About me

My name is John Dixon, and I am the proud owner and sole employee of Roving Rascals. I have been lucky to have had the companionship of dogs since a young age and all through my adult life, and understand the importance of their place in any family.

My previous employment enabled me to spend the majority of my days out in the fresh air walking my dogs, and indeed I took the job on the basis that my days were free to spend time with them. During that time I have also helped both my friends and family, who have to work more conventional hours, with the care of their dogs; something which I have enjoyed enormously. Recently, an opportunity to branch out on my own has presented itself, and I have jumped at the prospect of earning my livelihood from doing a job that I adore. I can think of nothing better than spending all of my day being out in the fresh air with dogs.

The very name of the business, Roving Rascals, tells you an awful lot about my beliefs about dogs and how their days should be spent. Dogs should be outdoors, sniffing new smells, having fun with new pals and generally running around expending all their energy on enjoying themselves (most likely followed by a good snooze once back at home!). As a dog owner, I understand the anxiety you may feel about leaving your dog at home and not being able to give it the walks during the day that you would ideally like it to have, but I also understand the hours that many jobs these days demand.

On that basis I offer a very flexible range of services, ranging from daily dog walks, wee breaks (for puppies or oldies) right through to full doggie day care, and my flexibility is reflected in my working hours (7am to 7pm). An additional but important point to note is that my ‘hour’s walk’ service is just that, a walk for an hour, and pick up and drop off times are not factored into that hour (nor charged for). I am not size biased either, so large breeds are welcome in my pack!

Please give me a call if you would like to ask any questions. In my previous job I was fully CRB checked (and now have the new equivalent DBS clearing), and am able to provide phone numbers for you to call existing customers on for an unbiased reference. I have also completed a Small Animal First Aid course.

I am fully licensed and insured.

I was fortunate enough to meet John 4 years ago whilst out walking my dog, and since that time not only has he become like a second owner to my dog, he has become a true friend.

John has made my dog the happiest I think he can possibly be, and greets him every morning with big licks and a thumping tail. My boy is also fortunate that I work away a lot and he therefore gets to have sleepovers at John's on a regular basis. Photos from John reveal just how much he enjoys his nights at his doggie hotel (think sheer doggie luxury).

John is the most honest, caring and trustworthy person that I know, and I have never had any doubts about leaving my dog in his more than capable hands. Universally dogs adore him, and I think John is never happier than when he is out with a group of dogs.

Rachel Newton, Dexter's Owner

I first met John when as a relatively “green” dog owner I took my young puppy for a walk to Tynemouth Longsands, now almost two years ago.

It was apparent to me immediately that John had a great love and respect for dogs and that they shared his levels of affection. He has an inherent way of handling the dogs which gains their respect, whilst at the same time ensuring they have plenty of fun. He has looked after my dog on many occasions and not only do I feel completely at ease that he is safe and well cared for, I know he will have great fun and be tired but happy upon his return.

I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending John. He is a friendly, genuine and caring man who both cares for and enjoys the company of the dogs in his care.

Lisa Donahue, Benson's owner