The Countryside Code with Dogs: A Practical Guide

Sheep grazing in a green field in the British countryside

Walking a dog through fields, woods and hills is one of the great pleasures of country life. For the dog, it is the best part of the day. But the countryside is also a working landscape, full of farm animals, crops, wildlife and other people enjoying it too. A few simple rules keep it a pleasure for everyone, and keep your dog safe.

This guide summarises what the Countryside Code means for dog walkers in England, explains the types of path you may walk on, and covers livestock, cattle, ground-nesting birds, clearing up and seasonal hazards. Rules differ slightly in Wales and Scotland, and local restrictions always apply, so follow any signs you see.

What is the Countryside Code?

The Countryside Code is official guidance for anyone enjoying the countryside in England and Wales. It was refreshed in 2021 and is built around three simple ideas: respect everyone, protect the environment and enjoy the outdoors. Much of it applies directly to dog walkers.

Understanding rights of way

In England and Wales, you have a legal right to walk on public rights of way, even when they cross private land. Look for coloured waymark arrows on gates, stiles and posts:

Yellow arrow: public footpath. For walkers only.
Blue arrow: public bridleway. For walkers, horse riders and cyclists.
Purple arrow: restricted byway. Open to walkers, riders, cyclists and horse-drawn vehicles.
Red arrow: byway open to all traffic. Can also be used by motor vehicles.

You also have the right to roam on designated open access land, such as mountains, moorland, heath, downland and registered common land, marked on Ordnance Survey maps. Special rules apply to dogs on access land, explained below.

Keep your dog under effective control

The most important rule of all. Your dog must always be under effective control. That means either:

on a lead, or
within sight, and reliably returning to you straight away when called.

If you are not completely confident of your dog's recall, especially with distractions like rabbits, deer or other dogs, keep it on a lead.

Dogs and livestock

Always put your dog on a lead around farm animals, even if it ignores them at home. Every year, dogs injure and kill sheep, often dogs that have never chased anything before. Even a playful chase can cause serious harm: frightened sheep can be injured, and pregnant ewes can lose their lambs from stress alone.

Allowing a dog to worry livestock is a criminal offence, and farmers may be legally entitled to take action to protect their animals. Owners can also be held liable for any harm caused. Lambing season, broadly from late winter into spring, is a particularly sensitive time.

If cattle chase you

Cows are curious and can be protective, especially of young calves. They are much more likely to react to a dog than to a person.

Keep your dog on a short lead and walk calmly along the edge of the field.
Avoid walking between cows and their calves.
If cattle chase you, let go of the lead. Your dog can outrun them, and so can you, without being dragged towards the herd.
Leave the field by the safest, quickest route, and don't run unless you have to.

Ground-nesting birds

Birds such as skylarks, lapwings and curlews nest on the ground, where they are easily disturbed by dogs. On open access land in England, dogs must be on a lead no longer than 2 metres between 1 March and 31 July, to protect nesting birds. Dogs must also be on a lead near livestock on access land at any time of year. Some areas have additional restrictions, and some moorland areas may exclude dogs altogether, so look out for local signs.

Gates, fields and paths

Leave gates as you find them, open or closed. A gate left open can let livestock onto a road.
Use gates and stiles rather than climbing walls, fences and hedges.
Stick to the path, especially across fields of crops.
Lift small dogs over stiles, or use the dog gates often fitted beside them.

Clear up after your dog

Dog mess is unpleasant for other walkers, and it can spread diseases to cattle and sheep. Always bag it and bin it. You can use any public litter bin. Never leave bags hanging on branches or fences, or tucked behind walls for later.

A dedicated walking bag makes this much easier. Our Mini Dog Walking Bag has a built-in poo bag dispenser, zipped pockets for keys and treats and a wipeable lining.

Be considerate of others

Call your dog back when you see other walkers, riders, cyclists or dogs.
Not everyone likes dogs, and some people are frightened of them. Keep your dog close when passing.
Put your dog on a lead near horses, and give riders plenty of room.
Keep dogs out of picnics and away from children.

Collars, tags and microchips

In the UK, a dog in a public place must wear a collar with an ID tag showing the owner's name and address. In England, dogs must also be microchipped, with up-to-date details registered. A sturdy collar, such as the Lincoln tweed and leather collar, holds a tag securely. For choosing the right kit, read how to choose a dog lead and collar.

A good lead

A strong lead with a comfortable handle and a reliable clip makes control easier in a busy field. Our Lincoln and Balmoral leads are 110cm, with a secure snap hook, designed in Great Britain.

Seasonal hazards for dogs

Spring

Lambing season and nesting birds. Keep dogs on leads around fields and on open access land.

Summer

Heat and dehydration. Walk early or late, carry water, and watch for blue-green algae on lakes and ponds in warm weather, which can be extremely dangerous to dogs. Keep them out of water that looks scummy or discoloured.

Autumn

Acorns and conkers are toxic to dogs if eaten. Fallen fruit can ferment. Shorter days mean walking in the dark, so make your dog visible with a light or reflective collar.

Winter

Grit and salt on roads can irritate paws, so wipe them after walks. Ice on ponds and lakes is dangerous; never let a dog run onto it. Thin-coated dogs may need a coat. Read does my dog need a coat?

All year

Ticks are found in long grass and woodland. Check your dog after walks, particularly around the head, ears and legs, and ask your vet about tick prevention.