Stephen Jenkinson is the man who knows where, when and how to enjoy a walk in the countryside safely.

There's nothing quite like enjoying the fresh countryside air with your dog - whether he's running around chasing his toys or sauntering by your side down a well-worn path. However, knowing what rights and responsibilities you have as a dog walker can be confusing, with one wrong turn potentially leading to problems.

This is where Stephen Jenkinson, access adviser for The Kennel Club, comes in. Stephen's unique position means he can help local authorities and land managers who support access for dog walkers. He explained: "Us dog owners should be prepared to adapt what we do out of respect for other people but we should also be able to expect that local authorities will respect how much dogs offer to society.

There's a place for all dog walkers

"In order for people to be able to teach good recall and provide their dogs with stimulating exercise it's vital to have areas where they are allowed off the lead. Dogs motivate their owners to get out and exercise as well as making them feel safe when out walking alone. So, I say let's promote the good things about dogs!

"Regarding access, there's a whole range of different rules that apply in different places and, generally, local authorities and landowners are very good at telling us what we can't do but are a bit more reluctant to tell us what we can do.

"People's expectations about where they can go are quite low because the message surrounding access is often negative. For instance, how often do you see signs that read 'Thank you for keeping your dog on a lead' or telling you where the nearest vet is?

"There are also a lot of myths about access - some authorities are open and honest about your rights but others tend to impose too many restrictions and give misleading messages. Some think that saying 'On lead everywhere' makes things easier to understand but that's like making the speed limit 30mph on all roads just to avoid confusion. Signs are often put up that say 'Put your dog on a lead' without indicating where that area ends, which can be confusing."

Public rights of way

Public footpaths, bridleways and byways offer thousands of miles of paths and tracks for you to explore with your dog and are often indicated by official signs at the roadside. Local councils and landowners have a duty to make sure they do not become difficult or dangerous to use.

"On public rights of way you should either have your dog on a lead or keep him under control. Simply follow the general rules about being a good dog owner that you learn through initiatives such as The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme Awards. If a path goes through an area where there is livestock or rare birds nesting on the ground you might see signs asking you to keep to the path and to use a lead, so you should, but it would be helpful if there were also signs saying when the area had passed," Stephen explained.

"If it's a busy weekend with lots of other walkers with children and other dogs about I would clip my dogs on the lead when passing, because some people don't want the interaction, maybe because they are scared of dogs or there might be a cultural difference. Plus, you know your own dog but can't be sure of other people's - no two dogs are the same.

"Most public rights of way go over privately-owned land and people often think they can't be paths because of this. However, a sign saying 'private land' may have been erected to put walkers off.

"Also, as with everywhere, remember to take plenty of poo bags when out on public paths - they need to be kept clean!"

Areas with livestock

In areas with livestock Stephen explained: "Public rights of way do go through areas with livestock and you're entitled to use them but for your own and your dog's sake, as well as for the sake of other animals - whether they be horses, cows, sheep or more exotic creatures - keep your dog nice and close to you on a lead to stop him being seen as a threat. Other animals could scare your dog too and a horse or a cow could easily kick him.

"It's an offence to let your dog attack or worry livestock and technically a farmer is legally allowed to shoot your dog in a worst case scenario. However, he will only be allowed to do this as a last resort and any signs that threaten 'dogs not on the lead will be shot' are illegal and inappropriate.

"The only time when you should let your dog off a lead in a field containing livestock is when you are being charged by animals. If a protective mother cow is coming to chase you and you feel concerned, clip your dog off the lead and he will get away and you can distance yourself from your dog. Get to safety, then call your dog back. Don't just drop the lead as it can get entangled as he tries to run away." 

Open Countryside

Since 2004, new laws have opened up land for dog walkers across the mountains, moors, heaths, downs and registered common land known as 'access land' in England and Wales.

