Dog Walkers

From GPG

There are around 6 million dogs in the United Kingdom, and about a third of all people out for a walk have a dog with them. Dog walkers form a large proportion of users of public rights of way.

Dog walkers can be very supportive, responsible visitors, with a keen long-term interest in conserving the areas they value. Conversely, low levels of access provision and predominantly negative, restrictive management can lead to conflict and alienation.

Why people walk dogs

Because dog walking is such a traditional activity in Britain, the benefits to society can often be overlooked. Acknowledging both the positive and negative aspects of dog walking is the key to successful access management.

Walking a dog helps people:

• Have healthier lifestyles and reduce stress through taking regular walks, even on the dullest of days.
• Feel more confident when out for a walk, or feel less conspicuous when out alone.
• Prevent social isolation by acting as an icebreaker for contact with others.
• Overcome disabilities through the 5,000 assistance dogs that help with visual impairments, deafness, epilepsy and diabetes. Many of these people will not have a mobility impairment, and so need to be considered in all countryside areas through the adoption of a 'least restrictive approach' to management and infrastructure.

Ways to engage with dog owners:

• Speak to them face to face and find out their issues; approaching them with your own friendly dog can help break down initial barriers.
• Recognise that dog walkers too want a relaxing time without conflict.
• Accept that many dog owners will want somewhere their dog can be safely off the lead; consider management that lets this happen away from sensitive areas.
• If conflict does occur, ask people what is happening and why. Look for positive solutions that make all interests feel welcome and accommodated somewhere.
• The principles in the Forestry Commission/Kennel Club concordat further illustrate the way towards a mutually-beneficial approach to managing access.

(notes taken from the CMA dog guidance note produced by Stephen Jenkinson.)

The Countryside Agency & Kennel Club produced a leaflet - "You and your dog in the countryside" (CA205) which is designed for dog owners. Copies can be obtained from Natural England or downloaded.

The UK's approximate 15 million dog owners are the focus of a report launched by the Kennel Club, Hampshire County Council and the Countryside Agency.

A research contract was established with the University of Portsmouth and a steering group was formed chaired by a member of the Hampshire Countryside Access Forum. The research study was designed to examine the psychological factors underlying the behaviour of people walking with dogs. Data was collected from dog walkers who participated in focus group meetings, where they were encouraged to rationalise their attitudes toward dogs and their behaviour when walking with dogs. A group of site managers also met to discuss dog walkers who visited their sites.

See the report, see Natural England website.