Dogs are one of our best-loved companions and going on walks in nature with our four-legged friends is a pleasure that millions of us enjoy each year.
Just over a quarter of households in the UK are now dog owners, so with over 10 million dogs roaming the countryside with us, it’s more important than ever for dogs to be well trained, and for us to be as conscientious and considerate as we can.
Please remember the canine code, from our friends at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust:
1. Remember to pick up after your dog
Grazing livestock can pick up diseases from dog poo and become ill. Plus, you’ll be ensuring that Gloucestershire’s wild places remain havens for nature, and enjoyable places for people to visit.
2. Take the lead
Keep your dog on a lead unless informed otherwise. Wild places are home to ground nesting birds, adders, and rare plants that can all be disturbed by dogs. What’s more – you’ll be caring for other visitors who might not be so comfortable around your canine companion.
3. Give space to grazing livestock
We recommend at least 10m – and keep all dogs under very close control around livestock. Even small dogs can frighten sheep, cattle and ponies – causing serious distress and injury.
4. Ensure total recall
When letting your dog off the lead in safe areas, be certain they will come back when called and that they don’t roam too far – sticking to the paths as much as possible means wildlife isn’t disturbed and you can keep a closer eye on them.
5. Water safety
If your dog is a swimmer, please read the following information. Dogs running in and out of ponds can erode the banks, damaging plant life and releasing sediment into the water. This sediment can cloud the water, blocking out light for the plants and animals living below. To help with this, take dogs to designated dog ponds or dog dip sections of rivers. Flea treatments that are added to the back of a dog’s neck contain pesticides that can kill freshwater invertebrates. This treatment is very soluble, washing off easily when your dog goes for a swim and potentially harming invertebrates like beetles, dragonfly larvae, and mayflies. You can avoid this by not letting your dog go swimming for a few days after you have applied flea treatment.
Discover how to strike a balance between getting out and about with your dog and giving wildlife and wild places space to thrive by watching the film below, produced by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust in partnership with Cotswolds National Landscape and The National Trust.
For more information on the Canine Code and tips visit the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website.