About Dr Doglittle
We are a small dog walking service working the Central Borders, and small is the plan, not a stage we are trying to grow out of.
Hello, we are Mark and Aimee Symons
We are the husband-and-wife team behind Dr Doglittle. Mark does most of our dog walking, while Aimee combines some of the walks with looking after the admin side of the business and working as a nurse.
We live in the Central Borders and both walk these paths most days of the week, in most weather the Borders can produce. Small groups, the same familiar faces every week and a proper hour out are the whole idea. It is how we would want our own dogs walked.
Between us, we have years of experience with dogs of every size and temperament, from bouncing spaniels to wary rescues, and we would both rather be out on a hill with a dog than doing almost anything else.
Mark will usually be the one you meet at your meet & greet and will do most of the walks, although you may see Aimee out with the dogs too. If you would like to meet us both at the meet & greet, just let us know.
Why "Dr Doglittle"?
Because nobody can actually talk to dogs, whatever the name promises. What you can do is pay close enough attention that you stop needing words. Noticing that a dog has gone quiet, or is walking half a step behind, or has decided today is not a day for the big field. That is most of the job.
The unglamorous credentials
- Fully insured. Public liability plus care, custody and control. Certificate sent on request, before your first walk.
- Canine first aid trained. A first aid kit travels on every walk.
- Keys handled properly. Signed agreement, coded tags, locked storage, never labelled with your address.
- Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Dogs under close control around livestock and ground-nesting birds, on lead in fields with sheep, and away from lambing ground in spring. It is not optional here and we do not treat it as though it is.
How we work
Same walker every time. Groups capped at 4 and matched by temperament rather than by whoever is in the diary. Photos after every walk. An honest report when something was off, whether a sore paw, a refusal to eat or a dog who was not themselves, because you would rather hear it from us on Tuesday than find out on Friday.
We will also tell you when we are not the right fit. A dog with serious reactivity may need a behaviourist before they need a walker, and a very young puppy is better served by short, gentle outings than a full adventure walk. Saying so costs us a booking and saves you money.
Come and meet us
The meet & greet is free, takes about half an hour, and happens at your place so your dog has home advantage. Bring your questions, including the ones about insurance and keys. You should be asking those of anyone who walks your dog.