Hi, I’m Russ. With nearly 10 years experience of professional dog care, and a lifetime of dog ownership, I can confidently say I understand dogs.
PawPrints is a company I have built on one single premise, if I was having someone look after my boy Darwin, what would I expect. I use this is my reference for every decision regarding PawPrints North East.
So you can rest assured, that your dog will be loved, looked after and treated as if he was our dog. Being a member of the PawPrints pack makes you part of our family.
What People Say
Absolutely fantastic dog walking company! So reliable, flexible and we have a very happy dog and owners. Trust is a big part of handing over a loved pet and I 100% trust and recommend pawprints north east.
Iris & Matilda
Absolutely fantastic dog walking company! So reliable, flexible and we have a very happy dog and owners. Trust is a big part of handing over a loved pet and I 100% trust and recommend pawprints north east.
Archie
The absolute best – Ernest sits by the door waiting for the bell to ring – for his meet and greet with his pals- comes back and crashes out / great time had by all
Ernest
How It All Began
I have always had a love for the outdoors, from a young kid in the beavers and scouts, to helping out around the farms where we kept horses to studying Sports Management with a focus on outdoor pursuits in Plymouth University. So being out all day, with my dog in tow, is how I would always choose to spend my free time. My dog, Darwin, and me would regularly be found disappearing into the Northumberland countryside or the Welsh hills for day long adventures and high mileage walks. Together we have scaled Snowdon, Scaffel Pike and most of the Brecon Beacons, and there’s not a forest in 50 miles of us we haven’t thoroughly explored.
And people noticed! For a Beagle, Darwin was never overweight, and supremely fit. He also listened extremely well and was an all around well behaved boy. People would always ask what it was that I did to keep him in such good shape, and when I explained they would inevitably mention that they had a dog, and that they would love to go on such an adventure…very subtle!
So I started taking out friends and family member’s dogs. I loved it as I had new canines I could call my friends, the owners loved it as they had well exercised and very tired pooches and, most importantly, the dogs loved it. After relocating from South Wales to the North East, I decided that this was something I could make a business out of. I’d seen that dog walkers were becoming more and more common place, and that I had something to offer. And that’s when PawPrints North East was born.
The Darwin Standard
One thing I always considered and worked to, from the start, is that every dog in my care, would receive the same love and attention that I would give my own dog. Whenever a decision needed to made regarding where to take the dogs, how to look after them, how would they be transported, in what condition would they be returned etc I would always ask myself, “what would I expect and demand, if someone was looking after Darwin for me”.
This core idea has remained at the centre of what we do, and we always make sure that every dog that comes into our care gets the ‘Darwin Standard’. So they are treated as family, like one of our own, so you can be safe in the knowledge that they are well and truly loved and cared for when out with us.
Join The Pack
What We Offer Today
What started with me and Darwin exploring the hills has grown into something much bigger than I could have imagined. Today, PawPrints North East is trusted by dozens of local families to give their dogs the kind of daily adventures most owners wish they had the time to offer themselves.
We’ve designed our services to suit a wide range of dogs — from energetic pups that need to burn off steam, to more nervous or elderly dogs who prefer a slower pace. Whether it’s exploring woodland trails, running free across open fields, or taking a steady solo walk on lead, every outing is designed to meet your dog’s individual needs.
Our Most Popular Adventures Include:
- Group Adventures
Social, high-energy walks with up to five carefully matched dogs, exploring the best natural spaces North Tyneside has to offer. - Solo Walks
One-on-one time for dogs who need a little extra care, space, or personal attention. - Puppy Visits
Gentle home visits to help your pup build confidence, get some playtime, and learn to love their time with us as they grow. - Half or Full Day Adventures
Extended, high-mileage hikes through the countryside — ideal for high-energy or working breeds that need more than just a short walk. - Wedding Chaperone Services
Making sure your dog can be part of your big day, whether it’s local, nationwide, or even overseas. We’ll handle everything from transport to ring bearing, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Every service we offer comes with the Darwin Standard – the promise that your dog will be cared for like one of our own, every single time.
PawPrints North East 