Trail Paws

20/06/2026

Promoting the first aid course for 27th September.

20/06/2026

Promoting our dog first aid course at Rosliston forestry centre today.
Sunday 27th September 2026 at the forestry centre.
Scan the QR code to book

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

100% this - a dogs welfare is top priority always, especially in the heat and extreme cold.

Trainers and canine professionals, this one is on us.

People trust us. They trust that if a session, class, workshop, walk, or event is running, then it is safe for their dog to attend.

Yes, every dog is an individual. Some cope far better with heat than others, and owners should absolutely know their dog’s limitations. But ultimately, when we are the professional in charge, the responsibility for deciding whether an activity should go ahead sits with us.

I know the vast majority of canine professionals make the difficult decision to cancel without a second thought when welfare is at risk. We absorb the financial hit, rearrange diaries, disappoint clients, and add pressure to our businesses because we know that dog welfare has to come first.

But there are still too many occasions where dogs are being asked to work, train, compete, travel, or exercise in conditions that simply aren’t appropriate.

To all the trainers, walkers, behaviourists, daycare providers, groomers, and other canine professionals out there: owners look to us to make informed decisions. They trust our judgement. They trust us to put their dog’s welfare above our profits, schedules, and convenience.

If there is ever a choice between protecting your business for a day or protecting a dog’s welfare, there shouldn’t be a choice at all.

The dogs don’t get to advocate for themselves.

That’s our job.

10/06/2026

One of the many things I’ll do as a dog walker is keep an eye on your dog while out on walks and let you know if I notice any changes. Sometimes it’s easier to spot changes when you’re not with the dog all the time and I will always let you know if I notice anything different, whatever it may be.
If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis I’ll tailor the walks to suit them and if that means changing things on a day by day basis, then that is exactly what I’ll do. The dog’s welfare will always come first and that is why I’ll always act in your dog’s best interests.

Symptoms of arthritis can get worse in cooler temperatures, so if your dog suffers from this condition they may be stiffer, especially in the morning before they’re warmed up. If you are worried about these signs and if your dog is experiencing any pain, contact your vet.

26/05/2026

Love this - sums it up perfectly.

This weather really hits our industry hard.

Over the last few days, many of us in the dog industry have had to make the decision to cancel classes, workshops, walks, training sessions, daycare activities and events.

As small businesses, every cancellation has an impact. We lose income, spend hours rearranging schedules, and often absorb costs that can’t be recovered.

But dog welfare will always come first.

No class, walk, workshop or training session is worth putting a dog at risk. When temperatures soar, our responsibility is to keep dogs safe, even when it’s the harder business decision.

So today, I’d love to shine a light on the amazing small businesses who are also putting welfare first. If you know a dog trainer, walker, daycare, groomer, physio, hydrotherapist, pet sitter or any other pet professional who has been affected by the heat, tag them below and give them a follow.

Supporting small businesses costs nothing, but it can make a huge difference.

Let’s show some love to the people who spend every day caring for our dogs. ❤️🐾

26/05/2026

25/05/2026

Dogs can sometimes find it difficult to cope with hot weather as they struggle to regulate their temperature which means they are more at risk of heatstroke than we are.

Heatstroke can be very serious! As a dog’s internal temperature rises it can cause damage to their organs and could lead to organ failure. According to AnimalTrust, 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to the vets with heatstroke are fatal.

During warm summer days it’s easy for your house to warm up. Some dogs may be able to cope with this rise in temperature, while others may struggle.

On hot days remember to:
• Ensure your dog always has access to drinking water
• Add ice cubes to your dog’s water bowls
• Use freezable dog toys and let them chew on it
• Put down damp towels for your dog to lie on (Never over the dog)
• If your dog has a long or heavy coat you could keep them clipped to make them feel more comfortable
• Keep dogs out of hot conservatories
• Avoid housing your dog in direct sunlight
• Keeping your curtains and blinds closed during the day to prevent your home from warming up when it’s hottest, and then open your windows at night to help cool down your house.

If you think your dog may have heatstroke it’s vital that you immediately contact your vet while also trying to cool them down. Getting early advice and treatment is essential to saving a dog’s life.

Research found that in the UK, although 1 in 7 dogs that are taken to vets with heatstroke die, 98% that are seen early with mild signs are likely to survive.

24/05/2026

22/05/2026

I’m hosting a Dog first aid course in September at Rosliston Forestry Centre. The course is run by Dog First Aid Derbyshire and is invaluable for anyone who shares their lives with dogs.
Suitable for canine professionals and owners alike.