How to be a responsible dog walker

Being a responsible dog owner involves taking your dog for regular walks but it’s also key to be aware of the environment you’re walking through.

Whether your walks involve a busy local park or deserted countryside, we’ve rounded up our top tips for responsible dog walking.

Footpaths often cross farmland and sometimes these fields contain livestock. Look out for signs requesting that dogs be kept on leads and always obey these before you enter any fields. Even if you think a field is empty or that your dog would never chase livestock, it’s not worth taking the chance.

If chased, frightened livestock can become distressed and may injure themselves. During lambing season, pregnant ewes may miscarry. If your dog does distress livestock, this is a criminal offence and farmers may seek compensation.

When walking in the countryside in England and Wales, follow The Countryside Code. This stipulates that for walks on commons and other open access land, dogs must be kept on a short lead between 1st March and 31st July. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the Northern Ireland Countryside Code apply.

Always stay on marked footpaths, even if there’s no fence between these paths and the land they border. Farmers may have planted crops, which can be damaged by people and dogs walking over them.

Some wildlife such as ground-nesting birds and young deer may be disturbed by dogs who sniff them out. Other wildlife, such as snakes, can bite your dog if they feel threatened. Adders are the only venomous snake in the UK but if your dog is bitten, it’s considered a medical emergency and needs immediate vet care.

Not everyone wants to be greeted by an enthusiastic, off-leash dog on their walks.

When walking or running with your dog in public parks or anywhere else used by other people, keep your dog close and put them on the lead when others approach. Watch out for mountain bikers and horse riders, who may be startled by a fast-approaching dog. Dog insurance (including legal liability cover) can offer some peace of mind in case your dog is injured or causes an accident.

Even some other dog owners may not want an off-lead dog approaching their pets, especially if they’re reactive or anxious on walks. If in doubt, it’s always best to put your dog on the lead when you see other people and dogs approaching.

Wherever your walk takes you, always have poop bags on hand. Dog poo can contain a variety of parasites and diseases that can contaminate soil and waterways. Some parasites in infected poop can be transmitted to other dogs.

Poo bags should be disposed of in a suitable bin, as plastic bags can cause serious harm to farm animals and wildlife if ingested. Never leave bags on the ground, in a tree, thrown over fences and hedges or anywhere other than in the bin.

If you can’t find a public bin, take poo bags with you and dispose of them at home. If bins on your walk aren’t being emptied regularly, contact your local council.

Walks when your dog is pulling on the lead are no fun for either of you. Make sure your dog knows how to walk nicely on the lead, including staying close and not pulling.

Before you let your dog off the lead on walks, make sure they’ve had recall training. While your dog might come when called when they’re in your garden, it can be a different story when they’re away from home surrounded by exciting sights and smells.

Develop your dog’s advanced recall skills in a variety of locations. By keeping them on a long lead and allowing them as far away as possible before calling them back, you can keep control while building your dog’s know-how.