Springtime is a wonderful time. The leaves are green, the flowers are blooming, and the lambs are bouncing.
Walking in Spring
Just like any walk you take at another time of year, you want to keep you, your dog’s and any other animals safe while they get the exercise and challenge they need. Even the most well-mannered and sweet dogs can worry livestock, just by running near them, even if no physical damage is done. Sheep will run if they see a dog, and many dogs take this as an invite to chase, even if it is only in fun. Farmers are legally allowed to shoot any dog that is worrying their livestock, even if no damage is done.
⭐ Related Reads:
Dog Theft and the Professional Dog Walker
Ways to be a responsible dog walker.
· Plan your walk, avoid any areas where sheep may be.
· Check for any official signs that will tell you of any local bylaws.
· Always be aware of your surrounds, livestock can pop out of nowhere before you see them, the dogs can be off.
· Keep all dogs on a lead anywhere livestock may be present, even if just walking in a neighbouring field.
· Fields are huge playgrounds to dogs, even if there are no livestock, crops may have chemicals on them.
· If you see a dumped poo bag, pick it up, animals can eat them, and this can be fatal.
If you have a known sheep worrier
· Only have them running free if you are sure there are no sheep for miles.
· Only have them running free if you are confident of their recall at normal times.
· Have the dog running free on a long line so if the worst does happen you have a chance of catching them.
· Have the dog wearing a muzzle in lambing season. If you think this is needed, contact your team leader to request the client to get one.
Ground nesting birds and Hares
· Just after lambing season starts, ground nesting birds are nesting, so be aware of anywhere they may be.
· Hares use open fields to have their young.
· On areas of access land designated under the Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000, dogs must be on a short, fixed lead of no more than two meters between 1 March and 31 July.
Cattle warning
Cattle are attracted to dogs.
· Avoid fields with cattle in,
· At any time, cattle may be interested in the dogs. If they approach you, it is safer to let the dogs off the lead so they can run rather than trying to hold onto them, you may all end up getting injured.
Heat warning
Around this time, it can be getting warm.
· Do not forget to carry water.
· Ensure you put a sunshade up in your vehicle for all your comfort when you return to the vehicle.
· As always, do not leave any animal in an unattended vehicle, they are at risk of heat and theft.
Further information
· Any areas that have sheep is highly likely to have ticks.
· Adders may occasionally be hiding in the undergrowth.
· Beware of bee and wasp stings.
· If you are in doubt, keep them on the lead.
· If you have any incident with your dogs, however small, inform your team leader.
· Pass on your knowledge and ensure others are aware that sheep worrying is a very serious issue.
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