Dog Walking Etiquette 101

Apr 13
3 min read

Updated: May 4

Most of us love seeing dogs enjoying their freedom on footpaths and trails. For well-behaved, relaxed dogs that stay close and ignore distractions, off-lead walking is a wonderful experience. However, if keeping your dog close and under control feels like a challenge—especially around corners, junctions, on-lead dogs, livestock, elderly people, pushchairs, cyclists, and small children—it might be worth considering whether off-lead is the right choice just yet.

Building Effective Recall

Building effective recall is essential. Teaching your dog to stay close when asked and helping them ignore other dogs and distractions unless invited to approach are worthwhile goals. These skills take time and patience, but they are crucial for a safe and enjoyable experience.

And please don't worry—nobody's dog is perfect! They will sometimes break a heel or a stay, embarrass us by checking somebody's pocket for treats, sneak a ninja sniff at a passing dog, or take just a little too long to come back when called. We've all been there, and it happens to everyone. The key is that, on the whole, we are genuinely working towards control and safety, with courtesy and consideration for others around us.

Dog Walk Etiquette: Don't be One of 'Those' People

The attitude of "let them get on with it," "it's not my problem," or "my dog is friendly" is something many of us have probably said at some point. However, it's important to understand that this approach can cause real distress to other dogs and their owners. It can even have legal consequences.

By all means, enjoy off-lead time with friends and other dogs in a suitable space—that's what it's all about! Just be mindful about blocking gateways with dogs running loose as others approach. If a fellow dog walker asks for a little space to pass, please take a moment to get your dog under control. It's a small act of kindness that means a lot to those who need it.

Understanding the Law

It's also worth knowing that the law takes this seriously. Under Section 3 of the Dangerous Dogs Act, a "dangerously out of control" dog is defined as any dog, of any breed, that causes—or creates reasonable fear of—injury to any person or assistance dog. This means that if someone feels unsafe because your dog approaches with excitement or aggression, jumps up, barks at them, or otherwise worries them in any way, this could potentially lead to prosecution. The penalties can be significant:

Non-aggravated offences can carry:

6 months imprisonment
An unlimited fine
A control order placed on the dog
A destruction order placed on the dog
Disqualification from owning an animal

Aggravated offences carry even more serious consequences:

Up to 14 years imprisonment if a person dies as a result of being injured
Up to 5 years imprisonment where a person is injured
Up to 3 years imprisonment where an assistance dog is injured or killed
A control order or destruction order placed on the dog
Disqualification from owning an animal

Start Today and Improve Over Time

Dog walking etiquette can start right now. There is a wealth of support out there—welfare groups, forums, behaviourists, trainers, books, and webinars. If you're finding things tricky, please reach out. Nobody expects perfection, but ignorance is unfortunately not a defence in law, so it's always worth being informed.

At Balance Behaviour, we are so proud of our community and the commitment many show to responsible, considerate dog ownership. It can be disheartening when that hard work is undermined by difficult encounters out on walks. So let's all look out for each other—dogs and humans alike—and be part of the solution.

If you ever need advice or support, we're always here to help.