Welcome to Dodd's Dog Walking - A Canterbury based pet service providing dog tips for rehabilitation and walking.

Where it all began!

Stuart with his established pack, Willow in the foreground and Logan laying down.

Hello fellow dog (and cat!) lovers,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the home of Dodd's Dog Walking, where my passion for animals, especially our four-legged friends, comes to life. I'm Stuart Dodd, the proud founder and dog enthusiast behind this dog walking venture.

Despite being a new start up business, my passion for animals goes all the way back to a child where I was born in Shropshire and raised for part of my life on a farm and animals were a staple part of that life.

From cows to chickens through the endless amount of farm cats and strays we would take in and of course the farm dog, 'Laddie'.

Laddie was a Border Collie and was my first experience of ever having a dog - and aren't they just the best! Faithful and with the right exercise and pack leader (back then my Grandad was definitely pack leader!) - Dogs become the greatest of pets and companions.

Orchard House (1973) - The farm I grew up on throughout my childhood

Laddie having belly rubs with both my brother and I (1978)

The ethos behind Dodd's Dog Walking

As a business, my ethos is centred around the wellbeing of all the dogs I walk. This is the most important part of a dogs day as it provides the necessary exercise to help them burn off excess energy which helps stop unwanted behaviour and my walks are tailored to your dog(s) needs.

I only walk singular dogs unless you have an established pack that I can meet as I don't want to bring any disharmony to a dogs energy and walk. I'm also keen to help improve dog walking etiquette so if you have a dog that is challenging on a walk then I will only be too happy to help.

Alongside dog walking I also offer pet visits during the day if you need me to check in on your pet if you're at work during the day. This includes checking the welfare, giving your pet a toilet break and some playtime to help burn off some more energy so that they will be more relaxed when you come back from work. Im also have a full enhanced DBS so am able to provide pet sitting services for those looking for that support.

My passion is ensuring your pet has the best welfare in my care.

Just some of the pets I have cared for (from left to right) Buzz, Willow & Rocky

My experience with dogs & cats

Growing up on the farm was just a starting point on my journey with animals. I spent pretty much a lifetime with cats and then in 2008 my life changed when I got my first dog, Rocky. A golden Labrador puppy, after years of cats it was time to get my first dog...and boy I wasn't ready!

Rocky as a puppy (2008)

To say there is a difference from having a cat to having a dog was an understatement and I certainly had to learn a lot from those early years.

However learn I did and Rocky just captured my heart and I loved my times just going out walking with him. He was a simple dog in many ways. He was great with people and other dogs and even went on to become a father.

Rocky's greatest challenge, and what was soon to become mine, happened late 2016. He was 9 and lost his eyesight and then cancer struck. I thought this was the end, but he had a new lease of life when he had his leg amputated to remove the cancer.

Three months after surgery and Rocky just wanted to run everywhere (2017)

Suddenly my whole life shifted, I had a new purpose and that was to be Rocky's guide human. I became his eyes and his drive for life motivated him to become fighting fit on three legs. Everyday we would walk or go for a drive to the sea where he would swim and listen to my commands so he knew which direction to go. If you ever ask me what my best job has ever been, it is being there for him, every step of the way.

Rocky doing his best Jaws impression whilst listening for my commands (2019)

Being with him every day and supporting him this way gave me so much purpose in life. As we all know though, a journey with a dog is too short lived and coming up to 12 years of age, Rocky left this world...but I know he will stay in my heart forever.

Rocky 2008 - 2019

Healing a broken heart

In the sadness that followed Rocky's passing, a ray of light appeared in the shape of Willow. She wasn't my dog, but I was asked if I could help look after her from time to time.

Willow posing for me (2022)

How could I refuse, she was a mixture of Husky and Border Collie and I just fell in love with her and always looked forward to my days when she would come to visit. Her love of belly rubs just reminded me of Laddie and I could really see him in her.

Willow was a rescue dog and had an unknown history, but one thing you could see in her was that she was a hunter. A really good hunter! Unfortunately for Willow this lead to her being put on death row after an incident with some sheep.

I was devastated as over the year looking after her, we had grown a bond. It was time to act and for the first time in my life I rebelled against everyone who told me that she was broken and I couldn't do anything with her.

Three years later, after plenty of walks to burn off her energy and my own training to deal with her prey drive, Willow is now in a much better place. Her rehabilitation was the drive and focus I needed in my life after loosing Rocky.

Willow with her best mate Logan (2023)

I owe both these dogs my everything, they have both saved my life and given it so much purpose. Dodd's Dog Walking wouldn't exist had it not been for experience I've had with both Rocky & Willow

Thank you for your support

So that's basically the story behind Dodd's Dog Walking. Thank you for taking the time to read through my journey and I look forward to your support. Here's to a great week of positive dog walking and follow me for more dog tips for rehabilitation and walking :)

What are your favourite experiences with looking after a pet? Have you got any dog walking tips you would like to share? If so please leave a comment below.