Puppy and dog walking tips
Understanding how to be a responsible dog owner when out walking with your dog is hugely important, so we have pulled together some useful tips and guidance to help.
Paw-by-paw: Being out and about with your dog
To help you head out and about with your dog, we've brought together the key information to help you enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friend, whether it's in the countryside, along the beach or in public parks.
Walking your dog
When you're exploring the great outdoors with your four-legged, it’s important that you play your part in protecting and preserving the natural environment and that you understand your responsibilities whilst out walking.
Puppy and dog walking tips
Access for owners and dogs
A number of seasonal controls restricting areas you can access with your dog may be in effect over the summer months. Find out more about PSPOs and how they might affect you.
Walking dangers
Wherever you walk your dog, there’s always the possibility that they could be exposed to dangers such as poisonous plants and sharp grass seeds. Every season poses some potential risks to dogs of which owners should be aware.
Cattle safety
Always be aware of cattle and the danger they could pose to both you and your dog before visiting the countryside. Find out how best to keep you and your four-legged friend safe here.
Livestock worrying
Livestock worrying is a concerning animal welfare issue, which is why we have joined forces with the NFU to make countryside dog walks safer and more stress free for you, your dogs and farm animals.
Walking on MOD land
The Ministry of Defence’s #RespectTheRange campaign seeks to educate dog owners and other key groups on how to safely access land where our armed forces are practicing live-fire training.
The countryside code
Find out about the Countryside Code to keep your pet safe, protect the environment and show that you are a responsible dog owner.
Stick safety
Find out about the dangers of throwing sticks for your dog, the injuries it can cause and alternative games to play.
Equine safety
Find out how to keep you and your dog safe whenever you meet horses on the road, along a beach or in the countryside.
Going out with your dog
You may be thinking about how to navigate dog-friendly places – such as pubs and cafes – and make future plans with your dog. To ensure your dog is comfortable and happy and that you both enjoy the experience, we encourage you to carefully consider and plan your dog-friendly trip or holiday using our advice below.
Day trips
If you want to take your dog with you to cafes and pubs, it's important to plan ahead so that you know what to expect when visiting dog-friendly places.
Going away
When planning your holiday, make sure to research and choose a destination that is pet-friendly and near dog-friendly beaches, cafes and pubs.
Journeys
Whether travelling by car or public transport, we have compiled helpful information to ensure you are prepared for a safe journey with your dog.
Dogs die in hot cars
It's important to never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day because they can quickly become dehydrated, develop heatstroke or even die. We’ve answered some commonly asked questions here.
Travel rules
Following both Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic, there are important considerations for dog owners and those involved in canine activities overseas before heading to Europe and beyond with their dog.
Open for Dogs
Our ‘Open for Dogs’ campaign encourages businesses, workplaces and other public places to welcome our four-legged friends. For helpful information and advice, find out more here.
Useful resources
You are now ready to explore the great outdoors and navigate trips away from home with your four-legged friend! Make sure that you are always a responsible owner when out and about and that your dog is prepared for new experiences after a few years of pandemic restrictions.
Summer dangers
Summer is the season for spending time outside, relaxing and enjoying the sun, but, as with every season, summer poses risks to dogs that owners should be aware of.
Microchipping
Research has found that pets are more likely to go missing or are stolen during the summer months of June, July and August, compared to the winter.
Summer recipes
If your dog needs a cool treat on a hot summer's day, then why not use one of our delicious summer recipes for an icy cold dog treats for them to enjoy.