Responsible Dog Walking: The Unwritten Rules Every Dog Owner Should Follow

One of the best and sometimes worst parts of owning a dog is the necessary walkies. Certain times of the year are more challenging than others, but daily walking is essential for the health and well-being of our canine companions.

When out with our furry friends, we must be mindful of the impact we can have. Whether you do mostly urban walking or like a stroll through the countryside, these are my top tips for being responsible on every dog walk.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Did you know that just one pile of dog faeces can contain up to ONE MILLION roundworm eggs?

It is a truly horrifying fact and one we shouldn’t take lightly. Watch our video for more disturbing parasite information.

Not cleaning up after your dog, puts other people, pets and wildlife at risk. Alongside the risk of parasites, dog poo harbours a lot of nasty bacteria. So much so that your dog’s mess is considered an environmental hazard!

The Dog Fouling Act 1996 first made it illegal to not clean up after your dog in public spaces. This has since been merged into the Control of Dogs Order, and leaving your dog’s waste behind carries the potential for an on-the-spot fine of £100.

You can report issues with public fouling to your local council.

Not having enough poo bags is not considered an excuse for not cleaning up after your dog, so be a responsible owner and ensure you have a constant supply of tough poo bags.

Remember dog mess can be extremely hazardous to our wildlife. It is not enough to bag up your dog’s indiscretion; it is so important to dispose of the waste properly! After all, nobody likes to see bags of dog poop swinging from every tree on their lovely autumnal walk…

Protect Wildlife

There are some beautiful locations across the UK, where we have the privilege of being allowed to walk our dogs. From stunning forests to awe-inspiring beaches, it is a pleasure to experience such gorgeous scenery with our furry friends.

However, it is important to be aware of the boundaries and stick to the public and marked footpaths. Allowing our canine companions to roam over prohibited areas, can cause harm to and frighten wildlife.

It is always worth being aware of the risk of your dog disturbing wildlife. For example, if your dog is water-obsessed, don’t let them off lead near prohibited bodies of water.

Train! Train! Train!

Every dog needs to understand basic recall and lead etiquette. Maintaining control over your dog and being able to recall them back to you, is essential for keeping other dogs and people safe. You should never allow your furry friend to run up to someone without permission.

Watch our video guide to dog recall training.

Knowing your dog will return to you is not only for the benefit of others. This also ensures your dog stays safe.

For example, other dogs could be frightened of your dog and react defensively if they get too close. Or they may need to be close to their owners on short leads, near potential hazards such as the road or a railway line.

Knowing your dog will follow your commands is peace of mind and with consistency and patience, every dog can learn proper recall.

Shop our training equipment.

Respect Livestock

Many dogs are fascinated with livestock and will happily chase sheep if allowed.

Disturbing and frightening farm animals can lead to illness and injury, which will be devastating for the owner or farmer. It is a criminal offence for your dog to disturb livestock and you can be prosecuted for this.

The Countryside Code lays out the rules and responsibilities for visiting the countryside and rural areas in England and Wales. These rules keep animals and people safe, so it is worth familiarising yourself.

So, there you have it a guide to enjoying every walk responsibly.

Looking for a new place to take your pooch? Find your new favourite walking route.