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You and your dogin the countryside

© Mandy Wakins,CCW

"Even dogs like me can sometimes get lost"

Your pet’s details

A visit to the countryside should beenjoyable and trouble-free for you and yourdog. Even so, every year many dogs gomissing: they can become trapped, scaredby loud noises, injured in road accidents, oreven stolen.

To help get your pet back as soon aspossible fill out its details below and keepthis booklet with you.

Dog’s name:

Date of birth:

Sex: male / female:

Breed:

Microchip number:

Tattoo number and location:

Distinguishing marks:

Any special medication or allergies:

Telephone numbers:Vet:

Dog warden:

Police:

RSPCA: 0870 55 55 999

Petlog: 0870 606 6751

Pet insurance details:

Owner’s name:

Owner’s address:

Other person to contact in case of

emergency

Name:

Telephone:

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To help prevent your dog from becomingpermanently lost:

� never let it go out of sight when on awalk

� train it to always come backimmediately when called

� make sure it always wears a collarbearing your name, address andpreferably a mobile telephone number

� have it microchipped and register thedetails on the Kennel Club’s Petlogdatabase

� change your contact details with Petlogand on your dog's collar, if you move orgo away on holiday

Attach a photo ofyour dog here

Introduction

“Hello! I’m John the sheepdog and I just love thecountryside. I’ll guide you through this leaflet to helpyou have an enjoyable time by being responsible with

your dog in the countryside, and help protect thelandscape, wildlife and people that make it so special.”

Whether ambling along leafy lanes, rambling through forests, or exploring newaccess land, the countryside is a great place for you and your dog to explore andenjoy.

Six steps to worry-free walkies by following the Countryside Code

� By law, you must control your dog sothat it does not disturb or scare farmanimals or wildlife. On most areas ofopen country and common land,known as ‘access land,’ you must keepyour dog on a short lead between 1March and 31 July and all year roundnear farm animals.

� You do not have to put your dog on alead on public paths as long as it isunder close control. But as a generalrule, keep your dog on a lead if youcannot rely on its obedience. By law,farmers are entitled to destroy a dogthat injures or worries their animals.

� If a farm animal chases you and yourdog, it is safer to let your dog off thelead – don’t risk getting hurt by tryingto protect it.

� Take particular care that your dogdoesn’t scare sheep and lambs orwander where it might disturb birds

that nest on the ground and otherwildlife – eggs and young will soon diewithout protection from their parents.

� Everyone knows how unpleasant dogmess is and it can cause infections – soalways clean up after your dog and getrid of the mess responsibly. Also makesure your dog is wormed regularly toprotect it, other animals and people.

� At certain times dogs may not beallowed on some areas of open land ormay need to be kept on a lead. Pleasefollow any signs. You can also find outmore about these rules fromwww.ccw.gov.uk or by phoning theCCW Enquiry Line on 0845 130 6229.

Wherever you go, following these stepswill help keep your pet safe, protect theenvironment, and show you are aresponsible dog owner.

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Where you can go with your dog

“From walks along the beach to hikes across the hill-tops,there are thousands of miles of paths and acres of opencountry for you to enjoy with your dog, as long as youkeep it in sight and under close control or on a lead.”

Public Rights of WayAcross the country - from the seashore tomountain tops - public footpaths,bridleways and byways provide thousandsof miles of paths and tracks for you to walkwith your dog. These paths are oftenindicated by official signs at the roadsideand coloured arrows like these along theway:

public footpath - for walkers

public bridleway – for walkers, horse riders and cyclists

public byway – for all the above, plus ‘off-road’ vehicles

Local councils and landowners are workingtogether to ensure you can use all thesepaths, as well as making sure they do notbecome difficult or dangerous to use.

The law protects your right to walk thesepaths and requires you to take simple stepsto prevent harm to wildlife, farm animalsand other people, so always follow theCountryside Code.

