Dog guardians | Leash And Release

Information for dog lovers & their guardians.

If you own a dog, look after a dog, or are a professional in the industry, this sections for you!

We are a nation of animal lovers, especially dogs, but as a nation what we don't love is when things go wrong or animals get hurt.

This section of the website's aim is to provide you with some guidance on what to do when walking with a dog, and give you some useful resources.

Leash/close call when going around corners or paths with a limited view.
Don't allow your dog to wander off out of view, or leave your dog sniffing something and lose sight of them.
Ensure you have a solid recall.
Even when horses or other animals are in the distance, they are still in the presence of your dog, keep it on a lead until they are gone or you have passed.
Be aware of your surroundings, especially when on a bridleway or walking through what looks like an empty field.
Listen out for riders, look for fresh hoof prints as clues.
If you encounter a horse: communicate with the rider, recall your dog, pop it's lead on, give as much distance between you and the horse as possible, keep the dog interested in you. Please don't hide behind trees or in bushes!
Know your route! Are you walking on a bridleway? On a footpath through farmland? What animals are you likely to encounter and how will your dog react?
Your dog might be friendly, but another persons dog may not be. Their dog may be leashed for a many number of reasons. Please respect their space and don't allow your dog to approach.
Your dog may be your best friend, but they aren't everyone's.

Walking your dog in areas also accessible to horses.

Where horses can go: Roads, Bridleways, Byways, Common lands, forests, and some permissive footpaths (i.e. privately owned woodland with public access, where permits are given to riders). You will occasionally see a horse rider using footpaths, although they shouldn't, most will have a reason as to why i.e. a tree has fallen across the bridleway, they must make every attempt to re-join it at the nearest opportunity. Some pathways also have historic usage.

Where dogs can go: Everywhere but private land.

You are likely to encounter a horse at some point during your dogs life, so taking the above precautions will hopefully keep your dog, the rider, the horse and the wider community safer.

We've all seen those videos, a dog bolting into the distance, completely focused on something it’s spotted which could be wildlife, livestock, a horse, or another dog. It might seem harmless or even funny at first, but the reality can quickly turn serious. Before letting your dog off lead, take a moment to look around and assess your surroundings. That split-second decision could lead to a situation that's out of your control. In the heat of the chase, when recall fails and your dog disappears from sight, you may have no idea where they’ve gone or what they’re chasing. In those moments, your dog could become lost, run onto a road, get injured, or unintentionally cause harm or distress to other animals or people. Being a responsible owner means thinking ahead. Off-lead freedom should always be safe for your dog, for others, and for the environment around you.

Think before you release!

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Communication

Communication with horse riders helps keep everyone safe, including your dog.

If you're approaching a rider and you know your dog might bark, get excited, or is unsure around horses, don’t panic. Simply speak up. Let the rider know what to expect so they can prepare their horse accordingly. We would rather know! A simple "He may bark" is all we need, as long as your dog is at a safe distance and on a lead.

If your dog has never seen a horse before, it can be incredibly helpful to ask the rider if they’re happy to stop for a moment. A calm, brief introduction allows your dog to observe and understand this “giant dog with a human on its back.” It can make all the difference in building your dog’s confidence and avoiding fear-based reactions.

Even though many horses are used to dogs, not all are comfortable around them. Some may have had frightening past experiences or could be young.

It's important to remember that horses are prey animals, they don't have the best vision, have blind spots, incredibly sensitive hearing, and a natural flight instinct. A barking or fast-approaching dog can startle them.

A panicked horse can be dangerous. Weighing averagely between 400–600kg, with large hooves, and sometimes metal shoes, even a single kick can seriously injure or kill a dog. It’s not worth the risk. Don't let your dog approach!

Likewise, dogs may perceive horses as prey, a threat, or something unknown and alarming. That confusion or curiosity can turn into reactive behaviour, creating a dangerous situation for everyone involved.

It’s our responsibility as owners to keep both animals and ourselves safe. A simple conversation, a little awareness, and mutual respect go a long way.

Livestock and semi-wild/feral animals

When walking your dog in the countryside, it’s essential to follow the Countryside Code to protect both wildlife and livestock.

Always keep your dog on a short lead around farm animals, including cattle, sheep, horses, or ponies — especially if they are semi-wild or feral, such as those found on commons or moorland. These animals can be unpredictable, particularly if they feel threatened or are protecting young. Never allow your dog to chase or bark at them.
If you're approached by cattle and feel at risk, it’s safer to let your dog off the lead so you can both get away calmly. Your dog can outrun danger, but you may not be able to while holding on.
Always stick to marked paths, close gates behind you, and respect signage warning of grazing animals.
Being alert, prepared, and respectful helps keep your dog safe, avoids distress to animals, and supports responsible access to shared spaces.

Walking your dog near or past fields & paddocks.

Please keep your dog on a lead near fields with animals. When walking through public areas near fields or paddocks containing horses or other animals, always keep your dog on a lead. Even the most well-behaved dogs can become suddenly curious, and if off-leash, they could enter the field and reach the animals before you can react. Sadly, many animals suffer devastating injuries each year due to unexpected dog attacks while in the safety of their own homes. Your caution helps protect them.