Golden Paws Essex

13/07/2025

Here’s Winston – and oh, how we’ve missed him 💛 but mums bought him for some cheeky daycares 💙
His little quirks, his expressions, the way he checks in mid-walk like we’re sharing a secret… it’s been so quiet without him. But we’re so happy his lovely mum is well enough to have him home again – that’s exactly where he belongs. We’ll always be here if he ever needs us 🐾

At Golden Paws, dog walking is never just a walk.

It’s trust.
It’s tuning in to how your dog feels that day.
Choosing the right pace, the right company (or none at all), the right field, the right moment to pause.

It’s time to sniff, explore, and simply be – safely, without pressure.

Some dogs come with confidence to build. Others need to burn energy. Some just want a calm presence beside them. Whatever they need, we’re here – with walks measured not in miles, but in moments.

Because every dog deserves to feel safe, understood, and completely themselves – even on the simplest walk.

13/07/2025

Here's Winston and We’re missing Winston more than we can say 💛
His quirks, his expressions, the way he checks in mid-walk like we’re in on a secret only he knows… it’s been so quiet without him. But we’re so happy that his lovely mum is well enough to have him home again – that’s the most important thing. He’s right where he belongs, and we’ll always be here if and when he needs us again 🐾

When we talk about dog walking at Golden Paws, it’s never just a walk.

It’s about building trust.
It’s about noticing how your dog is feeling that day.
It’s choosing the right pace, the right companions (or none at all), the right field, the right moment to pause.

It’s giving them time to sniff, to explore, to decompress.
It’s letting them just *be*, safely and without pressure.

Some dogs come to us with confidence to build. Others need to burn energy. Some just want a friendly presence beside them. And that’s what we bring – a walk that’s not measured in miles, but in moments.

Because every dog deserves to feel safe, understood and completely themselves – even on a simple walk.

11/07/2025

2 Truths & a Lie – Golden Paws Edition!
Can you spot the fib?

1️⃣ I once had a dog steal an entire roast chicken off the side
2️⃣ I have at least 61,000 photos on my phone
3️⃣ I’ve never ended up wearing more mud than the dogs

👇 Comment below with your guess!

09/07/2025

How to know if your dog would love it here…
Do they:
🐾 Enjoy mooching, sniffing and gentle social play?
🐾 Like having a comfy spot to snooze after a busy morning?
🐾 Thrive in a calm, structured space with humans who really get dogs?
🐾 Come home tired, happy, and maybe a little bit muddy or dusty?

If you’re nodding along – chances are, they’d fit in beautifully at Golden Paws Essex 💛

We focus on what your dog actually needs:
enrichment, rest, play, freedom to be themselves – all in a safe, fully licensed home environment.

At the moment, we do have a waiting list – but we’re always happy to have a chat. And if we can’t help right now, we’ll gladly point you toward other brilliant licensed places we know and trust. We’re lucky to be part of a supportive dog care community 🐶

Drop us a message if you’d like to talk through what you’re looking for. Even if we can’t take your pup just yet, we might still be able to help.

07/07/2025

🐾 Dog Remembrance Day 5th July 🐾

Today, we remember the dogs who are no longer by our sides, but live on in every part of our hearts. Whether they left last week or years ago, their love stays with us — steady, unconditional, unforgettable.

They taught us joy, loyalty, patience... and how to love without words. And in return, we gave them our homes, our hearts, and so many sofa cuddles.

💛 Their paws may no longer pad around our feet,
but their pawprints are etched on our hearts forever.

If you’d like to share a photo or memory below, I’d be honoured to see them. Let’s fill this space with love, stories, and the magic of the dogs who made our world better.

Thinking of you all today — those remembering, grieving, or quietly smiling at the memory of a beloved friend. You’re not alone. fans

07/07/2025

This breaks my heart - there are however valuable lessons to be learnt - please don’t pet a strangers dog without asking first.

