Tag: dog lovers

Tails wagging as new dog park rolls into Edinburgh

Doggy adventure park with a difference set to open its gates

A NEW premium dog park is set to open on the western edge of Edinburgh, offering a rural-feel escape just minutes from the city centre.

Located near the Highland Showground just off the A8 at Gogarburn, the brand new dog park will be the latest venture by award-winning operator Unleash The Dogs, marking its first foray into the capital.

Opening today – Saturday 5th July, final touches are being added in the coming days and bookings are expected to ramp up quickly.

The park forms the first phase of a two-site expansion into Edinburgh, with a second destination set to open near Fort Kinnaird later this summer.

Hailing from a farming background, Craig Gammage and his partner Lauren are on a mission to create the very best places for dogs to visit in Scotland, with seven Unleash The Dogs parks already established across Glasgow.

Boasting equipment and obstacles for canines of all sizes and breeds, the enclosed fields feature doggy friendly sensory gardens, as well as shelters for owners to socialise and escape the Scottish elements.

Craig, 34, said: “This is a huge step for us. Edinburgh has a completely different layout to Glasgow, so we’ve worked hard to find a spot that balances that rural escapism our parks are known for, while staying easily accessible.

“The West Edinburgh field is only about a 15-minute drive from the city centre, yet it is a proper rural escape.  

“We wanted to create something truly special here, not just another enclosed space but a destination for dogs and their owners.”

The site is part of a wider rollout from the much-loved brand, which has built a loyal following across Glasgow thanks to its commitment to providing top-tier dog exercise spaces. Each site is designed to Unleash The Dogs’ exacting standards, offering a secure, safe and stimulating environment.

Owners and professional dog-walkers can book their slot for up to eight dogs at a time online, guaranteeing complete private access to the site.

The sites also benefit from regular staffing to ensure the grounds are immaculately maintained, ensuring a safe and clean experience for all visitors.

Craig added: “Our parks are run like five-star resorts. We have regular staff visits, bespoke features, and we never cut corners.

“It’s about keeping standards sky high and creating places that owners are proud to bring their dogs to.

“We’ve developed a strong model in Glasgow, and the response there has been phenomenal. Edinburgh deserves the same standard – and we’re here to deliver it.”

With its premium finish and proximity to the city, the new park is set to become a favourite for dog lovers across the capital.

With the next Edinburgh site in the East already in the works, Unleash The Dogs looks set to make its mark on both ends of the city.

For more information about Unleash the Dogs, the sites and how to book your slot visit www.unleashthedogs.co.uk

Dog lovers in Scotland needed to take part in ‘land-bark’ survey

Dogs Trust in Scotland is calling on local dog lovers to take part in the biggest ever nationwide survey to help dogs and owners of the future.

The National Dog Survey, launched by Dogs Trust, will help the charity better-understand the UK’s 12.5 million-strong pooch population and the part dogs play in their owners’ lives, shaping the support the charity offers to canine companions and their families.

Dogs Trust has two rehoming centres in Scotland, one in Glasgow and the other in West Calder, both of which find homes for hundreds of rescue dogs each year.

Sandra Downie, Rehoming Centre Manager for Dogs Trust in Glasgow, says: “Through this survey we want to learn as much as possible about dog ownership to inform what we do to improve dog welfare and support dog owners.  

“Dogs Trust has been around for 130 years and in that time so much has changed when it comes to dogs being at the heart of our family. 

“This is the first time we have carried out a survey of this kind and we want to hear from dog owners as well as people who don’t currently have a dog but have lived with one in the past.  By gathering as much information as we can, we will be able to help people and dogs live the best lives possible together.”

The online survey asks dog owners about everything from how their dog behaves and what training they do with their four-legged friend, to questions about their relationship such as do they celebrate their dog’s birthday and do they tell them they love them.

It also covers people’s post-pandemic plans for their dog such as are they hoping to take them into the office with them or will they employ a dog walker, if they are returning to their workplace.

The survey, which can be completed online at www.nationaldogsurvey.org.uk, also asks people to say how having a dog improves their life, what advice they would give to people looking to welcome a dog into their family and what one thing could Dogs Trust do to help them and their dog live happily together.

Sandra adds: “We always love to hear tales from owners who have adopted from us, and every single one of them has a different story to tell. We now want to capture the experiences of all local dog owners so we can build a picture of dog ownership today and what more Dogs Trust can do to help them and their dogs.

“This will be the most comprehensive census of dogs and dog lovers ever completed and we would love it if everyone who is passionate about dogs could do their bit to help our four-legged friends of the future have the best lives possible.

“What people tell us today will help us make sure we are able to do everything we can to support dogs and their owners for the next 130 years and more.”

For more information and to take part in the National Dog Survey, visit www.nationaldogsurvey.org.uk 

Dog owners who complete the survey will get tailored behaviour advice sent direct to them.

The closing date is 17th October.