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Dog Walking  •  Home Boarding  •  Training  •  Adventures

Big adventures.Happy dogs.Peace of mind.

Professional dog walking, home boarding, training and private adventures in South Yorkshire.

★★★★★
Loved by local dogs & their humans ♡
South
Yorkshire

Ethos & care

More than just someone who walks your dog

For us, this isn’t a side job or something we do around other work. Big Friendly Dog is what we do.

We take the responsibility that comes with looking after somebody else’s dog seriously — whether that means being trusted with your house keys, helping a nervous dog build confidence, finding the right group for them to walk with, or looking after them in our home while you’re away.

Every dog is different, so we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

We get to know them first. Then we work out what works for them.

Different dogs.Different needs.Same care.Always.

Trusted & Reliable

Whether it’s house keys or home boarding, your dog’s safety is always our priority.

Personalised Approach

We take time to understand your dog’s individual needs, routine and personality.

Experienced & Dedicated

This isn’t a side job — it’s our full-time passion and commitment.

A Happier, More Confident Dog

From group walks to one-to-one care, we focus on what’s right for them.

OUR SERVICES

Everything your dog needs

From daily walks to overnight stays, training and unforgettable adventures, we're here to give your dog the care, attention and fun they deserve.

Dog Walking

Dog Walking

Solo, group and training walks tailored by temperament, personality and manners.

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Home Boarding

Home Boarding

Licensed home-from-home stay (max 3 dogs). Sofas, gardens, walks, and trial nights.

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Dog Training

Dog Training

Practical training for real life: recall, lead manners, obedience and puppy support.

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Adventure Playground

Adventure Playground

Private, secure field in Thurnscoe with outdoor agility and two indoor enrichment rooms.

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Wedding Dog Chaperoning

Wedding Chaperoning

Your dog belongs in the photos — not on your worry list. Flexible care, ceremony handling & photos.

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Our story

Bigger dogs are where our story started

Big Friendly Dog was inspired by Cobra, our Malamute and the first dog we owned together.

He was enormous, beautiful, incredibly loving with people — and not always straightforward around other dogs.

Living with Cobra taught us a huge amount about the importance of training, socialisation and understanding the individual dog in front of you. It also taught us how differently people react to larger breeds.

Some people couldn’t wait to meet him. Others crossed the road.

That experience still shapes BFD today. We’re comfortable and confident working with larger, stronger dogs and would love Big Friendly Dog to be the first name somebody thinks of when they need help with their Malamute, Rottweiler, Cane Corso or other large breed.

But little dogs are very welcome too. Chris will happily confirm that some of his favourite boarding customers weigh about five kilos.

Read Our Story

Dog training

Your dog. Your life.
Training that works for both.

We strongly believe that putting the effort into training early can change the next ten years of life with your dog. You shouldn’t have to organise your entire life around what your dog can’t do. Good training helps them become part of it. Whether you’ve got a puppy starting from scratch or an older dog who needs help with recall, pulling, over-excitement, socialisation or confidence, we’ll work with you to find a practical way forward.

Puppy Training

Build good habits from the start and set them up for a confident future.

Everyday Skills

Help with recall, loose lead walking, over-excitement and more.

Socialisation & Confidence

Support for nervous dogs and helping them feel comfortable in the world around them.

Tailored Support

Practical, friendly training based on your dog’s individual needs and your lifestyle.

Wedding dog chaperoning

Your dog is part of the family.

Your dog belongs in the photos — not on your list of things to worry about.

So if you want them at your wedding, they should be able to share the important moments without becoming another thing for you to worry about.

We can take care of everything from boarding and exercise to transport, handling at the venue and helping with photographs.

You enjoy the wedding.
We’ll worry about what the dog is sniffing.

Pre-Wedding Care

Home boarding and exercise before the ceremony

Safe Transport

Collection and transport directly to your venue

Photo Assistance

Handling during the ceremony and getting their attention for photos

Stress-Free Aftercare

Care throughout the day and safe return home or boarding

Service area

Local dog care from people who know the area

Our regular walking area is centred around Bolton upon Dearne, including surrounding areas such as Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe, Wath, Manvers and Swinton, subject to route availability.

As a general guide, we aim to keep regular walking collections within around 15 minutes of Bolton upon Dearne.

Training appointments can cover a wider area — generally up to around 30 minutes away — and customers from further afield are also welcome to come to us for sessions at the Adventure Playground.

If you’re unsure whether we cover your postcode, just ask.

Regular Walks

Around 15 minutes from Bolton upon Dearne.

Training Area

Generally up to around 30 minutes away.

Not sure?

Just ask. We’re happy to check your postcode.

What local owners say

Loved by dogs, trusted by humans

Real stories from our South Yorkshire pack members across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.

Dog Walking
"Our dog absolutely loves his walks and the team are so caring and professional! The Big Friendly Dog team go above and beyond. Our pup is always so happy after his walks and we feel completely at ease leaving him in their care."
Sarah M.

Sheffield (S10) • 3 days ago

Golden retriever
Adventure Playground
"Finding a secure field with truly dog-proof 6ft fencing for our energetic husky Kira was a game changer. The sensory agility obstacles and double airlock gate gave us total peace of mind. We book every single Saturday!"
James & Claire

Rotherham (S60) • 1 week ago

Husky
Home Boarding
"We never liked kennels, so finding Big Friendly Dog's cozy family home boarding was a blessing. Daily video clips of the dogs snuggled on the rug melted our hearts while we were away."
Dr. David H.

Barnsley (S75) • Milo & Peggy (Spaniels)

Two spaniels
Dog Training
"Apollo used to pull frantically whenever he saw other dogs on walks. In just three 1-on-1 sessions using positive reinforcement, he is walking calmly by my side. Cannot recommend enough!"
Emma Watson

Doncaster (DN4) • Apollo (German Shepherd)

German shepherd
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything you need to know

Have questions about our care, fields, or schedule? We have answers.

Yes. Our walking service includes collection and return within the areas we cover around Bolton upon Dearne and surrounding Dearne Valley communities.

Get in touch

Ready to talk?

For current prices, availability and enquiries, use our website enquiry forms or find Big Friendly Dog on Facebook and Instagram.

We’re always happy to have a conversation first and work out what would suit you and your dog.

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