Before you go:
If you have to drive to the start of your walk, and your dog can get carsick, it might be easier to travel on an empty stomach.
Take towels and poo bags.
Remember it can be colder and windy on the open moor, so you might want a coat for short haired dogs.
I always carry a personal alarm, just in case of any doggy arguments, or a dog and livestock situation. If you let off a personal alarm, it will likely surprise and interrupt any dangerous dog activity. Hopefully you will never need to use it.
Remember where you are going:
Dartmoor is a working landscape and a wild landscape, with new born lambs, ponies and cattle in Spring and Summer.
Rare wildflowers and ground nesting birds are hard to spot, and your dog could be destroying them as they run around innocently.
So, particularly between 1st March and 31st July, it is advisable to keep your dog on a lead.
Do it right for your dog and right for Dartmoor
Even where we don’t see animals, there will probably be some round the corner. There are lots of exciting scents to follow and creatures to chase and flush out - don’t risk it.
Although we like to see our dogs running free, remember that the further away your dog is, the less control you have over them. Of course, the closer our dog is to us, the more control we have over them.
It can also be very satisfying for the dog to be walking closely with their leader - on a mission, like patrolling the territory together. It can strengthen your bond, your dog’s sense of safety, and their sense of you as the leader they can follow and trust.
Walking with our dog on the lead
If your dog is still learning to walk on a loose lead, this is a great opportunity for practising. You want the walk to be relaxed and free of pulling. You could get some help if your dog hasn’t yet discovered how wonderful life is on a loose lead.
Practise the skills you and your dog will need. Get these behaviours cast iron in easy situations. Training is about the repetition of behaviours we want, and avoiding those we don’t want.
If your dog can walk to heel or very close to you, that’s wonderful for you both. Although the exciting windy expanses could go to your dog’s head, and they may not be able to control themselves as well as usual. A loose or long lead could be a great back-up plan - a way to be sure your dog succeeds and stays with you.
What about wild swimming for dogs?
Check that it is safe, and avoid water-edge wildlife habitat. Don’t let your dog in any water courses if they have been treated with ‘spot on’ chemicals on their necks within the last week.
Have a brilliant Dartmoor experience with your dog
With the wind in your hair and hopefully the sun on your back, here’s to a wonderfully satisfying walk for you and your dog.
Leave only footprints. Leave Dartmoor undisturbed.
Take back memories and an even better relationship with your dog.
Then home for tea - human and dog nourished, revived, fulfilled and relaxed.
Please phone me if you want to chat about your dog: 07967 735067 or email: judy@thedevondoglady.co.uk
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