We’re passionate about the Four Paws Code!
By following it on every dog walk you’ll be making sure that your dog is safe, that you’re doing your bit to protect the wildlife that lives in our beautiful countryside and that dogs and their owners are welcomed across South East Devon and beyond.
do keep
your dog in sight and think of other people
If you can see your dog, you can see what it’s up to and make sure it’s safe! Remember some people, especially children are frightened of dogs. Ask before you let your dog approach other people, train them not to jump up and to have a good recall. This will help to keep your dog safe near roads and other dangers too. Some dogs need space – don’t let your dog approach an on lead dog without asking the owner first.
do prevent
your dog from chasing wildlife or grazing animals
Always keep your dog close at heel or on the lead near wildlife or livestock. It’s unlikely that you or your pet will be chased by livestock, but if you are, let your dog off the lead so you can both get away.
do protect
nesting and feeding birds on heaths, dunes and wetlands
We are lucky to share our wild spaces with some special and rare birds. Some build their nests on the ground on heathland, whilst others feed on eel grass and small creatures in the mud in the estuaries. Check before you visit to find out any local seasonal restrictions.
do bag it and bin it
wherever you are
Clearing up after your dog helps to prevent the spread of diseases that can affect dogs, people and grazing animals. It also keeps the site clean for other visitors. Never leave bagged poo to collect later, bags are harmful to other dogs, livestock and wildlife and gives dog owners a bad name. Remember any public litter bin can be used for bagged dog waste. Dog poo left on heathland and dune habitats is like adding fertiliser to your garden, allowing more competitive plants to flourish and preventing essential rare plants from growing. If these rare plants disappear, the animals and birds that rely on them will disappear too. Poo from grazing animals doesn’t have the same effect, these animals are recycling existing nutrients, not bringing in new ones.
do limit
the number of dogs you walk
Some areas have legal restrictions on the number of dogs that one person can be responsible for on a walk. In East Devon and Teignbridge this number is 6. Please make sure that every dog in your care is following the Four Paws Code. Your daily walk should be safe and fun for you and your dogs and it shouldn’t have a negative effect on the environment or other visitors.
do read
and follow signs and noticeboards
We know your dog can’t read, so please do it for them! Get into the habit of reading signs and noticeboards to find out local information including seasonal restrictions, safety warnings, presence of livestock or highly sensitive wildlife, information on local events and volunteering opportunities.
Do join Devon Loves Dogs – become a member today!
Thanks for reading the Four Paws Code, if you support our way of thinking join Devon Loves Dogs and get your FREE welcome pack.
Codes of Conduct
For more detailed, local information please check out these codes of conduct which have been produced by our partners.
