Dear Fellow Dog Owners & Dog Lovers,
First of all, I’d like to point out, I’m not a perfect dog owner. I don’t get things right all the time. My dogs don’t always behave and I certainly don’t know it all (!) but despite all of this, something happened yesterday which frustrated me so much, I had to write this.
One of the greatest experiences we have as dog owners, is the ability to enjoy adventures with our dogs during dog walks. There are so many opportunities in the UK to take our dogs with us wherever we go. This trend looks set to continue and we are so lucky! Experiencing the great outdoors and the wonders of nature is not only good for our dogs and their well-being, but our own as well.
During one of our favourite walks, we stumbled upon a new area we’d never seen before. It was a nature reserve. So picturesque. So quiet. Beautiful. When we approached, I actually assumed dogs wouldn’t be allowed, so I was thrilled to see a sign showing dogs were allowed (but on a lead).
The rules!
The moment we entered, I could see why leads were needed; multiple rabbit warrens with young bunnies hopping in and out, along with a large variety of wild birds. It was magical. As we continued walking, I spotted a large pond and as we edged closer, I saw something breathtaking! The pond was literally brimming with tadpoles!! There must have been thousands, if not more! I truly have never experienced something so incredible during a dog walk.
My happiness soon turned to complete horror though, as barrelling towards me were two dogs (not on leads) and where were they heading?! Straight for the water! Yes, dogs often want to use their instincts, chase rabbits and jump in open water, but this was certainly not the time, nor the place. We were in a nature reserve! We were in their area. This was their haven and we were privileged to be experiencing it.
Despite warning three times about the tadpoles, the owner completely disregarded us, allowing the dogs to plough through the water and straight over all the tadpoles. I was absolutely incensed. The attitude from the dog owner? “Well, they’re only tadpoles…”
In this moment, I have never been so disappointed in a fellow dog owner (and I can truly see why so many non-dog owners detest us). There was no regard for the pond or area we were in. The arrogance was staggering. Whether you’re a lover of nature or not, if you’re taking your dogs to a nature reserve (the clue is in the title) or anywhere else with rules, you should adhere to them. If you don’t like the rules, there are plenty of other places without. It is our responsibility as dog owners to respect the areas we’re walking in.
Millie is wearing a lead
The actions of some dog owners lead to consequences for us all. If we keep abusing privileges during dog walks (and I believe access to a nature reserve with your dog is a privilege) these opportunities won’t exist. The restrictions now in place for dogs across many beaches during the summer is a clear example of how the actions of a few, lead to implications for us all. Let’s not abuse the opportunities given to us. Let’s appreciate the nature around us and respect the areas we walk in during our dog walks. The UK has never been so dog friendly, let’s not give people a reason to question it…
What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below…
Sarah, Ted & Millie xxx
Perfectly said! And perfect timing to for Spring, I find it amazing how many dogs we see off lead when there is a sign plainly asking for dogs to be kept on leads. Especially in nature parks and particularly around sheep!
Thanks Ruth & Ember!! I know, it completely shocks me sometimes (and you’re quite right about sheep too). People don’t seem to learn and it’s ultimately the dogs who pay the price. Thankfully amongst the handful of irresponsible owners, there are even more good ones. Phew!! Thanks for taking the time to comment xxx
Hi I am so with you on this. Close to where I live we have lots of lovely walks and some of them let dog owners walk dogs but as it states on leads only. I was so upset to see a man with two largish dogs running free , only a few yards away from young rabbits and lambs. I politely asked the man why he thought it was ok to have his dogs off the lead ,his reply was less then polite . As you said we may not be perfect dog owners but we obey the rules as they are there for a reason. All we can do is say hopefully the majority of dog parents are nice people and obey .
Hi Alyson! Wow, that’s so frustrating to hear (especially with his response to you). The arrogance amongst some dog owners completely astounds me sometimes. I agree, hopefully the majority are good (just a shame some of the bad ones have to spoil some of the opportunities for the rest of us). Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Big hugs to you and Charlie xxx
Succinctly put and I agree completely. Over the years I have often seen examples of folk having complete disregard for nature and if anything I think it is getting worse. Hope you can get this letter in the papers to raise awareness. xxx.
