Welcome to DoggyMate
... the dog information site.
About DoggyMate
Doggymate website is built by dog owners for dog owners. Our aim is to promote responsible dog ownership and to encourage a healthy lifestyle for you and your dog. We have oodles of information and a whole host of great dog walks for you to enjoy. So, whether you are a new owner or a more experienced one we hope you find our site of benefit. DoggyMate also has a Social Network so you can get in touch with dog owners near you, perhaps you can arrange a walk together or discuss free reciprocal dog care in the dog forum. The Network has loads going on besides ... so take a look and join today!
Why we developed DoggyMate
Doggymate was devised soon after we took delivery of our Cocker spaniel pup ... Macartney! We were going on Holiday abroad and therefore couldn't take our new family member with us. So where was he going to stay? We thought of friends and family but none were really geared-up for looking after a dog. We couldn't bear to leave him in, what seemed like, a cold and uncaring boarding kennel. Macartney is used to having regular walk, company during the day time and being included in most things going on. I think this is the life of the modern day pet dog.
Anyhow, If we weren't going to put him in boarding kennels then what were we going to do with him was the question?
What we wanted was a website where we could go and find other dog owners in the same position as us. A Network of dog owners who would be willing to look after Mac while we were away on holiday and in return we would look after their dog when they went away. This of course was an unrealistic objective in the time frame we had. However, we didn't even find such a website to start the process off. So, we decided to create such a facility. The aim being to get enough people to join the Network who are willing to partake in free reciprocal dog care that it provides a realistic alternative to the current choices.
Having said that, we eventually used a local ‘Home boarding’ service to look after Mac and were very pleased with the care, exercise and attention that was given to him. We even received regular text and photo updates which was just what we wanted. You can search for ‘Home boarding’ services here.
The Doggymate Network has now developed beyond this initial idea. However, if you would like to get involved in reciprocal dog care please join the network and register your interest on the forum.
Information, Dog Walks and Adverts
DoggyMate is keen to bring you information to enhance or compliment your life with dogs or at least give you some material to take to the DoggyMate Network forums to discuss.
We aim to provide you with, topical and informative features on dog training, dog walking and dog safety. An easy to follow guide to responsible dog ownership. Some healthy exercise routines to do whilst out on your dog walk. A comprehensive list of Dog Services, Dog Friendly Accommodation and Dog Walks throughout the U.K.
Our classified Dog Services can be selected and sorted to your area by entering your County in the search box. So, whether it is Home Boarding, Dog Sitters, Dog Walkers, Doggy Day-care, Dog Trainers or Dog Behaviourists you will find them all here!
Our Dog Friendly accommodation includes Hotels, Farms, Bed and breakfasts, Holiday parks and Self catering cottages and can be searched by County or by Region or by Tourist area or by Long Distance Footpaths for the more adventurous amongst us.
Our walks database depends on content added by you. So, if you have a favourite place where you walk your dog and you think others might enjoy it, please share it with us. You can also include a photo of you and your dog on the walk, if you wish.
The DoggyMate Network
A fun and informative friendship service, where you and your dog can meet new friends, arrange dog walks, discuss training tips, upload stories and photo’s, create or vote on a dog related Poll, view our comprehensive list of Dog Friendly events in the UK on our calendar. We also have a voluntary resident dog trainer and behaviourist on the network who has agreed to answer questions.
You can join a "Group" for your breed of dog and share traits and naughty little habits. There is also the opportunity to join a "Group" for your local park/ dog walking area where you can share local knowledge and keep up-to-date with what’s going on. If your Group doesn’t exist ... start one! You can start a group for anything that you feel others will enjoy and/ or benefit from.
The DoggyMate Network encourages reciprocal dog care through its Forums and Groups. There are no set rules for reciprocal dog care; each arrangement is up to the individual parties to agree. However, if you do not know the person who has offered to look after your dog we would highly recommend you meet them and allow the dogs time together.
You can also join in on the chat room discussions or create your own Blog.
The DoggyMate Network is completly free and easy to join!
