Bark in the Park Harrogate

25/05/2026

Hot paws!! Or… should that say hot feet? My feet, specifically.

Today I decided to test that classic debate: “Is the pavement really too hot for dogs?”
Because apparently some people think dogs are born with built in oven mitts.

You always get the comments
But dogs walk in hot countries!
You’re being dramatic!
If you mention it online you’re a Karen!
(Yes, because caring about your dog not sizzling is SO unreasonable)

So for the thicky thicky dumb dumbs out there let’s begin.

I thought “Fine.Let’s actually see what it feels like.”
So off I went barefoot yes full hobbit mode activated from my house to my husbands truck, across the Aldi carpark, around the shop, then over to Tesco, through their carpark, around the store, and back again. A scenic tour of every surface that hates feet.

We drove home, then I went for a little five minute wander because I truly committed to the cause.
And let me just say THANK GOODNESS for supermarket cold floors.
If I couldve laid down and made snow angels in the freezer aisle I would have.

By the time I got back in the house my feet were let’s say not thrilled with me.
Not unbearable Not call an ambulance.
Just that kind of sharp persistent discomfort where you think
Yes, this is officially rubbish and I would like it to stop now.

Now I have a pretty high pain tolerance. I snoozed during a spine tattoo. I didn’t take pain meds in labour. I’m usually the person saying, it’s fine, it’s fine while half my leg is dangling off.

But this?
This was very much not fine.
Not dramatic just… unpleasant. Hot. Stingy. A solid 6/10 on the why am I doing this scale.

It took a good hour before my feet forgave me enough to stop complaining.
No marks no burns just that lingering “arghhh” feeling you get from heat you really didn’t need.

My incredibly rank looking feet resemble elephant hide from 18 years being a dog walker and even that didn’t protect them from the heat.

And heres the kicker
I can SAY my feet were uncomfortable. Can your dog?

Nope.
So maybe let’s not march them across a pavement that doubles as a giant griddle

25/05/2026

Took the calm, quiet, controlled gang down to the river to escape the heat today.

24/05/2026

Did you know that your dog’s paws can burn at much lower temperatures than you think?
This reading was taken at 5pm today

☀️ When the air is just 25°C (77°F), pavement can heat up to 52°C (125°F) — hot enough to burn your dog’s paws in under a minute.
😢 At 60°C (140°F), burns can happen almost instantly.

👉 If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog.

And for anyone who says, “Dogs walk in much hotter countries and they’re fine” — here’s why that argument doesn’t work:

🐾 Dogs in hot countries typically walk on cooler natural surfaces, like sand, dirt, or grass — not UK-style black tarmac, which heats up far more intensely.
🐾 Many dogs in hot climates are walked early morning or late evening, not during peak heat.
🐾 Breeds commonly found in hotter regions are often more adapted to high temperatures, while many UK dogs (like brachycephalic or thick-coated breeds) struggle more.
🐾 Even in hot countries, paw burns still happen when dogs are walked on overheated pavement — it’s not “natural” or safe anywhere.

🔥 Hot pavement burns dog paws no matter the country

10/02/2026

It’s always funny being a dog walker
No one ever says to you in the depth of winter walks

“Oh what a lovely job you have”
“I’d love to be a dog walker, outside in the fresh air every day, your so lucky you know”

In winter you only see the regulars, hardy dog owners there everyday at the same time on the fields, there’s hardly anyone around bar them owners.

But those regulars always come for a chat about the weather and it’s a lovely distraction from the actual weather each day.
Then in summer this huge wave of new dog people descend on the fields that you haven’t seen all autumn or winter and you wonder where they’ve been hiding with their dogs

Us owners and walkers may be cursing the weather right now but the dogs don’t give a damn and have a blast in that mud and giant puddles.
And them having so much fun makes your day and even beats the s**t weather

10/02/2026

What’s it like to be a dog walker this winter.
Well this is great visualisation of it everyday in our house after the walks.
This winter can officially do one.

05/02/2026

All dog walkers during the months of November, December, January, February and beyond but always a smile or is that the sign they’ve officially lost their minds by now hahahaha

28/01/2026

Evening all,
This wonderful dog Arlo is owned by my son’s incredible autism coach Ashleigh.
She has helped my child in ways that I can never quite thank her enough for and now she needs my help for her dog Arlo.
All we are asking for is £1 as the £1s will add up over time

Hello! I wanted to share Arlo's story with you. This sweet dog has brought so much joy to his family, but now they face overwhelming veterinary costs due to a serious diagnosis. Arlo is insured by they reached their limit now If you can, please consider donating or sharing the GoFundMe link to help ensure Arlo can enjoy his life for as long as possible. Thank you for your kindness.

This is my beautiful 3 1/2 year old rescue Saluki Lurcher Arlo. Arlo is t… Ashleigh Coles Walker needs your support for Help with Arlo's veterinary care costs

14/12/2025

A great explanation but as many say to me oh I don’t work them or show them that’s just a name it doesn’t mean that you do that with them. It’s a breed type.
The article missed out a mix of the two which I have in my labs and I find for us as a family that shoots with our dogs sometimes but wants a family dog it matches us perfectly.
But mine are more show than working I’d say

Thinking about your next dog? Working line or show line. Did you know there’s a big difference? Understanding the difference will help you get the dog you imagined.

A lot of owners pick a breed they love… but never realise that within many breeds, there are two completely different types of dogs:
Working lines and Show lines.

The differences aren’t small — they’re huge.
Temperament, drive, energy, sensitivity, purpose, even how they cope in family life… all can be drastically different depending on the line you choose.

🏞 Working-Line Dogs

Bred for: jobs, stamina, speed, problem-solving, and high responsiveness.

What they’re like:

Leaner, athletic, built for long days of work.

High drive, switched on, often “ready before you are.”

Need structure, routine, and a job — not just a walk.

Thrive on training, scentwork, retrieving, agility, or any purposeful outlet.

Often more sensitive, more intense, and quicker to react.

Brilliant for experienced owners or active homes.

What can go wrong if these needs aren't met:

Over-arousal or hyperactivity

Chewing, pacing, destruction

Struggling to settle

Becoming “self-employed” and making their own decisions

These dogs shine when their brain is used. Without that, life can feel frustrating for everyone.

🏡 Show-Line Dogs

Bred for: looks, steadiness, structure, and family-friendly temperaments.

What they’re like:

Heavier build, more solid and steadier in everyday life.

Gentler, slower pace, more suited to family rhythms.

Enjoy training, but don’t need the same high-intensity mental work.

Tend to be more tolerant of noise, unpredictability, or busy households.

Usually easier for first-time or more casual pet homes.

What can go wrong if mismatched:

Weight gain if under-exercised

Boredom if owners do nothing with them

Owners expecting working-line speed or sharpness

They still need boundaries and stimulation — but they’re generally calmer dogs.

So Which Should You Choose?

Before getting your next dog, ask yourself:

Do I want a dog with a job, or a dog who’s happy with calmer routines?

How active am I really — not on my best week, but on my normal weeks?

How much training do I genuinely enjoy?

What temperament fits my family dynamic?

Choosing the right line is just as important as choosing the right breed.

Research the breed you are considering. Do they have working lines and show lines? Both lines need fulfilment, exercise routines and mental stimulation. What are you offering your choice of dog?

Maggie, working line Labrador Retriever 🫶

03/12/2025

01/12/2025

Why oh why is it always my fat potatoe Labrador mental Martha who randomly finds a deers leg stuck in the fence. Then alerts her other greedy Labrador mates to her prize win?
And a note to save Marthas I may call her a fat potatoe but she has a very dense coat so she’s not as porky as she actually looks