Open CountrySince 2005 in Wales and 2004 in England,new laws have opened up new areas ofland for walkers with dogs across areas ofmountain, moor, heath and down, andregistered common land, known as‘access land’. These areas arebeing shown on Ordnance SurveyExplorer maps and on specialmaps atwww.ccw.gov.uk/countrysideaccesswales. They are also marked in the countryside by this symbol.

Areas of open country are often some of themost peaceful parts of the countryside andtheir ‘wild’ beauty is actually maintained bythose who manage the land for a living. It'sespecially important to respect those whowork in the countryside and protect theunique environments and rare wildlife theysupport, for future generations.

From early spring to late summer, theinternationally rare birds that breed in theseareas are vulnerable, because they will flyaway if even the most well-behaved person- or dog - comes near their nests on theground. If birds are scared away, their eggsor newly-hatched chicks could becomeexposed and may die, or get eaten by otheranimals and birds. Other birds species aremost sensitive during the winter when theyroost on the ground as they can becomeexhausted and die if frequently disturbed.

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© CCW, Gerallt Llywelyn

For this reason, it’s vital that dogs andpeople keep close together. Staying onexisting paths and tracks and respectinglocal signs will help reduce disturbance.On access land, the law requires that:

� dogs are kept on a lead of no morethan 2 metres long when birds arenesting, between 1 March and 31 July

� dogs are also kept on a lead of nomore than 2 metres near farm animals

To protect sensitive wildlife and farmanimals, in some areas local restrictionsmay prohibit walkers and their dogs fromareas of open country for a few days, oreven years on grouse moors. This doesn’trestrict your access along any nearbypublic paths.

In other areas, there may be temporaryofficial restrictions to help manage the

land, ensure your safety or prevent fires,although again these don’t restrict youraccess along nearby public paths.Make sure you plan ahead to avoid beingdisappointed when your favourite walk isrestricted. These restrictions can beviewed on the maps atwww.ccw.gov.uk/countrysideaccesswalesand are indicated by official signage inthe countryside.

Other accessThere are many areas where you can walkwith your dog, such as country parks,green spaces and cycleways. There arebeaches, Forestry Commissionwoodlands, and local agreements wherethe Government and local councils helpfarmers provide extra paths.

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©DEan Janes, PhotlibraryWales

What if I take my dog where itshouldn’t go?Depending on where you are, if you dothis deliberately or ignore official signs, inthe short term you can be made to leavethe area and may be fined. In the longerterm, this could lead to more restrictionsfor all dog owners.

What if my dog chases livestock? It’s a dog’s natural instinct to chase things,but this can cause serious distress, injuryand even death for the animals concerned– including your dog. In some cases,farmers have the right to shoot and kill adog that is worrying their livestock. Tostay safe, look ahead and keep your dogon a lead when you might encounterlivestock.

What if my dog disturbs or chaseswildlife?Again, this can have seriousconsequences for the animals involvedand jeopardise schemes that are helpingto protect vulnerable wildlife. It’s also anoffence to disturb specially protectedbirds, so take care to keep your dog on alead or under close control in sensitiveareas. Respect official signs restrictingaccess with your dog.

What if a farm animal chases me andmy dog?This can sometimes happen if farmanimals have youngsters, or have beenworried by dogs in the past. If this occurs,it’s safer to let your dog off the lead to letit get away and distract the farm animalaway from you. Don’t risk getting hurt bytrying to protect your dog.

Frequently asked questions

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©Rex Moreton, PhotlibraryWales©David Hosking, FLPA

I’ve checked ahead and restrictionsmean I’m not allowed to take my dogon my favourite moorland walktoday – what can I do?You could see if you can divert aroundthe restricted area using public paths.However, if this is a sensitive time forbreeding birds, you and your dog mayhave a better time exploring somewhereelse, such as a Forestry Commissionwoodland.

How can I stop my dog from pullingon the lead?Modern training methods and equipmentmean dogs can be trained not to pull on

the lead, without being cruel or restrictingtheir freedom and fun. The sooner youstart, the easier it will be!

