Having a dog provides a great excuse for taking a walk. The benefits of getting out and about in the fresh air with your four-legged friend are many, so enjoy the rewards and happy dog walking.
You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths as long as it is under close control. But as a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. On a bridleway or byway this could be especially important as you may meet horses and could be liable for damages if your dog causes an accident.
The Countryside Code has a special section dedicated to dogs under the fourth Code message of ' Keep dogs under close control '.
Download a free copy of You and Your Dog in the Countryside.
The Kennel Club and Natural England also recently launched a special booklet for dog owners that features information on great ways to explore, enjoy and help look after the countryside with your dog. If you wish to order a copy, please either write to Natural England Publications, PO Box 125, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS23 7EP or telephone 0870 120 6466.
On Access Land
While exercising the new access right with a dog, you must use a fixed lead no more than 2 metres (6 feet) long at all times near livestock, and from 1st March to 31st July as this is the ground-nesting bird season. You may also find that dogs are excluded from grouse moors and from lambing enclosures at lambing times.
There are many useful links where dog owners can find further information:
Association of Pet Dog Trainers
Association of Pet Behaviour Councillors
