Short and simple - because if we've got the right people in here, we won't need many. 1. Be kind. You know how to do this. 2. Real names only. This is a community, not a forum. Be a person. 3. No selling, no unsolicited DMs. If you have something genuinely useful to share, the community will find it naturally. If you're here to pitch, you're in the wrong place. 4. Photos welcome, always. Especially of your dog. 5. Stay on topic. We're here because our dogs come first. Keep that at the heart of everything you post. That's it. Now go introduce yourself. 🐾 Patrick & Esther

We're Patrick and Esther - and like you, we've built our lives around our dogs. We moved to the countryside for Molly and Pip. We work around them - running our business from home, holiday with them, and we make decisions that probably raise eyebrows with people who don't get it. We don't mind. You probably don't either. That's exactly why we built this community. Not for training tips or breed advice - there are better places for that. This is for the people who chose their house, their job, their holidays, or their entire lifestyle with their dog at the centre of the decision. If that's you, you're in exactly the right place. Do these three things now: 1. Introduce yourself - head to Introductions, tell us your name, where you're based, and most importantly, tell us about your dog. We want to know them. 2. Share your story - in Dog-First Life, tell us one decision you've made differently because of your dog. Big or small. That's the conversation this community is built around. 3. Explore Dog-First Places - if you know somewhere that genuinely loves dogs - not just tolerates them - share it. That's how we build something useful together. Any questions, just ask. We're here. Patrick & Esther 🐾

@Esther Nelson and I run businesses that often require us to travel both here in the UK and abroad, and our two dogs - Molly and Pip - come with us whenever possible. They’re family. We moved to a cottage in the countryside so they could have the life they deserve: long walks, muddy paws, the occasional pheasant chase (best not tell the farmer)! Over the years we’ve learned how much difference it makes when you know where to go, what to buy, and who to trust. “Dog-friendly” doesn’t always mean dog-welcoming. The same goes for toys, food, or sitters - some are brilliant, some best avoided. That’s why we started Dog People. It’s a place for anyone who wants to give their dog the best possible life - and help others do the same. We’re also building DogPeople.life: a community-powered directory of genuinely dog-friendly places and products. Eventually, members will be able to add listings, share reviews, and earn affiliate commissions as we grow. But first, we want your input.What would make this community worth checking in on each week? - Stories, reviews, or recommendations? - Tips on travel, training, or health? - Challenges, meetups, or giveaways? - Something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments. The first few voices will shape everything that follows.

Welcome to Dog People. Do these 3 things now so you actually get value (and hit Level 3 to unlock replays!): 1. Post your Intro - Share: your dog’s name/breed, city, and your favorite dog-friendly place. - Where: Introductions category. - Example: “I’m Sam in Austin. Beagle named Roo. Favorite spot: Red Bud Isle off‑leash park.” 2. Add your city and follow your region - Edit your profile city so locals can find you. - Follow your country/city threads in Places by Region. 3. Share 1 tip or question using a template - Pick one: Travel, Local Services or Gear and Reviews (templates in the next pinned post). - Add at least 1 photo. What you unlock by Level 3: The Replays module. Live > recorded, but replays help catch up if you miss an event. House rules (short): be kind, no selling, disclose affiliate links, use templates for posts. Next step: Join the next live event in Calendar. Live sessions help new members stick and get faster answers!