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From job loss to app success
A Devon man turned redundancy into an opportunity by creating a dog-walking app after struggling to find one that met his needs. Christian Jones, from Bideford, developed the platform after adopting his Staffordshire terrier, Bud, in early 2025.
Why he built the app
Jones, who lost his job in April 2025, wanted an app that provided detailed walk information-such as livestock presence, terrain type, mobile signal strength, and suitable footwear. Frustrated by the lack of options, he decided to create his own.
"The idea is to include all the details I find useful as a dog walker-whether a route is busy, circular or linear, and even what shoes to wear," he said.
Community-driven growth
The app, which remains free during its expansion phase, relies on user contributions to record walks. Jones taught himself coding to build the platform from scratch, ensuring it matched his vision.
Before launching, he tested it locally by mapping 55 different walks in 55 days. The response was positive, with over 250 users joining shortly after its release.
Unexpected social benefits
Beyond practical features, Jones highlighted the app's social advantages. As a solo worker, he found that dog walks led to frequent conversations with strangers, providing valuable human interaction.
"Every time, I end up talking to someone for 15 to 20 minutes. That human contact has been fantastic," he said.
Mixed reactions
While many users praised the app as a "great idea" for encouraging outdoor activity, some expressed concerns about over-reliance on technology.
