skip to main content
SOAC Logo

Dog campaign resources

A significant number of people keep fit by walking a dog, with dog ownership in Scotland totalling around 893,000. 1/3 of all hill-walking trips are with a dog. Over half the trips with dogs are to wildlife areas.

We have tried to create SOAC campaign approaches that target dog owners in appropriate ways. Some of these resources are available below. The Dog posters are now available as editable downloads so that you can add your own local info or messages?

 

Key messages for campaign 2011

These are the relevant GENERAL messages from the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. 

  • GROUND-NESTING BIRDS: During the breeding season (April - July) keep your dog on a short lead or under close control in areas such as moorland, grasslands, loch shores and the seashore to avoid disturbing birds that nest on the ground.
  • FARM ANIMALS: Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals. Don't take your dog into fields with young farm animals.
  • SAFETY AROUND CATTLE: Cattle can act aggressively. Keep yourself and your dog at a safe distance and if necessary let your dog go so that you can both seek safety.
  • PLANTED FIELDS: Don't take your dog into fruit and vegetable fields unless there is a clear path.
  • PUBLIC PLACES: Keep your dog under close control and avoid causing concern to others, especially those who fear dogs.
  • DOG WASTE: Pick up and dispose of carefully.

Dog materials

  • Dog Owners' Leaflet.  PDF document     This describes your main responsibilities as a dog owner and advises on what proper control is in everyday situations so that you and your dog can enjoy the outdoors along with others. Enjoy your walk!
  • Dog owner passport These credit-card sized information allows key information on dog and access messages. There is a choice of 3 versions which include different messages regarding conservation  PDF document , land management  PDF document   and enjoying the outdoors  PDF document . These are to be used as a friendly means to strike up communication with walkers to remind them of their responsibilities.
  • Dog signage  PDF document For use at an event, you can hire out the use of our 'smelly' sheep sign. Or, why not create your own bespoke signage for dog owner events. This artwork was used throughout Cairngorms National Park.
  • Daftie poster  PDF document   This poster aims to raise awareness about the dangers of cattle who can react aggressively.
  • Dotty poster  PDF document To be used for advertising events or adding local information or advice this poster also raises awareness of the five key messages about disturbance to livestock, nesting birds, dangers of cattle, avoiding planted fields and contamination of growing crops and the importance of picking up dog waste.
  • Loopy poster  PDF document This poster aims to raise awareness about never allowing your dog worry or attack farm animals and keeping your dog on a short lead or under close control in fields where there are sheep.
  • Dotty poster A4 landscape editable  PDF document
  • Dotty poster A4 portrait editable  PDF document
  • Dotty poster A3 landscape editable  PDF document
  • Dotty poster A3 portrait editable  PDF document

For further information on our campaign targeting Dog Owners, please contact ashleigh.tooth@snh.gov.uk or call telephone 01463 725215.