TES Ramblers dog policy

TES Ramblers are dog friendly but there are occasions when some walks are unsuitable for dogs so walk leaders are to consider the environment, obstacles, weather and walker numbers.

New dog walkers joining a walk should be asked to read and follow the countryside code and How to enjoy great dog walks responsibly.

Always keep dogs under control and in sight.

Dogs should be on short leads or trained to walk to heal on most walks.

They should be on short leads at all times where:

• livestock, horses, other animals are present in fields
• notices ask for dogs on leads

If attacked by cattle, let dogs off their leads.

Between 1 March and 31 July, dogs must be on a lead on Open Access land, even if there is no livestock on the land. This is a legal requirement.

The walk leader may also ask for dogs to be put on leads:

• If a large number of walkers are passing through narrow paths
• on slippery sections of the route
• when approaching access to fields
• when there are a large number of walkers on the walk, and
• when walking in single file is required

The walk leader may on occasion ask for dog walkers to be at the back of the group.  This may be because other walkers are anxious around dogs or children are walking with the group.

Dogs may go off lead if it is not a legal requirement for dogs to be on leads and the leader permits it. ONLY dogs with excellent recall may go off lead.

Occasionally a walk leader may decide dogs are not permitted on the walk.  This could be because of:

• styles on the route are not accessible for some dogs (ie large dogs),
• The weather is forecast to be above 25C.

We do not permit aggressive dogs on walks.

Dog owners must carry poo bags and always pick up poo and either dispose in a bin if we pass one or take it home for disposal.