Family / Activities
Big dogs in Bristol
I never grew up with dogs. The amount of time walking, grooming and cleaning up after them never seemed worth it. However that has all changed
My girlfriend Helen had grown up with dogs and had long been waging a one-woman campaign of converting me on the idea. Eventually, after seven years, I finally relented after she presented me with an exhaustive Powerpoint presentation detailing how she’d find time to walk it and pay for it.
Three years later, I now have two large dogs. Two large fluffy dogs. What can I say? She was very persuasive.
Bedminster may not seem like the ideal place for a massive Old English Sheepdog and a Sheepdog/Newfoundland-cross, but it turns out that working dogs love the big city. Great with children, alert guards and also capable of doubling up as a furry blanket during the winter months, our dogs (CJ and Scully) have become well suited to life in Bristol. Of course, just like having children, our lives have become a juggling act.
is needed now More than ever
Here are five tips on how to live with big dogs in Bristol:
Let them sleep
You might think big dogs need a lot of exercise, but that’s not the case – at least not with ours. One hour long walk a day and they are happy to spend the rest of the day sleeping on the couch.
Blaise Castle and Ashton
Ideal for tiring your dog out and a great place to meet other dog lovers.
Find a good dog walker
Unless you are lucky enough to work from home and then, not be constantly besieged by work calls, you may need to find a good dog walker. The Mutty Professor on West Street is highly recommended, and they even do grooming and behavioural training.
Get them used to loud noise
Whether it’s traffic, fireworks or crowds of people at Bristol’s numerous festivals, your dog is going to have to get use to above-levels of hubbub. Same goes for balloons, you’d be surprised at how much they can scare dogs.
Get a big car
When we first got the dogs, we had a tiny Suzuki. While it was funny getting everyone in the car at first, it quickly became apparent an estate car might be more practical – especially for regular trips to the city’s bigger parks.
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