The Dog Bus was founded on the back of our previous dog walking business, doing the same as most other dog walkers do, one-hour dog walks.
We strived to do something different and did a lot of research, putting ourselves in the client’s seat. We thought about what we would want for our own dogs. One-hour walks are great, getting the dogs out of the house when the client can’t be there, and daycare keeps them out longer… but most are warehouse based. We would want our dogs out and about, running free through fields and going to exciting places. So we came up with the idea of mixing the two, and hence The Dog Bus was formed.
We work to IMDT’s (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) standards and have developed our training and walking procedures around their ethos. John is an accredited dog trainer with the IMDT. Izzy will soon be undertaking her assessment to also be a trainer.
Back this up with our team’s background in management, Q.A, systems, auditing, customer focus, and animal welfare – along with a massive desire and willingness to continue to learn, train and develop – then you can rest assured that your dog is in safe and caring hands.
We are totally committed to our job and to the dogs, and always ensure that the atmosphere is fun, safe, social and suitable for all our dogs; big, small, young or old. We never cheat on time and try and sneak your dog home early, nor will we transport them unsafely! Where you need help with training, it is done via positive reinforcement and rewards.
With years of experience behind us as dog owners, dog walkers and carers for pets in general, we run The Dog Bus more as a passion than a business. We don’t just look after dogs, we get to know each dog individually and build a strong relationship with that dog.
We carefully select who we take on board The Dog Bus to ensure your beloved is not being walked with dogs who have behavioural issues that pose a risk, such as aggression.
We take the time to get to know every single dog and share our attention equally among them all. Yes, the Dog Bus is a dog walking and adventure field business, but it is a business with a devoted passion.
Our aim is to provide the best daycare operation in the area. Our emphasis is on the outdoors and not an indoor building. We understand the cost of doggy daycare can be expensive but strongly believe that you get what you pay for and that your dog should get the maximum out of the day.Â
We understand that you will probably compare our prices with other dog-related daycare or walking services, but it is important to do so on a like-to-like basis. For example, we have seven acres of secure field with grass, play areas, various enrichment zones. We have shade, a barn and a large poly tunnel for shelter, a pool, a pup and a placid area.Â
Most dog daycares have zero or limited outdoor space that often consists of gravel or concrete. In our field, the guys can let off steam, play, chase, explore or relax at their heart’s content. On our Adventure Walks….. well they are adventures!Â
The gang gets a whole lot more exercise than they likely do in an indoor environment and we believe the mental stimulation of being where they should be, outdoors, is extremely tiring for them.
You don’t have to commit to us for specified days or usage. Simply decide a date and walk you would like to book from our booking page. We have a range of locations, dates and mileage to choose from. Please note we only ever walk 4 dogs per walker, and therefore our 8-slot walks can get booked up well in advance!
We pick up from your home and the dogs are then transported in an air-conditioned, well lit, fully crated van with soft bedding to the walking location of the day.
From there, they adventure with up to 2 of our experienced and fully trained dog walkers. We carry first aid packs, phones, water, treats GPS tracking and have the benefit of a backup team if needed. We walk in all weathers, but will try wherever possible to return your dog dry and clean using our shower facilities.
We have a strict entrance criteria for dogs that would like to join us on our Adventures. If your dog has never been to our secure field, then a member of our qualified staff will assess him to check whether he is suitable for the Adventure Walks.
To take part, your dog must be friendly, well-socialised and with a strong recall. Although we are massively flexible to how often your dog comes on our walks, regular attendance ensures that they get to know the team well, make some friends for life and develop a strong exercise routine.
Our Adventure Walks give the dogs an extraordinary experience, unlocking their full potential and giving them the exercise and chance to explore so much more than what a normal walk will allow.