Dodside Dog Runs

04/02/2025

After the storm of the other week, Harry’s shelter tried to climb the fence but not even 100mph winds can do that.
Now a nice new, slightly smaller, shelter is in place and has been anchored down.
8 years the last one lasted and this one is far better built.

Libby’s Run will get a new one in the spring

24/01/2025

I wondered whether I should, officially, close Dodside for today but I knew you’d all be sensible enough to stay home.
It is WILD at the house and it’s very sheltered compared to the Runs!

I’m not at home until later tomorrow (trains from Edinburgh permitting) so if you’re going up tomorrow or Sunday please do a quick perimeter check in case of the highly unlikely event that fencing has been damaged.

10/01/2025

Fantastic local news - Malletsheugh Rd is being fully resurfaced at long last.

It will be closed from 20th January to 7th February and our tyres, wheels , and nerves will be forever grateful.

From Maidenhill J5 M77
come down to Mearns Cross, turn left and continue to Stewarton Rd and turn left again at the Rugby Club.

From Newton Mearns or J4 M77
Follow B769 Stewarton Rd

From Stewarton direction
Feel smug that you’ve never had the struggle of driving on that truly horrendous road that should have been upgraded 15 years ago.

Please allow extra travel time.

04/01/2025

A bracelet has been found in Libby’s Run.
If you’ve lost one please message me with a description and I’ll reunite you

18/11/2024

Xmas and New Year 2024/25 Extended Opening Times

From Saturday 21st December 24, until 5th January 25 ALL the Runs have extended opening hours.
The Big Field is available weekdays from 7am until 9pm

22/10/2024

Today I’m feeling very annoyed because I’ve had yet more fly-tipping.
This time it’s small stuff but it means I now have no choice but to install CCTV.

I hate the idea that, of an evening, my driveway is used by kids doing drugs then driving off , criminals dumping rubbish, plus ‘other’ activities forcing me to invade peoples privacy.

I hope you all understand the need to keep everyone protected.

Thanks.

14/10/2024

As I do every year, I am opening Dodside Dogruns until 11pm for Bonfire Night.

Every late evening from 2nd to the 5th November slots are now available to book.

As with last year I will donate all income from those bookings to local dog rescue charities.

29/09/2024

Autumn is threatening to drop leaves everywhere, the temperature has dropped, and the Runs have become even more interesting for the dogs.

It’s a lovely day for dog entertainment, I assume. I’ve barely been out the door but the cat tells me last night was a fun one so leave him alone.

31/08/2024

It’s around this time of year that I look back at creating not only a business, and entire industry of secure dog walking fields, but how my customers saved me.

8 years ago I was struggling financially. My main business was slowly dragging itself out of a deep hole and I couldn’t take any money out to live on. Then this idea presented itself.

I started the Group, expecting maybe 20 people to be interested and within 24 hours I had 350 members. Then I opened Libby’s Run and it was SO busy that I was overwhelmed. Then 6 months later I’d made enough profit to open Harry’s Run.

You lot, my wonderful customers, helped me hone the system. You gave me genuinely positive and constructive feedback and had patience while I got it all worked out.

It gave me a living, kept the roof over my head and now, all these years later it gives me a ‘pension’ I didn’t think I’d have and means that despite my recent health problems I didn’t have to sell and downsize. It’s also, hopefully, giving my daughter a future as well.

This is what it means to ALL small, local, businesses to have support from their customers.

There is a reason why Dodside Dogruns is, says I modestly, the best and it’s the people, and their dogs.

Http://www.dodsidedogruns.co.uk

Thank you again.

Scotland's original and best dog walking field. Enclosed, secure and exclusive to you. Quiet, calm and inexpensive

11/08/2024

Training day for Matt. This is a rather complicated lawnmower.
Http://www.dodsidedogruns.co.uk/book_now.html

28/07/2024

I was out with the tractor to get the entrance tracks tidied up now I’ve read the instructions and got it adjusted correctly.

Much neater and easier to keep that way. All ready for what looks like a beautiful day.

25/07/2024

The little tractor that could!
It’s slower, but the new mower is much better.
Water filled, grass cut, and looking fabulous again.

Grass cutting can now happen far more regularly I’m not spending more time repairing than working.

Http://www.dodsidedogruns.co.uk/book_now.html

24/07/2024

At last I have solved my mechanical woes.
A brand new dinky toy of a tractor and a new mower attachment. All I need to do now is learn how to use it properly.

Todays lesson: take off the mower, swap the pallets forks for the bucket, take the bowser out and refill the water, then swap back to the mower.

Best bit is the flashing beacon!

I can give up my gym membership!

10/07/2024

Good morning and aren’t we having a fabulous summer?

Grass cutting has become challenging not least because my wee red tractor broke. The good news is I’ve invested in a nice new wee blue one which arrives in 10 days and it has a mower attachment that means I can cut wet grass!

Don’t worry, I’ll be leaving those interesting edges for the sniffers!

21/05/2024

And that’s this months grass cut done before the weather breaks.
I like to let some of grow wild, but it does look nice and neat.

Libby Run suffered badly 3 years ago when it was very dry, and busy, but it’s recovered at last.

All open, drool fuel is filled up, and ready for fun.

Http://www.dodsidedogruns.co.uk/book_now.html

21/05/2024

Maintenance update:
Much delayed grass cutting will be happening this afternoon from 5.30pm so, unfortunately the Runs will be partially closed for safety reasons

Back to normal tomorrow.

Thanks

15/05/2024

An utterly perfect evening. Warm with a cooling breeze, ground in perfect condition, geese calling, just right for dogs ready to run.
Open until 9pm

Http://www.dodsidedogruns.co.uk/book_now.html