With all this hot weather, more and more people will take their dogs for walks in cool shady, woody areas.
The Woodland Trust have put together some tips for walking in woodlands and staying safe.
- Keep your Dog insight – Woods are really exciting places for dogs, and they can cover many acres of land. Because they are exciting and contain good smells, dogs can often get carried away. You must make sure it is in sight at all times and doesn’t wander off too far
- Know your route – Try and stick to the paths where possible and also make a note so you can find your way back to the entrance easily.
- Never wear headphones – Whilst out walking your dog, make sure you are not wearing headphones so that you remain alert at all times to where your dog is, what is happening around you etc.
- Be aware of wildlife- Dogs can disturb wildlife such as nesting birds and cattle. Be aware of wildlife and don’t disturb their personal space. Woodland Trust signpost any sites that are of specific wildlife interest. Here in the UK, we are lucky and do not have many poisonous animals but still be aware of the ones we have, such as Adders
- Never let your dog chase wildlife or farm animals; it causes severe injuries, and your dog could become lost, hit by a car or shot.
- Leave the woods as you find them – This includes closing gates behind you and taking litter and dog mess home with you. This helps to keep woodlands secure and safe for other dog walkers to enjoy
When out with your dog, whether it be in the woods or in a local park. Make sure you have a mobile phone with you in case of emergencies and make sure your pet’s name tag is up to date with the phone number (and the microchip) so that should he stray, you can quickly be reunited. (See The Importance of keeping your details up to date)
Hopefully, the above simple but very easy-to-follow points will help keep both you and your dog safe and allow others to enjoy the woods etc. for many years to come
One of my favourite local woodlands is Coldfall woods. If you see me come and say hello