Dogs in the Countryside

With the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and the increase in visitor numbers into the country parks, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB was able to run it’s ‘Take the Lead’ campaign over the half term week at Moel Famau. The campaign encourages responsible dog walking in the countryside, by keeping dogs on leads around livestock and cleaning up all dog poo and taking it home if no bins are available.

The campaign emphasises that not only is it important to keep dogs on lead around livestock to prevent grazing animals being attacked, but there could also be ground nesting birds around, it’s important these birds are not disturbed, especially during the spring and summer months. Leaving your dog’s poo in a field where livestock graze can spread disease that can harm the animals. Bagged poo left hanging on trees or in a field are not only unsightly but also poses a risk to wildlife and grazing animals who can consume the plastic or get caught up in it.

The campaign has proven to be successful over the years, with this year being exceptionally important due to many puppies bought during lockdown being introduced to the countryside for the first time. The country park is a large open area of heathland, over 2000 acres with grazing sheep, lots of wildlife and other visitors. Many dogs are calm and focused when walking their usual local walk, however they can become distracted and behave differently when in a new environment where their sense of smell and chase instinct are easily stimulated. Although most dogs are not kept as pets, all dogs were originally bred to do a specific job and as such still have instinctive behaviour traits, their chasing and hunting instincts can still be present.

Staff were on site to promote the dogs on lead campaign meeting many visiting dog owners and offered free dog poo bags and leads to ensure all dogs were being walked responsibly in an area where livestock and ground nesting birds are present. As well as promoting responsible dog walking around livestock, staff were able to advise dog walkers about planning ahead before setting out on walks, being aware of heatstroke in dogs, offering information on different walk and other safety tips that they should be aware of, including checking dogs for ticks - owners should check for pea sized parasites when grooming after walking through heathland and grassy areas. Staff spoke to many new dog owners who had brought a puppy during the lockdown period, they were interested and thankful for the advice and freebies!