Thank you so much, Sal & Maya! It’s so sad to hear others experiencing such ignorance and arrogance from other dog owners too. Think you may be right about it increasing (which is such a shame, especially when dogs are finally being fully accepted into so many areas in terms of walks, shops, hotels etc). It will only take a few to ruin the experience for others. Hopefully this may help spread awareness and demonstrate not all dog owners take such beauty for granted. Thanks for your comment xxx
We live in a lovely village with lots of sheep and great walks for dogs but dog owners csn be so inconsiderate At times letting them run free to scare the sheep ,just keep them on a lead please and you will all enjoy yoir walk
Thanks so much for commenting, Karen! I agree, if dog owners just adhered to the rules and used their common sense when it comes to certain things like sheep, then there would be no issues. It’s so frustrating how a few can lead to consequences for so many others. Thank you for taking the time to read the blog post and commenting too, it really is appreciated xx
Absolutely spot on! It is deeply frustrating to find others abusing the countryside while you yourself are observing rules regarding on lead, picking up etc. If only some people would realise that countryside rules are the best form of environmental protection – for nature, humans, and our pets!
Thank you very much for reading and commenting. I completely agree with you. The rules are in place for a reason (they’re not just there for the sake of it). If everyone adhered to them, then everyone will be able to continue enjoying them. If we abuse these areas, this privilege will either be taken away or simply won’t exist any more. Hopefully the power of good will overrule the bad! xx
I agree! We are in danger of losing our local parks too. If all dog owners don’t start cleaning up after their dogs we will be pushed out from using our local facilities – let alone nature reserves etc.
You make such a great point!! These local parks will be the next to go if we’re not careful (and I can completely appreciate the reason why). In fact, I’m actually going to be writing another blog post on the topic of picking up after your dog soon too). Shame some out there need reminding of the privilege we’ve been given to walk our dogs in so many amazing places. Thanks ever so much for taking the time to read the blog post and comment too xx
We all totally agree with you! We have been to many places where some dog owners disregard the rules. People are often very selfish! It’s a shame as others do a lot to protect places like this. The tadpoles look amazing! Hopefully one day people will learn…
Thanks so much Oliver, Jacob & Bruno! You’re so right; there are many people who dedicate so much time and effort into maintaining special areas like this and it’s so frustrating to see the arrogance of some dog owners who don’t seem to appreciate or even acknowledge it. As you say, hopefully people will start to learn (fingers / paws crossed!) The tadpoles were absolutely incredible!! Really hope you spot some soon too. Thank you for taking time to read and comment on this – it means a lot xx
Well said!! Couldn’t agree with you more. I moved to the UK from the US 5 years ago and the dog friendliness here is amazing. Not something I ever saw in the states. I have 2 giant breed dogs which I always walk on lead as most people are Leary of them. Hopefully the ignorance of some won’t eventually ruin it for all
Thank you very much, Robin! Amazing to hear how the dog friendliness is so much better here – hopefully it will continue to stay that way if more dog owners respect and appreciate the areas we have here. Sounds like your two are having a great time exploring some of the great sites around the UK. Love it!! Thank you for reading the post and commenting too, I really appreciate it xx
Great post! I live near a lot of hiking and nature preserves and it is a constant source of frustration with other animal owners. I try desperately to keep my dogs from hunting animals in my own wooded backyard, the same goes anywhere else.
Thank you for reading this post and for commenting, Heather. It really is appreciated. I can imagine what a source of frustration it can be. I came away from the situation so angry and I’ve only seen this once (so far) and almost dread going back there now as I don’t want to see it again. It’s so sad to lose faith in fellow dog owners but thankfully there are many good ones amongst the bad. Continue enjoying all your walks with your dogs xxx
Well said! It’s worrying to think that such privileges could be taken away from the rule-obeying majority by an inconsiderate minority. (Margaret & Missie)
Thanks ever so much, Margaret & Missie! It really is worrying. The UK has never been friendlier towards dogs and I’d hate for it to start diminishing because of the actions of a few. Hopefully it won’t happen. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. I really appreciate the support xxx
Thank you for addressing this issue Sarah. We too are very passionate about our countryside and, sadly see irresponsible dog ownership daily. The key is always education. Running a professional pet care & dog walking company we adhere to our own strict code of conduct, as well as ones under licensing. It’s just a shame that these guidelines can not be expanded to include EVERY dog owner. Rules are difficult to enforce and, policing is tricky on limited budgets and resources but, we can all make a difference if we try to educate those who we CAN have an influence on. Keep up the positive message! Zita Wells, http://www.petpatrol365.co.uk.
