A walk with your dog on a bright spring day can be energising after the long, dark, winter months. Although we escaped winter quite lightly it’s still uplifting to see the days lengthening and the Daffodils in bloom.
If you encounter livestock on your walk it’s important to remember that after being kept indoors over the winter, they can be excitable and inquisitive when first let out to graze. For dog owners and farmers alike safety is a priority and you must keep your dog under control at all times.
Here’s our top tips for walking safely where animals are grazing
- Always keep your dog under close control and on a lead where livestock is present.
- Don‘t allow your dog to bark at or chase livestock.
- When approaching grazing animals talk out loud so that they are aware of your presence – this way you are less likely to startle them. Once you reach them, walk quietly past and praise your dog for ignoring them.
- Avoid lingering between mothers and their offspring, even a cuddly looking sheep can become defensive of her lamb if she feels threatened.
- Always keep your eyes peeled for potential dangers, try to find an alternative route around the livestock especially if your dog is elderly or slow.
- Consider attending Obedience on Walks classes so that you can train your dog to be well behaved and reliable in order to have an enjoyable walk.
- Remember, people have been killed by cattle, keep yourself safe and your dog under close control at all times.
