Mark Calland has managed his own Fire Protection Business for over 6 years
and also held the British and world champion record for speed skydiving,
which he did on weekends for over 7 years. Regrettably in 2004, Mark was
involved in a car accident and this incurred spongalitus in his neck, which
meant that he had to give up his hobby of extreme sports as his neck could
no longer take the pressure of jumping out of planes.
Since retiring from speed skydiving, Mark decided it was time to get two
pups as both Mark & Sara had 3 cats already but decided it was the right
time to also get 2 dogs. Mark could then fore fill his 20-year passion of
owning a Rhodesian Ridgeback, plus he would now have time to give 100% to
his dogs. We also got a Great Dane as his son always wanted a Great Dane,
so that is how we ended up with both different breeds of dogs. Considering
both Mark and His son Louis only got the Dogs as pets, they soon started
participating in fun day shows, which then went onto Open shows, and then
Champ shows, plus it was nice to actually to something which involved all
the family.
| Mark Calland world speed skydiving champion | |||
| Mark Calland – 3 Times British Champion and world
champion 2004 Still the current British record holder of 302 miles per hour. |
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How Big Dog Shop Started
A few months after having the pups, Mark decided to create a bean bed for
the pups which would be strong enough to withstand both of them chewing
on it, as they went through at least 10 beds which only lasted less then
1 day and Mark got annoyed in the end, so he decided to design one himself
which was made of cordurra and would be strong enough to stop the dogs from
chewing it.
After a few weeks of having the bean bag we were then asked by a friend
to make one for their dog, so that is how we first stated making our very
own dog products.
The next inspiration came when mark tried endlessly to find a coat for his
son’s Great Dane and struggled to find a coat big enough to fit, let
alone finding something that would cover the chest area. So mark once again
got his sewing machine out and designed a tailor made coat for the Great
Dane. Yet Again, we then were asked to make coats for our friend’s
dogs and this is when we both decided to start up Big Dog Shop.
Since Sara already worked part time from home it was the ideal situation
to set up big dog shop and run the business from home, so Sara could then
keep an eye on the dogs, plus taking orders and work on the products from
the office / workshop.
It has been over a year since Big Dog Shop was founded and our aim is to
design good quality products, which we will cater mainly for the larger
breed dog.
Please also feel free to look at our products on the links provided along
with having a look at our pet’s page.
What Makes Us Different?
We specialize in good quality products, which we firstly test on both our
dogs, plus friends and families dogs to make sure our products stand the
test of time.
Our aim is to provide innovative and unique dog products that both owner
and pets are happy with. At big dog shop we will try and cater for each
dog’s individual need and that is why we personalize our Slobber cloths
and bibs so that each bib is unique and different.
In the next coming months we are hoping to expand our product range by inventing
new and different products that will not only be useful to the pet but the
owner, and our products will be manufactured to the highest of standards.
Even though we mainly cater for the larger dog, we do however make coats
for the smaller breeds, as we never like to turn away customers.
We like getting to know our customers, so please let us know if you need
something in particular and we will aim to please and improve.