Thank you so much, Zita! It’s such a shame the message still needs to be delivered but from seeing the reaction to this post, it needs to be. It’s so sad. As you say, you must see such things so regularly with your job and education is definitely key. Some people may not even recognise what they’re doing is wrong. Hopefully pieces like this and open discussion can help change this though. Thank you for reading and commenting, I really appreciate the support. Keep up your great work too! xxx
I so agree with your post.Where I live we cannot walk dogs on any of the beaches from 1stMay till end of September.It would be so sad to have a ban in parks,woods,nature reserves as well.
Thank you, Norma. It’s so sad to hear you’re one of those who is unable to access your local beach during certain times of the year. It is so frustrating people like yourself are being penalised for the actions of a few. Hopefully in time, this will be revoked, although from seeing the number of reactions to this post here and across social media, sadly I think there needs to be a big change in the perception of some dog owners, as so many people are having negative experiences too. As you say, it would be so sad to see other places become inaccessible. Thank you for reading and commenting with your thoughts, it is great to hear from you xx
I absolutely agree with you. Unfortunately some dog owners arrogance, selfishness and disregard for rules in certain areas and general abuse of our wildlife and the countryside may very well spoil it in the future for the majority of us who are grateful to walk with our dogs in such beautiful and special areas. I do hope your letter reaches those who really need to read it and gets them to think for a moment, although sadly I’m not sure that those people would even recognise they have done anything wrong in the first place.
Well said, Sam!! It’s such a shame so many people act in this negative way. I do think you’re right, as some people wouldn’t even be aware they’ve done something wrong. They don’t consider it to be an issue – and that’s quite a challenge to change that kind of mindset. Hopefully the more the rest of us do challenge it though, the more they’ll have to recognise it (hopefully!!) Thank you very much for taking the time to read the blog and for commenting too – I really do appreciate it xx
I agree, it’s such a shame there are a few dog owners who let us all down.
Thank you very much for reading & commenting, Cheryl. It really is such a shame but thankfully there are many good ones amongst us all, phew!! Hope you enjoy some amazing walks with your dog too xx
Your posting is totally correct and I am disgusted with owners who think the rules do not apply to them. However, I would also suggest that the land owners who permit dog walking on leads could help by vastly increasing the size of the signage and also provide a deterrent warning that any owners who flout the rules will be banned from the land. How they achieve that is another matter, I admit, and needs serious consideration.
Thank you so much for your comment, Alan. You make some really great points. Perhaps in areas where rules are regularly ignored, additional signage and consequences would be a good idea. I think if other dog owners realised their walking routes were at risk by those fluting the rules, those who abide by the rules would probably make more of a fuss about those who don’t and would essentially end up ensuring rules were being adhered to. Food for thought! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, it really is appreciated xx
I’m sorry you had such a negative experience with dogs off the lead, but I must plead the case for responsible dog owners who have their dogs off the lead and well under control, my faithful hound is very rarely on the lead but you would never find him behaving like that, he is under voice control and very well behaved I consider it a privilege to be able to walk with him and would be devastated for such a mutual pleasure to be taken away from us please don’t tar us all with the same brush some of us do care!
Thanks so much for commenting, Collette. I completely agree with you, there are thankfully so many great dog owners amongst us and I was talking from my own personal experience. There is certainly a time and place for dogs to be on lead but likewise if people don’t like that, there are many opportunities for well behaved dogs to be off lead elsewhere too. We are extremely lucky here in the UK to have so many options for us and our dogs. Thank you for taking the time to read the post and comment xx
Agreed – my hounds are used to going to places to have a good old stretch of their legs so I very rarely take them to places that require them on lead (unless they have had a good old run before hand). That’s a choice I make!
Completely agree. We are outraged by the response, “only tadpoles”. Shows a complete and very sad disregard for the importance and beauty of nature reserves and local biodiversity.
Totally agree with your post! Nature reserves are a haven for wildlife. To protect them, dog owners should keep their pets on a lead or under close control at all times.
I love these tadpoles … thank you for the sweet video & this very very true open letter. xxx