Our Paddocks

My Happy Hounds are pleased to offer two fun-filled, secure dog walking paddocks at our site near East Cowton. The whole site covers around 7 acres. Each paddock is approximately 2 acres in size, fully enclosed and benefitting from a 1.8m high tensile mesh fence.; making the My Happy Hounds paddocks the perfect place to allow your dog the freedom to exercise freely off the lead, without the worry of them running off or unexpected people or dogs appearing. You can relax knowing your dogs are safe and having fun, so take a seat and enjoy the fun!

Our two paddocks, named after two of our dogs (Harvey and Nellie) are perfect for; gaining confidence in letting your dog off lead; bonding with your dog, having fun together, distraction -free training; a safe space where you won’t be bothered by other dogs or people. So many reasons to choose our paddocks!

During summer months (May - Sep), our paddocks are open for you to enjoy from 8am - 9pm Monday to Saturday. Sundays from 9am - 7pm. In the winter (Oct-Apr), you book a session between 8am and 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am - 5pm on a Sunday.

When your session comes to an end you have your own dog wash station in your car parking area to wash down muddy paws and boots.

A warm welcome awaits!

For more information about how bookings work at our Paddocks, or if you have any questions, click here

Our Story

My Happy Hounds is headed up by CWO (Chief Woofing Officers) Harry and Alison. We are life long dog owners and have worked with dogs in a professional and voluntary capacity for many years. It’s thanks to our 3 wonderful dogs, Mollie, Nellie and Harvey, that My Happy Hounds was created.

Having sensitive dogs meant that we really struggled to find safe spaces to exercise them. Dog walks were exhausting, and stress levels were through the roof, for us and our dogs!

Over the years we have dreamed of owning a safe space ourselves where our dogs could run and play safely. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your dog just being a dog, happy and carefree.

Let us tell you a bit more about the 3 biggest fans of My Happy Hounds.

Mollie

Likes: food, swimming

Dislikes: being left alone, stranger dogs

We adopted Mollie in 2013 after she was picked up as a stray in Ireland. She started out as a very timid dog, frightened of men and loud noises. Mollie had sustained injuries to her leg and had broken teeth. However, with a lot of time, reassurance and care, Mollie flourished into a loving, loyal member of the family.

Despite her progress, Mollie prefers not to be in the company of strange dogs and is often wary of those around her. Mollie has always been a very active dog and likes a safe space where she can roam free and explore. This is why a secure paddock is perfect for her.

Sadly, Mollie passed away in May 2024 following a long illness, but you can still find her paw print in the wash-bay area of Twiggy's Paddock.

Harvey

Likes: people, tennis balls, sniffing and chilling out

Dislikes: stranger dogs

Harvey joined our family in 2014 at the age of 5. Although he settled in quickly, he and Mollie weren't the best of friends. He preferred the company of our cats!

It wasn’t long after we adopted Harvey that a number of health problems came to light, one being his allergies and extremely itchy skin. These would be life long issues for him.

Sadly, whilst on a walk in 2016, Harvey was attacked by another dog. Following this incident he struggled with even the sight of other dogs and would bark and lunge at them in an effort to make them go away.

Using secure fields allowed him his own space and comfort in knowing he wouldn't be bothered by other dogs. Harvey sadly passed away in April 2023. However, having him gave us an insight into understanding the needs of owners with sensitive dogs.

Nellie

Likes: chasing, sniffing

Dislikes: stranger people and dogs

After an incident involving sheep chasing which resulted in her owners no longer being able to care for her, Nellie joined our family.

She turned out to be the most energetic bundle ever - a young Labradoodle equals double the fun! She loves to run, sniff and explore everything– just some of the things that we incorporate at My Happy Hounds secure paddocks and dog training facilities in East Cowton, Northallerton.

When Nellie came home with us we researched her breed traits, got to know her personality, likes and dislikes and undertook training in scent work and retrieving – all of which she loves! The paddocks allow that training to continue in a safe space away from the everyday distractions which she finds stressful.

So, there we have it! Mollie, Harvey and Nellie are the reason why My Happy Hounds is here and you can rest assured that we understand why facilities like this are so important! The secure paddocks have been a long time in the making, but it’s now becoming a reality for us, we'd like to share this wonderful journey with you!

Harry & Alison