So as well as travelling around the world capturing canine moments,The Dog Tales also gets to work with some wonderful people and businesses who also love all things dogs. Here you can explore their story, as we delve into their world through our photo stories feature. Enjoy!

This month I would like to introduce you all to an amazing dog walker called Helen Nash, founder of “Hounds of Love London.” I was lucky enough to join Helen on one of her dog walking mornings back in September here is what I discovered.
Helen aka Hounds of Love and her morning gang on the Heath. Duchess, Harley & Pebbles.
Helen aka Hounds of Love and her morning gang on the Heath. Duchess, Harley & Pebbles.

-So H, how long have you been a dog walker for?

Just over two years professionally! Made the decision to start it in May 2018, bought my van in June 2018 and started with Tailstir (an app that finds you a local dog walker) over that summer, then got the first job purely for Hounds Of Love in September 2018!

-Describe a typical ‘Hounds of Love’ day?

Wake up and think about coffee! Usually woken up by Max and Molly who bark around 6.30am, it used to be 6am but now in their senior years they’ve given us that extra half hour! I head straight out to Hampstead for the morning walk and pick up each dog as I head for the Heath. I like to keep my groups small so depending on who I’ve got that day I’ll stick to the Heath or head over to the Heath Extension where I take three dogs from one household which takes me up to midday. I always prioritise the time of the walk over anything else so my days never run the same; dependent on traffic and how muddy the dogs are! I then head back over to Harrow, where I live and spend the afternoon taking dogs out around there. A few dogs I walk live really close to parks but I make sure I mix it up and change parks so walks don’t get too boring! I am usually done by 4pm and head back home to wash all the dirt, slobber and dog hair off to then lay down with Max and Molly and cover myself in their dog hair!

Harley getting all the tummy rubs.
Harley getting all the tummy rubs.

-Have you always done this job? If not what did you do before?

The list is endless! I started out in beauty therapy, then moved over to the music industry first doing makeup on tour. I eventually moved away from beauty and became a PA and ended up touring the world with my sister, Kate Nash. I spent a few years touring with a number of other bands before settling back in London with Universal Music but couldn’t adjust to the very stationary office lifestyle; so after two years I decided to leave and finally figured out what I wanted to do rather than just keep going in an industry I fell into. Four months later I came up with Hounds Of Love! I’ve started to learn more about canine behaviour and widening my skills and knowledge as much as possible!

The ball obsessed, mucky pup that is Pebbles.
The ball obsessed, mucky pup that is Pebbles.
Can’t help but get lost in the eyes of Duchess.
Can’t help but get lost in the eyes of Duchess.

-What challenges do you come up against as a dog walker?

I’ve found that the job is generally pretty pleasant till something goes wrong – things can go from 0-100 in a second! Especially during the summer months when parks and the Heath are a lot busier.You’ve got a lot more obstacles to avoid; people and their picnics! Other dogs and their owners are also very quick to blame professional dog walkers, even when they have little control over their own dog. It’s not until I feel totally comfortable and know a dogs personality/triggers that I’ll let a dog off the lead, and learning more about how dogs body language is key to keeping a walk safe and fun! Other challenges, especially here in England is keeping dry and sane during the winter wet months; spare socks and all the right waterproof gear are key! I’ve got a change of clothes in the van now for those days that just won’t quit.

Harley.
Harley.
Pebbles making a splash whilst Duchess drools on.
Pebbles making a splash whilst Duchess drools on.

-What is your favourite breed of dog and your favourite thing about your job?

Choosing one is just impossible! I have two Labradors and grew up with a lab mix, so am very partial to a lab! I dream of having a Basset Hound and Beagle, as I feel they both represent parts of my personality pretty perfectly. And I would say, building up a bond with another species feels like something so special and out of this world at times and I never take that for granted.

After the fun was over it was time to go home.
After the fun was over it was time to go home.
If you would like to book Helen to walk your beloved pooch then head over to her instagram @houndsofloveldn or website www.houndsofloveldn.com for more details!