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
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.
Whether it’s house keys or home boarding, your dog’s safety is always our priority.
We take time to understand your dog’s individual needs, routine and personality.
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.
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.
Home boarding and exercise before the ceremony
Collection and transport directly to your venue
Handling during the ceremony and getting their attention for photos
Care throughout the day and safe return home or boarding
OUR OTHER SERVICES
Everything your dog needs
From daily walks to overnight stays, practical training and private playground hire, we're here to give your dog the care, attention and fun they deserve.
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.
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.
Build good habits from the start and set them up for a confident future.
Help with recall, loose lead walking, over-excitement and more.
Support for nervous dogs and helping them feel comfortable in the world around them.
Practical, friendly training based on your dog’s individual needs and your lifestyle.
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.
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.
30 minute
training area
Bolton upon
Dearne
What local owners say
Loved by dogs, trusted by humans
Real stories from our South Yorkshire pack members across Sheffield, Rotherham, Barnsley and Doncaster.
"Absolutely gutted we now have to say goodbye to BFD, Becca and Chris! Although I'm hoping it isn't a goodbye forever, as we hope to still see you for home boarding 🏡🐾
A massive thank you for everything you have done for us over the last year and a half! To say you are amazing is an understatement. You've supported us in so many ways without realising. My little boy has loved watching all the videos and pictures of Cleo on her group walks every week. Seeing all her friends and the socialisation she has had, not forgetting all the mud rolls she's made the most of 🫶🏻 Cleo is without a doubt going to miss you all. Thank you for treating her like one of your own. Really hope Buddy hasn't learnt how to destroy post from Cleo, oops!
I really hope your next adventure for BFD is amazing, as you deserve it all! Anyone who will be filling up Cleo's regular group walks are lucky. 1000% recommended 🐶"
"I took a few of my pack to the Adventure Grounds today and they had an amazing time, tongues flopping + tails wagging 😁. I was able to get some super cute photos while there too! 🐾"
"A huge thank you to Big Friendly Dog! 🐾
This weekend, from Friday to Monday, George had his first ever stay away from home with Becca & Chris at Big Friendly Dog, and we honestly couldn’t be happier with how it went. ❤️
Every year we go away to Center Parcs, but this year our usual family and friends who would normally look after George were either away themselves or otherwise unable to have him. We’d also left it quite last minute!
We knew we didn’t really want to put George into kennels. We didn’t like the thought of him potentially spending long periods shut away, surrounded by lots of unfamiliar dogs. (Apologies if that’s not what all kennels are like!)
So we started looking for alternatives and came across Big Friendly Dog on Facebook, who offer home boarding — meaning George would stay in a proper home environment rather than a traditional kennel.
From the very first message, Becca & Chris were brilliant. They responded quickly, were incredibly helpful and got George booked in for his stay.
Because George had never stayed away from us before, and had never spent a night in a house with other dogs, Becca suggested a trial meet first. We took George along to their adventure grounds, where he could meet Becca and get used to everything in a relaxed environment.
And honestly, he was so relaxed from the moment he met her. 🥰
Then came Friday, and the moment we had to leave him!
When I dropped George off, Chris was there to meet me. He immediately put George at ease, gave him a little tour of the house and made him feel comfortable. Before I knew it, I was back in the car driving away, while George was happily trotting off down the road with Chris towards the rugby pitches — meaning he wasn’t even stood watching me leave or looking for me. 😂
But one of the things we loved most about the whole service was the communication.
Becca & Chris created a WhatsApp group with myself and my wife, and throughout the entire weekend they kept us updated morning, noon and night with photos and videos of George. 📸🎥
We got to see what activities he’d been doing, how he was settling in, how he was getting on with the other dogs and, most importantly, how happy and comfortable he was.
It made such a difference being able to see him having fun while we were away. It completely put our minds at ease and meant we could actually enjoy our holiday without constantly worrying about how he was doing.
And when we went to pick him up on Monday, we had one very happy, very tired dog! 😂❤️
We genuinely couldn’t fault the experience. Becca & Chris clearly care about the dogs they look after and treat them as part of the family, rather than simply providing somewhere for them to stay.
Safe to say, we will absolutely be using Big Friendly Dog again in the future. 🐶❤️
Thank you so much Becca & Chris for looking after our George, keeping us updated and giving him such a brilliant weekend. We couldn’t have asked for more!
If you’re looking for a home boarding service for your dog, we’d definitely recommend giving Big Friendly Dog a look. 🐾
10/10 from us and, judging by George’s reaction, 11/10 from him! 😂❤️"
Everything you need to know
Have questions about our care, fields, or schedule? We have answers.
Quick Answers by Service
One key question from each of our 5 services.
Dog WalkingDo you collect dogs for walks?
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Yes. Our walking service includes collection and return within the areas we cover around Bolton upon Dearne and surrounding Dearne Valley communities.
Home BoardingCan my dog go on the sofa?
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Yes. We surrendered that battle a long time ago. Dogs stay inside our home as part of normal household life with beds, sofas, and garden access.
Adventure PlaygroundIs it a secure field?
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It’s slightly different. Think of it more as a large secure garden-style activity space with both outdoor agility equipment and two indoor enrichment rooms (ball pit, snuffle mats, sensory toys) — so Yorkshire rain never ruins your session.
Dog TrainingWhat problems can you help with?
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We commonly work on recall, lead pulling, jumping, barking, over-excitement, confidence, socialisation, basic obedience and manners around other dogs.
Payments & CancellationsHow does boarding payment work?
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A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure an accepted booking request. The remaining balance is normally taken approximately one week before the stay. Full booking and cancellation terms will be provided when you book.
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.
Private, secure hire in Thurnscoe, South Yorkshire • Outdoor paddock & 2 indoor rooms
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Choose Slot
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Date & Time
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Pup & Contact
Select your private playground session
Choose the session that best suits your dog’s adventure.
55-Minute Full Adventure Session
Most popular
Exclusive private hire of the secure outdoor agility paddock PLUS both indoor enrichment rooms.
£10.00 / 55 minUp to 6 dogs
25-Minute Express Enrichment Session
Quick run & sniff
Perfect for high-energy zoomies, sensory exploration or training practice without tiring out.
£6.00 / 25 minUp to 6 dogs
Drive-in airlockSecure gate entry before release.
Up to 6 dogsBook the space, not per person.
Indoor & outdoor useWeather won’t ruin your visit.
Select your date and session time:
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This Date is UnavailableAll slots on this date are closed. Please choose another date above.
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Double airlock gate in Thurnscoe ensures zero overlap. 5-minute buffer between slots.
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Total Paid:£10.00
Location:Thurnscoe Adventure Playground
Gate PIN Access:4819 #
Drive through the private gates in Thurnscoe and shut them before letting your dog out. A confirmation SMS & email with gate coordinates have been sent!