I have an officially registeredassistance dog – do special rulesapply?Recent laws seek to ensure that peoplewith disabilities are not discriminatedagainst. Any bans or restrictions affectingdogs should not unreasonably curtailaccess for assistance dog users. If you doencounter a problem, contact your localauthority or the Kennel Club.

Travelling with your pet

“Whether it’s setting-off on holiday, going to yourfavourite walking spot, or even moving home, we dogs

love travelling to all those new sights and smells!Here’s how to keep us safe and happy on the move."

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In the carWhen heading for the countryside, try touse public transport – most of whichallows dogs on board. For the times whenthis isn’t practical, make sure that:

� your dog has a safe, secure place to sitin your car. This will minimise the riskof it distracting the driver, or beinginjured or thrown from the vehicle ifthere is an accident;

� your dog wears its collar andidentification tag in the car in case itruns away from an accident;

� you stop at a safe place every fewhours to give your dog a drink andexercise on a lead;

Dogs left in cars on even moderatelysunny days can quickly die fromheatstroke. If you must leave it, park in theshade, provide plenty of ventilation andwater, and check on it regularly.

Dogs are increasingly being stolen fromcars and unpredictable events outsidecould frighten it. If in doubt, don’t leaveyour dog.

The Kennel Club’s Good Citizen DogTraining Schemes cover safe andenjoyable travel for your pet.

Staying awayTaking your pet on holiday can be asmuch fun for you as it is for your dog. Here are some tips:

� Many places welcome well-behaveddogs, but always check beforehand toavoid disappointment. The Dogs Trustcharity has a database on its websitewhere you can find recommended dog-friendly places to stay.

� Update the information on your dog’scollar and advise the Petlog register ifyour pet is microchipped, so it can bereturned to your temporary address if itgets lost. Giving a mobile telephonenumber is a good idea.

� Find out details of the local vet anddog warden in case the unexpectedhappens. Local Tourist InformationCentres will have details, as do somewebsites.

� Take your dog’s usual food with you, asit may not be available where you arestaying.

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Keep our wildlife safe and special

“There’s lots you can do to help protect the environment andkeep it safe and enjoyable for everyone. You and your dog can

make a real difference…here’s how.’’

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Even well-behaved, friendly dogs canscare birds and other animals away fromtheir young. Their eggs or newly-hatchedchicks could then become cold and maydie, or get eaten by other animals andbirds.

� Make sure your dog doesn’t chase anywildlife. This can cause injury anddistress to both wildlife and your dog –especially if your pet gets lost, stuckdown a hole or runs across a road;

� Keep your dog close to you so it doesnot sniff out and flush nesting birdsduring the spring and early summer.Keep your dog on a short lead in areasof open country between 1 March and31 July;

� Other rare birds are most sensitive inwinter when they roost on the ground,as they can become exhausted and dieif frequently disturbed;

� Follow official signs and advice inareas containing sensitive wildlife;

� Clear up dog mess. It can affect thespecial soils that rare plants need tosurvive;

� Stop your dog from digging up plantsor young trees.

Supporting the people that managethe countryside You and your dog can help farmers keeptheir animals happy, safe and healthy ifyou:

� make sure your dog is wormed everythree months, to protect its own healthand that of all other animals and yourfamily. Your vet can suggest suitableproducts;

� keep your dog on a lead near farmanimals, to prevent injury to them andyour dog;

� be particularly careful when there arelambs and other young farm animalsabout: being chased by a dog can killyoung and unborn animals, so givethem plenty of space. Your dog is alsomore likely to be attacked by parentanimals at this time;

� always carry apoop scoop bagwith you andpick up afteryour dog. Takethe waste – andany other litter –away with youuntil you get to abin, even if thismeans yourdustbin at home.

