The countryside is one of the best places to exercise a dog, but it is also working farmland, wildlife habitat and shared public space. The rules differ across Great Britain: England and Wales follow the Countryside Code, while Scotland has its own Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This guide sets out what each says about dogs, with the jurisdiction stated in every section. Northern Ireland has its own separate publication and is not covered here.
England and Wales: the Countryside Code
The Countryside Code, published by Natural England and Natural Resources Wales, applies to England and Wales. Its core instruction for dog owners is to keep dogs under effective control so they stay away from wildlife, livestock, horses and other people unless invited. It says owners should:
- always keep the dog on a lead or in sight;
- be confident the dog will return on command;
- make sure the dog does not stray from the path or area where the owner has a right of access.
The Code also tells owners to check local signs, because there are places where a dog must be on a lead for all or part of the year, and some local areas ban dogs altogether, except for assistance dogs.
England and Wales: livestock and the legal lead requirements
The Countryside Code describes it as good practice to keep a dog on a lead around livestock wherever you are. Two points it describes as legal requirements are more specific. On Open Access land and at the coast, a dog must be on a lead around livestock. And between 1 March and 31 July, a dog must be on a lead on Open Access land even if no livestock are present.
The Code also carries a stark warning: a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock, and may not be liable to compensate the owner. Its advice if you feel threatened by livestock or horses is to let the dog off the lead rather than risk injury protecting it, because releasing the dog makes it easier for both of you to reach safety.
England and Wales: paths, wildlife and waste
Under the Code’s general guidance, walkers should stay on marked paths unless wider access is available, use gates and stiles where possible, and give wild animals, livestock and horses plenty of space, especially when they have young. On dog waste, the Code says to always clean up because it can cause illness in people, livestock and wildlife, never to leave bags of waste lying around even with the intention of collecting them later, and to use a public waste bin or take the bag home if no bin can be found.
Scotland: the Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Scotland’s access rights apply to people walking dogs as long as the dogs are kept under proper control. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code lists these main responsibilities:
- Farm animals: never let a dog worry or attack farm animals, and do not take it into fields with lambs, calves or other young farm animals. In a field of farm animals, keep the dog on a short lead or close at heel and as far as possible from the animals.
- Aggressive cattle: if cattle react aggressively and move towards you, stay calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field.
- Crops: do not take a dog into fields of vegetables or fruit unless there is a clear path, such as a core path or right of way, and keep to it.
- Ground-nesting birds: during the breeding season, usually April to July, keep the dog on a short lead or close at heel in areas such as moorland, forests, grasslands, loch shores and the sea shore.
- Public places: keep the dog close at heel or on a short lead to avoid causing concern to others.
- Dog waste: pick it up and remove it from any public open place.
The Scottish guidance also notes two legal requirements. When in public, every dog must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it or on an attached tag, under the Control of Dogs Order 1992. And all dogs must be microchipped by the age of eight weeks, under the Microchipping of Dogs (Scotland) Regulations 2016.
Putting the rules into practice
Because signs and seasons vary, a short routine helps. Before setting out, check whether the route crosses Open Access land, the coast or farmland, and note the dates: in England and Wales the 1 March to 31 July lead rule on Open Access land, and in Scotland the April to July ground-nesting season. Carry a lead even for a dog with reliable recall, keep to paths, and pack bags for waste. In a field with livestock, keep the dog on a lead in England or Wales and on a short lead or close at heel in Scotland, choosing the shortest safe route out if animals approach.
Frequently asked questions
Can I let my dog off the lead if it has good recall?
The Countryside Code allows a dog to be off the lead in England and Wales only if it is kept in sight and the owner is confident it will return on command, and it sets firm lead requirements near livestock on Open Access land and at the coast. Local signs can require a lead at all times.
What if cattle charge at me and my dog?
Both codes give the same core advice: let the dog go and move out by the safest route rather than trying to protect it.
Does the Countryside Code apply in Scotland?
No. The GOV.UK publication is marked as applying to England and Wales, with separate publications for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The bottom line
Responsible countryside dog walking means effective control, awareness of where lead rules are legal requirements, and respect for livestock, ground-nesting birds and other users. In England and Wales, that means following the Countryside Code, including the 1 March to 31 July lead rule on Open Access land. In Scotland, it means following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Checking local signs before every walk is the simplest safeguard in either country.