Dogs and dog walking

We hope you heard our recent radio campaign featuring Jess the dog who we've enlisted to help keep our dogs' reputations intact!

We want you and your dog to enjoy your walk but we ask that you follow a few simple rules to help yourself and others fully benefit from access rights.  Access rights apply to you if you're walking your dog(s) provided they are kept under proper control.

Spring is the main season where your dog must be properly controlled to protect young farm animals and ground-nesting birds (over half of Scotland's birds nest on the ground).

At this time of year your main responsibilities are:

• LAMBS: Don't take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals.
• FARM ANIMALS: Never let your dog worry or attack 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.
• GROUND NESTING BIRDS: During the bird breeding season (usually April to July) keep your dog under close control or on a short lead in areas such as moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the sea shore.
• PLANTED FIELDS: Don't take your dog into fruit and vegetable fields unless there is a clear path, and keep your dog to the 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.  Read our briefing note  to discover how dangerous dog waste is to people and livestock.

For further information on what the Code means for you and your dog please download the owners' advice leaflet  , or contact recreationandaccess@snh.gov.uk for any queries.

If you missed the radio adverts, then listen here:

Pick up after your dog radio advert - countryside setting  

Pick up after your dog radio advert - park setting