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Help people see the best in your dog

Some people can feel uncomfortable ifeven the most friendly, tail wagging petapproaches them. Even just one badexperience can make people - especiallychildren - frightened of dogs for life.

You can help people see the best in yourdog by:

� clearing-up dog mess. It can can causeinfections in people and other animals.

� looking out for horse riders, cyclistsand joggers. They can startle your dog- or your dog can startle them - andcause an injury or accident. It’stherefore safest to put on the lead asthey come past;

� not letting it approach other people ortheir dogs, unless you are sure they arehappy about this;

� being particularly careful aroundchildren. Dogs can misunderstand theirhigh-pitched voices and jerkymovements, and so jump up or try toplay, which can be extremelyfrightening for a small child.

� making sure children always ask beforesaying ‘Hello’ or patting any dog, sothey do not accidentally frighten orstartle it, as a dog may then try todefend itself;

� ensuring you have third-partyinsurance in case your dog injuressomeone, or causes an accident ordamage. You could be prosecuted ifsomeone makes a complaint aboutyour dog hurting them or beingdangerously out of control. If foundguilty, courts can ban you fromkeeping dogs and order that your petbe destroyed.

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© CCW, Gerallt Llywelyn

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Happy and Healthy – you and your dog

“C’mon, c’mon let’s go! Yep, there’s nothing quite like ourwagging tails and pleading eyes to make you pick up the lead

and go for walk, even on the dullest of days"

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Have a happy, well-trained dogThere are few things more rewarding thanwhen someone says "What a lovely, well-trained dog you have!"

Walks are much more fun if your dogalways comes back when called anddoesn’t pull on the lead. The KennelClub’s Good Citizen Dog Schemes are afun way to train your dog and learn howto keep it happy and healthy.

Here are some tips to be thinking about:

� Praising your dog every time it comesback will encourage it to returnimmediately when called.

� Dogs can become unwilling to comeback if they are always then just put ona lead and taken home. So, call yourdog back regularly for more excitingthings too, like being given a treat.

� Extending dog leads can be a goodway to let your dog have morefreedom until it is trained to comeback immediately when called. Make

sure the lead is kept short on roads,near farm animals, cyclists, horseriders,and in sensitive wildlife areas.Remember that vulnerable ground-nesting birds are well camouflaged –just because you can’t see them,doesn’t mean they’re not there!

� A dog whistle is a great way to getyour dog’s attention and return to yourside. It also draws less attention toyourself and gives you more chance ofseeing wildlife.

� Make sure your pet goes to the vet fora check-up every year and is kept upto date with its vaccinations andworming.

Healthy ‘walkies’Walking your dog every day keeps ithappy and healthy and can do wondersfor your health too! Walking for just 30minutes, five or more times per week, canhelp you live longer and reduce the riskof heart disease, diabetes, strokes, arthritisand some cancers.

Here are some ideas to get even morehealth benefits from your ‘walkies’:

� whilst walking at any speed is good foryou, some brisk walking enhances thehealth benefits.

� walking with others who like dogs canbe a great way to make friends, and

provide support for those times when,for example, you can’t take your dogout yourself.

� if you drive a short distance to whereyou exercise your dog, considerwalking that part of the journey,especially if there’s a traffic-free pathor track that you can follow fromhome.

� if you are walking near traffic or atnight, reflective or flashing dog coats,collars and leads can help drivers seeyour pet.

� the Countryside Council for Wales‘’Walking the Way to Health Initiative‘can help you get more from yourwalking. The Countryside Council forWales can supply information leafletsand a Quick Start guide. Try using astepometer to measure how far youwalk each day.

And whatever you do…

� Have your fun and games in a safeplace, away from cars, farm animals,sensitive areas for wildlife… and otherpeople who may not share yourenthusiasm!

� Throwing sticks can cause horrificinjuries to dogs. Instead, play with atough plastic toy from a pet store,making sure it’s big enough not to beswallowed.

� Avoid exercising your dog for at leastan hour before or after meals.