Golden Paws Advice sent as comment

I’m so sorry this little one was hurt, no parent wants to see their child bitten, and I really hope he heals quickly and isn’t left fearful. 💔 That must’ve been so upsetting for everyone involved. But I also feel it’s important to gently add some context. Definitely not to excuse what happened, but to help people understand why it might have happened, and preventing a future bite that could have been avoided.
We are guardians of our dogs and that means protecting them from behaving in such a way. From the photo, the dog’s body language is already showing signs of discomfort – lowered posture, tension, and a defensive stance. And we also have to consider what happened just before the bite: the lady mentioned the dog had been given a bone. This is really important.
Bones and high-value food items can easily trigger guarding behaviour which is a natural survival instinct, especially in dogs who may have gone without or had to protect resources in the past. It’s not ‘nasty’ or ‘vicious’ it really isn’t it’s fear-based, instinctive, and deeply ingrained.
If a child then leans over or gets too close, especially from above, it can tip a stressed dog over the edge. This isn’t about blame it’s about recognising risk and helping dogs feel safe while keeping people safe too.
If, as mentioned, this dog has a bite history, he absolutely should be wearing a muzzle in public. Not as punishment, but as a protective measure both for the dog and for the public. A dog with known triggers needs a guardian who understands those triggers, advocates for the dog, and doesn’t allow this situation to keep happening.
I am so sorry but as upsetting as this is, the dog also needs kindness – he’s clearly struggling, possibly fearful, overwhelmed, and not being set up to succeed.
Its awful that a child or people have been bitten, That’s awful. But the solution isn’t just about avoiding the dog. It’s also about learning how to approach (or not approach) dogs, recognising stress and guarding behaviours, and making sure dogs who need support, space, and safety are given exactly that.

Sending love to the child and a gentle reminder that dogs need protecting too – even from situations they can’t cope with. 🐾
I would perhaps report to the dog warden and have the dog taken and be put into an environment that will see him flourish and feel safe.

"Hi, could you make people aware if they are in the town not to approach this man or his dog. He sits outside busy shops with his dog, I felt sorry for the dog and bought him a bone but i wont be doing that again. The dog was fine to begin with but then went for my son and bit him. The man did apologise and then done a runner but luckily there was a few ladies about that saw everything and got pictures of him etc. My son has been to the hospital and been checked over but from what I was told by regulars of town its not the first time this dog has bit someone. So just to make others aware. Thank you" PEOPLEDOCARE

07/07/2025

Feeling nervous about leaving your dog? You’re not alone – and we completely get it 💛

Whether it’s their first time away from you (or yours from them!), it’s totally normal to feel a bit anxious. They’re your baby. You know their quirks, what they like, how they like their food… and now someone else is in charge of that? Deep breaths.

Here’s what might help:
🐾 A little visit beforehand – helps both of you settle
🐾 Bringing their bed, blanket or even an unwashed T-shirt that smells of you (honestly – it’s a comfort thing, not just gross)
🐾 Keeping goodbyes short and sweet – no dramatic exits, dogs pick up on our emotions
🐾 And if you’re pacing at home… just message us. We’re at the end of the phone, and we love sending pupdates and reassuring you they’re happy, snoring, or making new besties.

You’re not being silly. These feelings are real, and we’re here for you just as much as we are for your dog 🐶💕

06/07/2025

A week in my camera roll… mostly dogs (obviously), fluffy faces, muddy paws from early walks, a few misty fans on full blast, and me melting faster than an ice lolly 🐾☀️😂 This heatwave’s been no joke – but we’ve kept the gang cool, happy and safe. Wouldn’t have it any other way 💛

05/07/2025

fans 💛💛💛

05/07/2025

🐾 Beachbound with Your Dog? Here's Your Summer Checklist! 🏖️

Planning a day out with your pup on the Essex coast? Before you throw a towel and some treats in the boot and head off, here’s a handy checklist to keep your four-legged friend safe, cool, and waggy-tailed while you both enjoy the seaside 🐶☀️
✅ What to Pack:

👜 Fresh water & a bowl (no sea water slurping, please)
☂️ Shade – umbrella, pop-up tent, or even a towel across the car boot
🧴 Dog-safe sunscreen – especially for pink noses and thin coats
🛟 Life vest if they’re not confident in the sea
🎾 A floating toy for paddling games
🧻 Poo bags (obviously)
🩹 Doggy first aid kit:
– Saline for sand-in-the-eyes
– Antiseptic wipes
– Tick remover
– A spare lead (always!)
🧼 Towel or cooling mat for the ride home

📍 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Essex:

(Always double check restrictions before you go — councils love to change rules!)

