Summary: As a “voice for dogs,” Barry Karacostas has a lot to teach us about how to listen and care for our canine companions. He was once a successful chef/owner in London’s competitive restaurant scene. But like many in that business, addiction and stress hit him hard. His wife Julie handed him their Rottweiler’s leash and said “Leo is YOUR responsibility now.” Forced to feed and walk Leo, Barry found himself healing and regaining confidence. Buying a dog walking service from a fellow Kensington Park denizen, he became known as the Dog Jogger. He built an off-lead dog pack one dog at a time. Over the years, Barry deepened his knowledge and commitment to canine health. He also attracted celebrity clients! Today, he's full circle: using his hospitality skills to run a five-star dog hotel. Chapters: 0:00 London’s Urban Dogs Pamper Time with Barry Karacostas 01:35 London’s Competitive Culinary Scene 02:31 Rise from The Downfall 03:24 Leo, The Rottweiler and Savior 04:38 Barry’s Dog Walking Business -- a Fluke or a Calling? 06:30 20 Dogs Running Unleashed – Okay, What?! How? 08:46 Leo as Wingman 09:42 Tracking Dogs with GPS 10:29 How to Build a Pack of Dogs 11:54 Happy Dog, Happy Human 15:05 The “Voice for Dogs” 16:13 City Dogs vs. Country Dogs 18:00 London Dogs vs. New York Dogs 20:36 The Soho House for Dogs 21:55 The Urban Mutts Experience 22:45 Blueberry Facials, Anyone? 23:35 Get Loose Doggos! 26:08 Sleepy Time … Hmm, Cabin or Penthouse? 28:15 Pandemic Soft Opening 32:01 Partnerships with Dog Charities and Foundations 33:24 Celebrity Patrons – Trust and Friendships 35:12 Expansion … Next! 37:00 Setting The Bar for Dog Daycare Industry About Barry Karacostas Barry the Dog Jogger is also the Founder of Urban Mutts Hotels, the UK’s first Dog Club & Hotel. A state-of-the-art facility for the urban canine community, it has a simple mission: making city dogs happier and healthy so they can make their busy urban owners feel the same way. About The Long Leash Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out! Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
