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About Lauren · Solo dog walker, Bournemouth

A dog person,
through and through.

Years of hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds and temperaments — offering one-to-one walks, drop-in care, and enrichment sessions across Bournemouth.

big dog
The background

From the road
to Bournemouth.

Before Sand & Settle had a postcode, it had a mileage. For several years, I worked as a full-time travelling dog sitter — living in clients' homes across the country, caring for their dogs exactly as they would. No kennels, no pack walks, no disruption to routine. Just consistent, attentive, one-to-one care from someone who genuinely loves dogs.

That time on the road gave me real, hands-on experience with lots of dogs of every breed, age, and personality. From elderly Labradors with joint issues to young rescues still finding their feet — I've cared for them all.

Now I've settled in Westbourne, Bournemouth, and Sand & Settle has grown from that foundation — the same individual attention and personal approach, with Bournemouth's parks, coastline, and dog-friendly spaces as the backdrop.

The approach

Dogs take to me
quickly.

I'm not sure I can fully explain it, but dogs tend to settle around me quickly — even nervous or anxious ones. I think it comes down to reading the room: I don't rush, I don't push, and I pay close attention to what a dog is telling me before I respond. A dog that feels understood feels safe, and from there, trust builds naturally.

Whether it's a confident, sociable dog who wants to be everyone's best friend, or a rescue who's still learning that the world is okay — I take my lead from them. Every dog gets the version of me they need on that particular day.

Cocker spaniel
The mindset

My most
present hour.

Ask me what I find most meditative, and the answer is always the same: a solo dog walk. There's something about having one dog, no distractions, and a route ahead that demands complete presence. I'm watching how they move, how they respond to other dogs, to sounds, to new smells. I'm reading small signals — a tail drop, a pause, a shift in weight — and adjusting accordingly.

On every walk, I'm reinforcing positive behaviour and gently discouraging what won't serve them. Not training for its own sake — but helping your dog become the most settled, confident version of themselves, on the lead and off it.

That focus is what I bring to every session. Your dog isn't being looked after while I get on with other things. They have my full attention (and heart).

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