🐾 Mersea Island (West & Cudmore Grove) – year-round dog access, ideal for paddlers
🐾 The Naze (Walton-on-the-Naze) – sandy and scenic, dog-friendly all year
🐾 Irlam’s Beach, Harwich – quiet and perfect for calm sniffy walks
🐾 Jaywick (west side)– open to dogs all year round, but tide-timing is key
🐾 Osea Island – accessible via causeway at low tide, peaceful and unique
🐾 Bradwell (St Peter’s Chapel area) – calm, quiet and ideal for gentle adventures

⚠️ Things to Watch:

🚫 Hot sand = burned paws (if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their feet)
🚫 Drinking sea water = upset tummies or worse
🚫 Overheating – keep walks early or late, and watch for heavy panting or drooling
🚫 Jellyfish, sharp shells and strong currents – always supervise paddles
🚫 Cliff edges at places like The Naze – gorgeous views, but dogs don’t need to do parkour!

💛 Final Thought:

Woody and Hugo had a blast on their beach trips recently – tails up, paws sandy, and hearts full. There’s nothing better than seeing your dog explore a new place, safely and happily. If you're heading out, we’d love to see your photos – tag us or pop them in the comments! 📸👇

\

05/07/2025

So what’s actually included in a stay at Golden Paws Essex?

Apart from looking this fabulous in a summer hat like Alfie here... 😎🐾

✨ Cosy, licensed, home-from-home vibes – where your dog is treated like one of the family, because they are
✨ Daily walks in secure, private fields where they can sniff, explore and enjoy their surroundings safely
✨ Carefully matched doggy friends for play, mooching or just pottering side-by-side. So thats why we do assessments! Yep
✨ Natural treats (yep, the good stuff – no cheap fillers here!)
✨ Enrichment games like snuffle mats, licky trays and little challenges to keep brains busy
✨ Constant supervision – they’re never left alone
✨ A personalised care plan
✨ Regular updates so you can stop worrying and start smiling, and enjoy and relax into your holiday
✨ And of course – plenty of cuddles, chats, tail wags and snoozes 💛

We’re fully licensed, inspected and proud of our 5 Star License – because your dog deserves safe, high-quality care that doesn’t cut corners.

Not just dog boarding – it’s a proper holiday 🐶

04/07/2025

🐾 A post by the pups 🐾
Say hello to just some of the Golden Paws Gang! 🐶💛

Who wants a whole series? 🤩

We’re cute, chaotic, and totally adored.
Lets meet the first 8 of the crew – with Bios written by them, obviously 😎
More to come soon… we couldn’t fit all this brilliance in one post!



🐾 Their own Bios

🕶️ Bourbon (Chihuahua)
I may be little… but I’m vintage. Prefer a quiet lap and my own chair, thanks. 👑


🌼 Klaus (Mini Dachshund)
Digging. Wagging. Wearing hats. I’m a lifestyle, not just a sausage 🌭🪴


🎧 Moose (Labradoodle)
Moose here 🎤 Proper Oasis fan. Mad for zoomies. Bit of a loveable loon.


🦴 Hugo (Rottweiler)
Just a big, handsome cuddlebug. Always smiling. I bring the chill 🧸


🕊️ Stanley (Wire haired Vizsla)
I’m a rare beautiful puppy, thank you. A proper goofy boy. Still finding my paws 🐾


☀️ Hugo (Golden Retriever)
Older gent. Been there, sniffed that. Still love a wander and a biscuit and of course a cuddle🦴


🐾 Winston & Ernie (Mystery Bromance)
They said it wouldn’t work… but we’re soulmates.
Unlikely duo. Big love. No notes. ❤️


🐶 Gizmo (Jack Russell mix)
I grew up here. Literally. Still a grump. Choosy about my friends. Love my Lap club 🐾