To the local community,
We completely understand why people have concerns about groups of dogs being walked together — especially in smaller, busy parks where it can feel overwhelming or unpredictable. Those concerns are valid, and as professional dog walkers, we don’t dismiss them.
In fact, we agree that smaller parks and enclosed spaces — such as St Andrews Park, Baddock’s Wood, or Horfield Common — are not appropriate for larger groups of dogs. Responsible walkers already know this and actively avoid these areas when working with multiple dogs.
We also want to be clear that we support the idea of licensing. Done properly, it can help raise standards and filter out those who aren’t equipped to do the job safely. Many of us would even welcome broader licensing across all dog ownership — while that could bring its own challenges, it would likely address many of the issues people are concerned about.
What’s important to understand is that experienced dog walkers already operate with care and structure. We use large, open spaces like Purdown or Ashton Court, where there is room to manage dogs safely and responsibly. Many of us travel further specifically to work in these environments and avoid busy public areas.
We are also insured to walk up to six dogs — and that’s not by accident. Insurance companies assess risk very carefully. If this number regularly led to problems or claims, they simply wouldn’t provide cover. This model has been in place across the UK for years and works when done properly.
There are also examples elsewhere that show how this can be managed responsibly. The New Forest, one of the country’s most important and sensitive green spaces, has a dog walking charter that promotes responsible behaviour, awareness, and respect for others and the environment. It recognises that professional dog walkers play a role — when they act responsibly.
Bristol is proud to be a green city, and rightly so. Open green spaces should be used and enjoyed — but appropriately. So yes, we agree: smaller parks should have stricter limits. But larger, open spaces can safely accommodate well-managed groups.
We also want to acknowledge solo walkers and owners of nervous or reactive dogs. We understand the importance of giving those dogs space and respect — and this is something professional walkers are very mindful of. Many of us actively avoid close interactions, adjust our routes, or recall and manage our dogs early to prevent pressure on others. At the same time, for some dogs, calm and controlled group walks can actually help build confidence and social skills — but only when done carefully and appropriately. And when a dog isn’t suited to that, we recognise it and avoid those situations entirely.
This isn’t about ignoring concerns — it’s about recognising that responsible dog walkers are already part of the solution, not the problem.