� Avoid heatstroke by making sure yourdog gets plenty of shade and clean,cool water.

� Don’t let your pet drink any water thatdoesn’t look clean – it may bepoisonous.

� Please respect official signs asking youto keep your dog away from certainareas of water and beaches.

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© CCW, Gerallt Llywelyn ©Terry Whittacker, FLPA

Looking after your dog

“These tips will help you stay safe and do the best for yourdog in an emergency"

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Be preparedThis information will help with someemergency situations that can arise whenout for a walk, during those initialmoments before you get advice from a vet.

You can best prepare for medicalemergencies in advance by:

� attending an animal first aid course runat local colleges and vets’ surgeries.

� carrying a simple dog first aid kit – thiscan be used to help humans too.

� learning life-saving skills at a KennelClub Good Citizen Dog training scheme.

� having pet health insurance.

Road accidents, fractures and falls

� keep calm so as not to cause panic.

� make sure you and your dog aren’t infurther danger; keep the dog warm.

� if you need to move the dog out ofdanger, do so slowly and gently. If itcan’t walk, use a coat, board or blanketas a stretcher.

� try to stem blood flow from cuts with apad and firm pressure; press around anyforeign objects - such as broken glass ormetal - to avoid pushing them further in.

� dogs can appear paralysed after a severeaccident, but this can be temporary.Never assume an animal is beyond help- follow veterinary advice.

� internal injuries are not always obvious;contact your vet immediately if your petis off-colour within 24 hours of anaccident.

PoisoningMany garden and agricultural chemicalssuch as pesticides, slug pellets, cleaningfluids, medicines and anti-freeze can befatal, so never let your dog out of your sightor let it eat what it finds when out for awalk. If your think your dog has ingestedsomething poisonous:

� phone the vet immediately and keepany labels, containers or samples withyou to help the vet decide the besttreatment.

� DO NOT make your dog sick withoutfirst consulting your vet.

Heat strokeThis occurs to dogs when exercised in hotweather, or left in cars on even moderatelywarm days. They will pant excessively andmay vomit, collapse, have fits or difficultybreathing.

If heat stroke occurs:

� keep the dog calm. Move it into theshade, a cool room or building, or neara fan or breeze.

� cool all of your dog with water, payingparticular attention to the head.

� Let your dog drink small amounts ofcool water frequently. Call the vet.

Insect stings If a sting is left in your dog, scrape it awaywith a fingernail or credit card; do notsqueeze or grasp it. Cool the area with awet cloth or frozen peas to help reduce painand swelling. If in doubt, contact your vet.

Adder bitesIf your dog is bitten by an adder, keep it asstill and calm. If possible, don’t allow it towalk; carry it instead. Leave the bitewound alone; contact the vet immediately.

TicksThese potentially harmful parasites areparticularly likely to be encountered inspring and autumn, especially where sheepand deer live. Check your dog for ticksevery day: they resemble a dark, smoothpea. Have them removed immediately, asthey can spread harmful diseases. Theymust not be squeezed or pulled off. Askyour vet how to do this safely.

If your dog goes missing If lost, your dog is likely to be picked up by thePolice, local authority Dog Warden, or ananimal welfare or rescue organisation. Thesepeople can read a dog’s microchip number,and so contact the owner using the KennelClub’s Petlog database, 365 days of the year.

Other ways to help find your pet are:� phoning Petlog immediately if your dog is

microchipped: 0870 606 6751;

� searching the area where you last saw youdog;

� leaving your details and a picture/description of your pet with as many peopleas possible, especially those deliveringletters, newspapers and milk;

� advertising in the ‘Lost’ section of your localnewspaper - read the ‘Found’ adverts too;

� calling the local vet, police station and dogwarden;

� visiting nearby animal welfare and rescuecentres. Ensure you look into eachenclosure;

� calling radio stations that announce lost andfound pets;

� visiting the website: www.doglost.co.uk;

� putting up posters in pet shops, vets,supermarkets, restaurants, local stores andpost offices;

� keeping an up to date photograph of yourpet in this booklet;

� not restricting your search to just one smallarea. Dogs can stray for long distances.

