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!

Wakey wakey, Tia! Tia finds the van quite a relaxing space and struggles to stay awake if she’s in it for more than 10 m...
26/03/2025

Wakey wakey, Tia!

Tia finds the van quite a relaxing space and struggles to stay awake if she’s in it for more than 10 minutes. We’d not even had a walk at this point!

If you want your dog to join Tia and friends for rural walks around Colchester, drop me a DM!

Lovely Tia enjoying the spring sunshine.
19/03/2025

Lovely Tia enjoying the spring sunshine.

Daisy doesn’t get the attention she deserves on my socials, so here’s to more Daisy!
12/03/2025

Daisy doesn’t get the attention she deserves on my socials, so here’s to more Daisy!

How gorgeous are these two? Daisy is the SWEETEST little Frenchie who is an absolute joy on every single walk that she c...
12/03/2025

How gorgeous are these two?

Daisy is the SWEETEST little Frenchie who is an absolute joy on every single walk that she comes on. Always friendly with the other dogs, joins in for a bit of a laugh, has amazing recall and is a fantastic addition to the gang.

Kenny joins walks every now and then. We met when he decided that he wanted to come say hi to me one day whilst I was loading my van. We’ve been pals ever since. He’s another steady dog who is a dream to walk and gets a lot of attention, because he’s a stunner!

📍📍 Update to areas covered 📍📍To ensure that I can reach all the dogs that I walk on time, and to reduce the duration tha...
12/03/2025

📍📍 Update to areas covered 📍📍

To ensure that I can reach all the dogs that I walk on time, and to reduce the duration that they each spend travelling in the van, I have decided to narrow down the area that I am able to cover for new customers.

If you're on the border and still want to use my services, please drop me a message and we can discuss options!

Drop me a DM or visit my website for more info on what I can offer you and your dog.

https://www.daves-dogs.co.uk/

How gorgeous is Tia? Tia joined the gang a couple of weeks ago and has fit right in to group walks!
10/03/2025

How gorgeous is Tia?

Tia joined the gang a couple of weeks ago and has fit right in to group walks!

Shockingly bad photography skills today but it was sunny and these guys had things to do. I can’t be doing with wasting ...
06/03/2025

Shockingly bad photography skills today but it was sunny and these guys had things to do. I can’t be doing with wasting a chunk of our walks trying to get the dogs to pose. It’s taking up valuable exploration/sniffing time!

Anyho, I wanted to get this one because these guys are all kinds of doodle!

Albert has 3 expensive and ridiculously comfortable memory foam beds, including this beautiful handmade one made by my c...
27/02/2025

Albert has 3 expensive and ridiculously comfortable memory foam beds, including this beautiful handmade one made by my clever dad, yet he still favours my armchair. I swear he’d rather I just sat on the floor.

The things we do… 🤷‍♂️

The Boston Terrier is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate small breed known for its tuxedo-like coat, playful nature...
19/02/2025

The Boston Terrier is a lively, intelligent, and affectionate small breed known for its tuxedo-like coat, playful nature, and boundless charm.

We don't see many around Colchester and I currently don't walk any, but I'd love to add one to the gang!

Happy Valentine's Day!May you receive kisses as wet as Albert's.
14/02/2025

Happy Valentine's Day!

May you receive kisses as wet as Albert's.

Safe to say that puppy Mario finds his walks very satisfying!Today’s weather was absolutely miserable, and he was soaked...
10/02/2025

Safe to say that puppy Mario finds his walks very satisfying!

Today’s weather was absolutely miserable, and he was soaked by the time we got back to the van – not that it dampened his fun. He had a brilliant time playing with his friends, and as soon as the van’s heating kicked in, he was fast asleep (as usual!).

Mario’s group walks are a great way for him to build confidence and learn from the older dogs – it’s hilarious watching him copy them!

If your dog would love fun, social walks like this, get in touch to join Dave’s Dogs!

How often should you walk your dog? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer!Every dog has different needs depending on their...
09/02/2025

How often should you walk your dog? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer!

Every dog has different needs depending on their age, health, temperament, and energy levels. While daily walks are great for most dogs, some may need more rest days than others.

🐾 Puppies benefit from short, positive experiences outside but shouldn’t be over-exercised while their joints are developing.
🐾 Senior dogs may prefer gentle strolls or time pottering in the garden rather than long walks.
🐾 Reactive dogs often need decompression days where sniffing games and home enrichment can be more beneficial than facing stressful triggers outside.

That said, fresh air and a change of scenery are fantastic for both dogs and owners. Walks provide essential mental stimulation, encourage healthy movement, and help strengthen the bond between you and your dog.

If you’re struggling to fit in regular walks, I can help! I offer professional dog walking in Colchester, ensuring your dog gets the exercise and enrichment they need. Get in touch to find out more!

Little puppy Mario isn’t such a fan of being in a crate in the van so I’ve invested in a proper seat for him so that he ...
07/02/2025

Little puppy Mario isn’t such a fan of being in a crate in the van so I’ve invested in a proper seat for him so that he can sit up front with me (he’s wearing a seatbelt).

His walk this afternoon, despite the driving wind and hail, clearly wore him out and he slept all the way home!

I like to make sure all my dogs are as happy as possible when travelling, which is why each crate is now kitted out with memory foam bedding.

Only the best for Dave’s Dogs!

Want your dog to join the gang? I’m recruiting in CO3!

New blog! Essential reading for first time dog owners! An A-Z guide to dog training and behaviour jargon that all new do...
01/02/2025

New blog! Essential reading for first time dog owners!

An A-Z guide to dog training and behaviour jargon that all new dog-parents should know!

Understanding these terms, however, is the key to building a strong bond with your dog. It helps you see the world through their eyes, communicate clearly, and choose the right training techniques for your dog’s individual needs. Whether you’re teaching basic cues, working on reactivity, or simply trying to understand your dog’s behaviour, having a clear grasp of the language of training will make the process smoother for both of you.

This A-Z guide is designed to demystify dog training and behaviour jargon. Each term is explained in simple, practical terms, with examples to show how they apply to real-life situations. Whether you’re a new dog owner or just looking to brush up on your knowledge, this guide will help you feel more confident and informed every step of the way.

Read here: https://www.daves-dogs.co.uk/blog/an-a-z-guide-to-dog-training

Albert would definitely be a traitor, providing the prize was any type of food. What would your dog be?!
24/01/2025

Albert would definitely be a traitor, providing the prize was any type of food.

What would your dog be?!

New Year, New Adventures: Trying Something Different with Your Dog in 2025!The start of a new year is the perfect time t...
22/01/2025

New Year, New Adventures: Trying Something Different with Your Dog in 2025!

The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect, reset, and try something new. While many of us make resolutions for ourselves, have you thought about including your dog in your plans for 2025? Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bond, keep them physically active, or provide some mental stimulation, there are plenty of exciting activities to explore.

This latest blog give some ideas to inspire you and your dog for the year ahead with some links to activities in or near Colchester.

Kick off 2025 by exploring fun, engaging activities with your dog! From mantrailing and agility to trick training and dog walking, discover ways to strengthen your bond, boost physical fitness, and provide mental stimulation. Perfect for dogs of all breeds and ages, make this the year you and your d

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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