Where Big Friendly Dog began
Big Friendly Dog started with a dog called Cobra.
Cobra was a Malamute, a proper gentle giant and the first dog we owned together. We got him later in his life and, when he arrived, he needed some looking after. He had sores on his elbows, hadn’t really lived as part of a household and hadn’t been particularly well socialised around other dogs.
With people, however, he was an enormous softie. And enormous really is the word. Walking Cobra was always interesting because people tended to have one of two reactions. They either made a beeline straight towards the huge fluffy dog for a cuddle… or headed in completely the opposite direction. There wasn’t much middle ground.
He made us appreciate both how misunderstood larger dogs can be and how important early training and socialisation are.
The whiteboard
When we lost Cobra, we were both working fairly normal jobs. Becca in particular had already realised that office life wasn’t where she wanted to spend the rest of hers. Losing Cobra made us reassess things.
So we sat down with a whiteboard and started writing. What did Becca enjoy? What was she good at? What could we build into something that actually felt worthwhile?
Dogs kept appearing on the board. And eventually, so did Big Friendly Dog.
What started with walking a handful of local dogs has grown over the last three years into walking, training, licensed home boarding and our own Adventure Playground. And now it’s the full-time working life we’ve built together.
More than just a dog business
We want BFD to be a business people trust. That’s probably the simplest way of putting it.
When somebody gives us a key to their home and trusts us with a member of their family, that responsibility matters. We want customers to know that we’re experienced, reliable and professional — but also approachable enough that they can simply message us and have a normal conversation.
Dogs don’t all come with the same personality, background or problems. Neither do people. Our job is to work with both.
We don’t care whether we’re collecting your dog from a huge house with acres of land or helping you exercise them because you don’t have a garden of your own. If you care about your dog, we’ll start from there.
Trust
We build lasting relationships based on honesty, reliability and care.
Approachable
Friendly, down to earth and always happy to have a chat.
Professional
Experienced, qualified and committed to the highest standards.
Dog-centred
Every dog is an individual. We tailor our care, training and advice to suit them.
Big dogs. Little dogs. Big personalities.
Larger breeds will always be a big part of who we are. We’ve lived with them, trained them, boarded them and understand the practical reality of handling a dog weighing 50, 60 or 70kg. We’re comfortable with breeds that some people find intimidating, and we want owners of those dogs to know they’re welcome here.
That doesn’t mean BFD is only for big dogs. We’ve cared for everything from giant breeds to tiny Dachshunds and Shih Tzus.
The name is really about attitude. Every dog can be a Big Friendly Dog — even if they’re only big in personality.
Training for a happier, freer life together
We’re interested in training that makes everyday life better. A well-trained dog doesn’t need to know fifty tricks. They need the skills that matter to their owner:
Those things give dogs more freedom, not less. The more you can trust your dog, the more experiences you can enjoy together. That’s why obedience and socialisation sit at the heart of much of what we do.
The people (and dog) behind Big Friendly Dog
Becca
Lifelong experience with animals, taught animal care, worked with young people and had a brief spell at Barnsley Council. She has a Master’s degree in Psychological Sciences and is naturally gifted with dogs. Patient with nervous dogs, and especially loves larger breeds and Malamutes.
Chris
Helped build the business from the start and is involved in boarding, walks, new dog introductions and training. Now full-time, he focuses on growth and partnerships. Enjoys dogs of all sizes and is passionate about creating the best possible experiences for them.
Buddy
Three-year-old Labrador cross New Zealand Huntaway. Strong social skills, helps with introductions and assessments, bouncy and highly trainable. A brilliant demonstration dog with a big personality.
Want to get to know us better?
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have a question, want to chat about your dog, or arrange a meet & greet, we’re always happy to help.
