Hills, crowds and Georgian terraces.
- Local authority
- Bath and North East Somerset Council
- Postcode district
- BA1
- From Bristol
- 11 mi southeast
- Main roads
- the A4, the A36 and London Road
- Where dogs walk
- Royal Victoria Park, the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and the hills of the Bath Skyline
The city sits in a bowl of hills, and most walks involve a climb. Steep lanes and long flights of steps ask a lot of an owner with a pulling dog, so a harness and a lead that stays loose on the way down are worth the effort of teaching. Stop and wait every time the lead tightens and you will see it start to stick within a week.
Visitors fill the centre for much of the year, with queues, buskers, pavement tables and tour groups. A dog that can sit quietly while strangers take photographs, and that ignores dropped food, will have a much easier time. Start at the edge of a busy area and move in by a metre at a time.
The Kennet and Avon Canal towpath is a lovely long walk, shared with cyclists and boat owners. The surface can be narrow and uneven, and moored boats often have dogs on board, which sometimes bark at passers-by. A calm lead position and a "this way" cue to steer past are very useful here.
Royal Victoria Park and the surrounding hills are popular for off-lead walks, but rules and signs vary, so check them. Many houses in the city are converted into flats with shared entrances, and dogs often bark at footsteps on the stairs. Rewarding calm in the hallway and teaching a mat routine at home keeps the peace with neighbours.
Typical ranges, not quotes. Each trainer sets their own fee.
Obedience Programmes£300 to £800 per programme→Behaviour Help£250 to £700 per behaviour plan→Private Lessons£40 to £80 per lesson→Where to begin.
- Note down which situations trip your dog up: hills, other dogs, visitors or being left alone.
- Ask any trainer how they teach, whether they work around Bath and what they do if a dog is overwhelmed.
- Practise one cue each day on your usual route near Royal Victoria Park, the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and the hills of the Bath Skyline for two weeks, and note what changes.
Nearby communities. Also in this guide.
Local resources. Learn more about Bath.
How these pages work
Plain advice. Clear limits.
From K9PN. See the Disclaimer for details.
Good questions
Before you begin.
How do I stop my dog pulling up and down hills?
Use a well-fitted harness, stop when the lead tightens and reward your dog for walking beside you. Short, regular practice beats one long walk.
Can I walk my dog along the Kennet and Avon towpath?
Many people do, but it is shared with cyclists and boats. Keep your dog close, especially near moored boats.
How can I help a dog that barks at stairs and footsteps?
Teach a mat settle in the flat, reward quiet behaviour and practise at times when the building is calm.