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More help and information

“You’ve had lots of tips about enjoying the countryside and keeping itspecial for others. But if, like me, you like dogs and love the countryside, you

might want to know more…"

People and places

The Kennel Club Your first port of call on all canine matters,including Good Citizen training clubs,rescue societies, publications, accessadvice, gifts and factsheets. 0870 6066750 www.the-kennel-club.org.uk

Countryside Council for Wales - AccessInformationFind out where you can go and what youcan do by visitingwww.ccw.gov/countrysideaccesswales.The Countryside Code is available free bycalling 0845 130 6229

Forestry Commission WalesWhere to go, what to do and where tostay in the nation’s one million hectares ofpublic forest. Victoria Terrace,Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2DQ. Tel:01970 625866; Fax: 01970 625282.Email: fcwales@forestry.gsi.gov.uk.Website: www.forestry.gov.uk

Wales Tourist Board, Visit Wales.Attractions, accommodation and transportdetails throughout Wales, with contactdetails of local tourist information centres.Tel: 08701 211351; Fax: 08701 211259.Email: info@visitwales.com. Website:www.visitwales.com

Walking the Way to HealthEncouragement, advice and local contactsto keep you walking for health. Call the

Countryside Council for Wales EnquiryLine on 0845 130 6229 or visitwww.whi.org.uk

Access problemsFor advice about specific paths andproblems on public access in your area,contact the local highway authority,which is the county council or unitaryauthority, depending where you live. Alocal council helpline or informationcentre will have contact details.

Supporting you and your dog

Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors 01386 751151 www.apbc.org.uk

Association of Pet Dog Trainers01285 810811 www.apdt.co.uk

Assistance Dogs UK 01844 348 100 www.hearing- dogs.co.uk/assistance-dogs.html

Blue Cross 01993 822651 www.bluecross.org.uk

Dogs Trust 020 7837 0006 www.dogstrust.org.uk

RSPCA 0870 55 55 999 www.rspca.org.uk

PDSA 0800 917 2509 www.pdsa.org.uk

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Suppliers and services

Dog whistles: 01902 746329www.reflog.co.uk

Dog-friendly service areas: 01525878400 www.moto-way.com

Mypetstop: 0800 738800www.mypetstop.co.uk

Our Dogs bookshop: 0870 731 6502www.ourdogs.co.uk

Pets at home: 0161 486 6688www.petsathome.co.uk

Vet finder: www.rcvs.org.ukwww.any-uk-vet.co.uk

Ordnance Survey:Tel: 0845 200 2712www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

Emergency contacts

Petlog: 0870 606 6751www.petlog.org.uk

Missing dogs: 01909 733366www.doglost.co.uk

Pet bereavement support: 0800 096 6606www.bluecross.org.uk

Pollution and Fly-tipping hotline:Tel: 0800 80 70 60

Wildlife Poisoning hotline:Tel: 0800 321600

These contacts are given in good faith,although their listing does not implyendorsement of their content, advice orservices. Other suppliers are available;please contact the Kennel Club for details.

©Ashley Cooper, Woodfall Wild Images

The Countryside Code

• Be safe – plan ahead and follow any signs

• Leave gates and property as you find them

• Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home

• Keep dogs under close control

• Consider other people

For additional copies of this leaflet or further information on access to the countryside,contact Countryside Council for Wales, (Head Office), Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd,Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 2DW. Tel: 0845 1306 229; Fax: 01248 355782. Email:enquiries@ccw.gov.uk. Website: www.ccw.gov.uk

This publication has been produced through a partnership between the Kennel Club,Countryside Council for Wales, Countryside Agency and English Nature.

CCC 230, 2005, 50k ISBN 1 86169 134 3 Printed by

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©Andy Newman, Woodfall Wild Images