"On upland and hilly areas some landowners and National Park notices indicate that, unless a sign states otherwise, dogs are not allowed but this isn't always true," Stephen told us.

"Yes, there are sensitive times for livestock and wildlife. When using the access rights over open country you must keep your dog on a short lead between March 1 and July 31 (and all year round near farm animals) and you may not be able to take your dog at all on some areas at some times. These restrictions don't apply if you stick to public rights of way though and it would be great if people could go to tourist information centres to find out where they can responsibly let their dogs off lead. Although it's rare on moorland some landowners do designate exercise areas for dogs to use. However I've found it's very hard to find out where. "My advice is to keep asking tourist information centres so they think about producing something to tell you where to go, as well as where to avoid. If you see a sign it is best to comply because many are correct but some aren't, so check their legality with your council or by writing to Your Dog." Any restrictions can be viewed on maps at www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk

The Forestry Commission

Stephen said: "The Forestry Commission manages 240,000 hectares (600,000 acres) of land in the UK and sees dog owners as one of its key visitor groups, so has the minimum of restrictions and a very welcoming approach. "The organization has worked with The Kennel Club aiming to be honest about areas where it's fine to have a controlled dog off the lead and to encourage dog owners to be responsible.

About a third of the Forestry Commission's land has some wildlife designation but it still manages to be friendly and positive. "It also tries different things like making sure dogs can have water and that there are places to secure dogs should owners need to go inside - people respond well to little things like this." Children's play areas Stephen said: "To say dogs cannot go into children's play areas is fine - the  last thing you want is uncontrolled kids running around with loose dogs.

Neither the Forestry Commission nor The Kennel Club is saying 'dogs everywhere' but seats overlooking the area for a parent with a dog would be nice to see, then people have a choice." And remember... Enjoy fun and games in a safe place away from cars, farm animals, sensitive areas for wildlife and people who may not share your enthusiasm for your pet.

Coastland and Beaches

Stephen advised: "In England and Wales there is no general right to walk along beaches but it is usually allowed and difficult to stop. The Government plans to increase access to the coast; this will take several years and could result in more restrictions on dogs. In Scotland, there is a legal right of access along almost all beaches. "On beaches, if you have a reliable recall for your dog there is no general need to keep him on a lead. For his own safety, always keep your dog in sight and don't let him approach other people, dogs or horses without asking first; clip on the lead if you need to.

On some beaches, local councils can legally ban dogs or require that they are kept on a lead. Official signs indicate the areas and times when restrictions apply; you can be fined if you don't comply. Some dog-friendly councils highlight the places where you can go with your dog at these times. "Always pick up poo on beaches; it's easy to do on sand. Place it in a dog poo bin or litter bin, or take it home to dispose of."

Cliff-top safety

Stephen said: "The edges of cliffs aren't always that clear and cliff-top vegetation can be misleading. So, whether there are signs or not, unless you know the area really well keep your dog on a lead on cliff-tops for your sake and others."

Stephen Jenkinson

Stephen became The Kennel Club's access adviser four years ago. This role combines his 17 years' experience as an  access specialist for local councils and Government bodies, with his lifelong love of dogs, including competing, training and behaviour counselling. Apart from letting dog owners know their rights and responsibilities, Stephen helps local councils and land managers who support access for responsible dog walkers and takes action against those who try to impose needless, excessive or unlawful restrictions. He lives in the Peak District with his Border Collie, Jess.

Useful contacts

For specific advice for your area you can contact your local council helpline, highway authority or information centre.

• 'You and Your Dog in the Countryside', the Countryside Code and the Moorland Visitor's Code leaflets are available free by calling tel. 0870 120 6466.
• The Kennel Club, tel. 0870 606 6750; www.thekennelclub.org.uk
• The Forestry Commission, tel. 0845 367 3787; www.forestry.gov.uk
• Natural England, tel. 0845 600 3078; www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk
• Visit Britain, tel. 020 8846 9000; www.visitbritain.com

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