Top Tips for Dog Safety on Rural Walks

Good recall can be a life saver

1. Train for a Reliable Recall
   A strong recall is essential when walking off-lead. Even the most well-behaved dog can be distracted by deer or other animals. Begin recall training at home and gradually introduce distractions. Reward your dog every time they return, making it a positive experience​​. Before taking dogs out for their first walk at a house sit, this is one of the first exercises I try with them. I’ll do this with dogs I’ve just been introduced to and with dogs I’ve sat previously. 
2. Keep Your Dog on a Lead in Sensitive Areas
   Many rural walks traverse livestock fields or wildlife reserves. A lead isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a safety measure. Sheep worrying, for instance, is a serious offence and can endanger your dog. Look for signs indicating lead zones and always follow the Countryside Code​​. There are very few dogs I’ll let off leash when I’m house sitting. Those few that I do trust off leash, go straight back on the leash in public spaces, on any space I might encounter other walkers and their dogs, or where there’s a lot of prey animals about, such as deer or newly released pheasants. 
3. Be Mindful of Wildlife
   From nesting birds to hedgehogs, wildlife is abundant in some rural areas and is especially vulnerable in Spring. Dogs’ are both curious and prey driven which will lead them into trouble if they chase or harm local fauna - you may have seen the video of Fenton chasing deer in Richmond Park and most of us probably had a good chuckle about it. Did you know that in a similar incident in 2021, a 10 year boy was trampled and injured by a herd of deer fleeing another off-leash dog in Bushy Park? During the first lockdown in 2020, I was delighted to discover a Mandarin hen with two ducklings on an isolated stretch of the Kennet and Avon Canal outside Great Bedwyn. Sadly, the ducklings were killed just a few days later by an off-leash Labrador. 
4. Protect Against Parasites
   Ticks, fleas, and other parasites are more prevalent in rural settings and especially in the warmer months. Check your dogs thoroughly after each walk, particularly around the ears, belly, and paws. Ensure you have a tick removal device in your pet first aid kit and speak to your vet about preventative treatments to keep your dogs protected​. 
5. Carry a Basic First Aid Kit
   A portable first aid kit is invaluable for treating minor injuries like cuts or scrapes. Include antiseptic wipes, bandages, and tweezers for removing ticks. Knowing basic pet first aid can make all the difference in an emergency​.
6. Stay Hydrated and Weather-Wise
   Carry water for both you and your dog, especially in warmer months. Avoid walking during peak heat, as dogs are susceptible to heatstroke. In winter, consider protective gear for your dog, such as a coat for short-haired breeds​​.
7. Watch Out for Toxic Plants and Substances
   The countryside is home to several plants harmful to dogs, such as foxgloves and yew. Keep an eye on what your dog is sniffing or chewing. Similarly, stagnant water can harbour harmful bacteria like leptospirosis​.

I'm a good boy (most of the time). It's the one time he's not when all the drama begins!