Bark and Stride

06/02/2025

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE WEATHER?

We seem to be going through several seasons daily. Wet, freezing cold, warm and sunny and everything in-between. For the last couple of days we have taken to the Downs to avoid the muddy woods. The sun has been out, blue skies and amazing views. What a beautiful place we live in.

06/02/2025

ALFIE

Makes me laugh and is so full of fun. He tries his best to keep up with all the other dogs and his little head is always popping up somewhere. Today we had lots of fun, we met Lauren for a walk, she had 3 little dogs smaller than Alfie, he was in his element 🥰

31/01/2025

VEGAS LOVES A CUDDLE

I think spring has shown its face this week. I must admit that Luna was not impressed with his performance.

It’s interesting that in nature, wolves, who domestic dogs have descended from, choose a life long partner. They have children and live as a family unit. Some fly the nest and go off to find their own mate and start a new pack, others stay and have a role in helping to raise the cubs, aunts and uncles. If a mate dies, the surviving wolf never seeks out a new mate.

Domestic dogs do not want to mate with just anyone, there needs to be an attraction between them. Unfortunately lots of dogs are forced to mate and when they don’t, the bitch will be artificially inseminated, which can be incredibly painful. It’s such a shame they can’t have a choice and more natural lives.

Sorry Vegas, I’m afraid Luna would probably choose the beautiful Digby, if given the choice.

16/01/2025

POSING PUPS

It’s hard to understand exactly how much the dogs benefit from the walks we go on. I’m not trying to blow my own trumpet, but when I observe them, daily and see how they fit in and how their confidence grows, I can’t help but want to tell everyone.

We are so lucky to have so much accessible land, Downs and beautiful woodland, so close by. This bit of freedom in their day makes such a difference.

Can you imagine having your whole life totally controlled by someone else? Told where to sleep, when and what to eat, when to step outside, who you can talk to, friends chosen for you, or none at all.

Their freedom on a walk is immense, sniff what they like, p*e and poo where they like, play or not play, stay by me or go out of sight.

During all of our walks, we take time to explore. We mess about on fallen trees, we splash about in water, we greet other dogs and people. We may approach strange objects, get to see horses, have runners go by, unexpectedly meet some sheep or a motorbike.

We run, hide, play, jump the streams, paddle and swim. We climb trees and occasionally find or catch other creatures.

This gives an immense boost to our confidence. It illuminates our proprioception, we can run, jump and climb, always knowing where our feet will land.

We are living, and feel incredibly sorry for the poor pups who never get to experience this little piece of freedom.

Rain, wind, snow or sun, anything goes, bring it on 🐾🐾🐾

16/01/2025

Luna was up for lots of laughs today. Getting everyone to chase her, jumping over and in the stream.

15/01/2025

FIND IT LUNA

And what a persistent young lady, doesn’t give up until she has that ball back in her mouth 🐾♥️

08/01/2025

Bill just loves running as fast as he can, just for the joy of it. He is an absolute pleasure to watch. He even gets Ted to chase him occasionally 🥰

31/12/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR

To all my wonderful customers. Thank you for letting me walk your beautiful dogs.

Here’s a few highlights from 2024. I’m so looking forward to 2025, when Bark and Stride celebrate 10 years of running a dog walking business 😊

31/12/2024

My son got me a garmin watch for Christmas, so it’s fun to see the routes we take 😊

21/12/2024

❤️ ❤ 🐾
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14/12/2024

COLD WATER THERAPY

I figure if cold water has so many positive benefits for humans, then it must have the same for our 4 legged friends.

Improved circulation, better immune response, improved sleep, reduces inflammation, boosts metabolism, improves mental health and boosts the cardiovascular system.

With so many benefits just think how much all the wet and mud is helping them.

Well there has to be some positive spin on having wet dirty dogs daily. Let’s not get upset and remember the benefits of immersing in cold water.

Perhaps we should all give it a go? Wild swimming, ice baths or just put the shower on cold 😊

16/11/2024

What a splash!! 💦
(The aim is always to get as muddy as possible!)

16/11/2024

16/11/2024

A LITTLE BIT OF ACTION

As usual, lots of walks filled with fun, friends and some challenges. It’s great to ask the dogs to problem solve, work things out. It’s helps with cognitive function and enriches their lives, creating sparks in their brains leading to the creation of new neural pathways.

It doesn’t have to be rocket science, just some recall throughout the walk, a quick game of catch the treat, asking to go over a fallen branch, jumping on a bench with a paws up, asking for a sit and wait the list is endless. Most of all talk to them, it’s amazing how much language they pick up on. They are such clever creatures.

16/11/2024

16/11/2024

THURSDAY AFTERNOON

Just a perfect day, dry, sunny, blue, green. What more could we ask for.

I’ve noticed that like us, the dogs mood can change with the weather, they definitely prefer the dryer days and are happier in the crisp autumn leaves, as opposed to the squidgy wet slippery ones.

I love the diversity of this group, and how well they all get on, run, play and enjoy themselves. The space on the Downs is immense, uplifting and joyous. We’re making the most of these beautiful autumnal days, waiting to see what winter brings.

10/11/2024

HOPEFULLY NOT AN OVERLOAD

But just wanted you to see what our beautiful pups have been up to during the week.

It’s been great that the woods are drying out, but as you all know, some dogs love mud and water regardless of the dry and will seek it out and immerse themselves into it.

Some like to tiptoe around and never seem to get any mud on them. I expected our little Alfie (Shi Tzu) to be on tiptoes, but alas he’s yet another mud magnet 🤦‍♀️, when he finds mud he first dips in his whole face, then goes the body in, leaving one very mucky puppy!

Anyway here’s hoping we have another dry week 😊