Walking With a Dog: Livestock, Nesting Birds and Good Manners

A dog makes a walk. It finds the best sticks, notices every rustle in the hedge and reminds you to look at the small things. But dogs also share a landscape with livestock, wildlife and other people, and the way we handle them can make the difference between a good day and a serious problem. Here are the habits that make walking with a dog easier for everyone.

Close control means more than a good recall

In the countryside, the standard is to keep your dog under close control. In practice this means that you can reliably call it back, that it stays within sight and that it does not approach people, animals or nests without your permission. Even a well-trained dog can be overcome by instinct when it sees a hare or smells a deer. If you are not confident that your dog will return, use a lead or a long training line.

Livestock: the most serious risk

Dogs that chase or worry sheep can cause injury, stress and miscarriage in ewes, and farmers are entitled to take action to protect their animals. Keep these points in mind:

Keep your dog on a short lead around sheep, even if it has never chased before.
Move away from lambs and ewes wherever possible, and consider another route in lambing season.
Do not let your dog off the lead in any field with animals, unless you are certain it is safe and legal.
Close gates so that stock cannot escape.

Cattle are different. If cows with calves become agitated and approach, take your dog off the lead rather than trying to hold on, as the Countryside Code advises. Then move quietly away. Dogs can usually outrun cattle. For the broader picture, see our guide to the Countryside Code.

Ground-nesting birds

Many birds nest on or near the ground, including skylarks, lapwings, curlews and some moorland and coastal species. The nesting season runs from spring into summer. A dog running through long grass or heather can flatten nests or scare birds off so they abandon eggs. Stay on paths, keep your dog close and obey any signs asking for dogs on leads. Beaches can also have nesting birds, so look out for signs and fenced areas.

Wildlife and wild places

Dogs can disturb deer, hares and other animals, and chasing can be harmful or fatal for them. If you spot wildlife ahead, put your dog on a lead early and give the animals space. The patience described in our beginner's guide to spotting wildlife is a good habit for dog walkers as well.

Dog waste

Pick up after your dog, always. Bag it and put it in a dog or litter bin, or take it home if there is no bin. Do not leave bags hanging in trees or hidden beside the path. In fields, waste can carry parasites that can harm cattle and sheep, so remove it even if no one is looking.

Meeting other people

Not everyone loves dogs, and some people are frightened of them. Call your dog back and put it on a lead when passing others, particularly on narrow paths, children, horses, cyclists and people with their own dogs. A friendly dog jumping up can still cause a fall.

Heat, water and rest

Carry water for your dog on warm days and offer it regularly. Dogs can overheat quickly, especially short-nosed breeds and in the sun. Check paws after rough or hot ground and watch out for ticks after walking in long grass or bracken. Ask your vet about parasite protection.

Plan a dog-friendly route

Check the map for fields with livestock, stiles that are hard for your dog, nesting areas and open water. Think about dog-friendly cafes and pubs in advance. Some places have seasonal restrictions on dogs, so check local notices.

Frequently asked questions

Do dogs have to be on a lead at all times in the countryside? Not always, but they must be under close control, and a lead is required near livestock, in many nature reserves and wherever signs say so. Rules vary by area.

What should I do if my dog chases sheep? Get the dog under control as quickly as possible, leave the field and tell the farmer if there is any sign of harm. Use a lead in future.

Can I let my dog swim in rivers and ponds? Often yes, but check for strong currents, steep banks, blue-green algae warnings and nearby livestock first.