think this lot hadn’t had a walk all week!

27/11/2025

Tia had the wind up her bum today. 🐕💨

Could a dog be any more comfortable than this? Don’t worry, Albert, I’ll go outside all day, getting cold and wet, just ...
27/11/2025

Could a dog be any more comfortable than this? Don’t worry, Albert, I’ll go outside all day, getting cold and wet, just so you can do this all day. He even has a new 10 tog duvet. Spoiled? Yep!

It’s a hard life…

Sitting down on my favourite chair for a post-walk coffee to warm up and look who appears from behind me. Oh hi, Albert!...
27/11/2025

Sitting down on my favourite chair for a post-walk coffee to warm up and look who appears from behind me.

Oh hi, Albert!

Such a cheeky little bu**er and a total heat vampire!

Almost 97 % of owners of “pandemic puppies” reported that their dog had displayed at least one problem behaviour by 21 m...
27/11/2025

Almost 97 % of owners of “pandemic puppies” reported that their dog had displayed at least one problem behaviour by 21 months, with an average of five problem behaviours per dog. This comes from a Royal Veterinary College (RVC) study.

It seems crazy, in my experience working with dogs of that age - including my own rescue - it comes as no surprise, and it’s a problem!

All of these dogs are now adults, and many still face behavioural challenges.

I want every dog I work with to feel safe, supported and understood. Being a dog guardian for many years and having worked as a canine hydrotherapist has shown me just how much the right knowledge and approach can make a difference.

To offer the best care, I am finishing my Level 4 Advanced Canine Behaviour qualification. After that, I will begin the Ofqual‑regulated Level 6 Diploma in Clinical Canine Behaviour Practice with the in April 2026. This is a real-deal, science‑led course that will help me become a qualified canine behaviour practitioner, giving me the tools to support dogs thoughtfully, respectfully, safely, and using evidence-based modern science.

I am excited to be able to offer behavioural consultations in the future to help dogs and their guardians thrive, as well as being able to support the guardians of some of the more “lively” dogs that I already work with. I am proud to be taking this next step and grateful to everyone who trusts me with their dogs. Everything I learn is with them in mind, and I look forward to bringing even more understanding into every walk and session.

26/11/2025

How adorable is puppy Chilli? She will eventually join group walks but for now it’s solo or duo walks so that she can gradually get used to me, other dogs and the walking spots that we regularly use.

Her recall is pretty amazing for such a young dog, even though I do sometimes get launched at!

Don’t forget to make your dog feel amazing when they recall successfully. It doesn’t always need to be food rewards - most dogs love a bit of OTT praise and bum scratches, so make a song and dance out of every win!

Sunday is mani/pedi day for Albert. He isn’t a fan of having his paws touched but with a little help from our friend Che...
02/11/2025

Sunday is mani/pedi day for Albert. He isn’t a fan of having his paws touched but with a little help from our friend Cheese and Ham Primula, we get the job done! We also use an electric file rather than clippers as he is even less of a fan of those.

It’s generally not a good idea to use bribery for things like this, but rather reward for the behaviour you want - so reward with a lick of cheese after you’ve done a claw etc, but our Albs has none of it, so we muddle through (with a lot of cheese!)

The whole scenario looks ridiculous, and it’s is, but we love him!

Limited availability for group dogs walks!Whether you’re working from home or out for the day, I can make sure your dog ...
19/10/2025

Limited availability for group dogs walks!

Whether you’re working from home or out for the day, I can make sure your dog has an adventure while you’re busy. My group walks are relaxed, rural and carefully matched so every dog feels confident, happy and included. They come home satisfied, calm and ready for a good snooze.

It’s reassurance for you and a great day out for them.

I’ve got a few spaces available, so if you’d like to find out more, leave a comment, drop me a message or visit www.daves-dogs.co.uk.

17/08/2025

You take it easy, Albert.

An Important Message from Dave's DogsOn 12 August, an upsetting incident took place in Scotland involving a dog walker w...
16/08/2025

An Important Message from Dave's Dogs

On 12 August, an upsetting incident took place in Scotland involving a dog walker with a similar business name to mine. I want to make it absolutely clear that I have no connection whatsoever to that person or their business.

My thoughts are very much with the poor dog and their family who have been affected by what happened. Like many of you, I found the incident deeply distressing.

Sadly, I’ve also received an abusive and threatening message from someone who believed I was involved. I understand how emotions run high in situations like this, but this is not okay and the police have been informed.

I want to reassure everyone that Dave’s Dogs is a completely separate business here in Colchester.

The incident has upset many within the dog walking community. The vast majority of us take our responsibilities incredibly seriously and have policies and procedures in place to protect the dogs in our care. I’m proud to be part of that community and to uphold those standards every day.

If you ever have any questions or need reassurance about the way I work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

Thank you to all of my clients and supporters who know me and continue to put their trust in me.

Dave Taylor
Dave’s Dogs - Dog walking & training

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

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