Yes. We are a dog friendly! BUT there are rules!

 

Yes, you can bring your dog…we LOVE dogs! We have lots of gorgeous canine friends who we’re always delighted to see….I think all YTO leaders have their own favourites, but we’d never say who.

 

HOWEVER! Your dog. Your responsibility! There are rules that must be followed in order to preserve the sanity of you, the walk leader and the rest of the group.

 

*Your dog MUST be friendly towards people and other dogs. No lunging, barking or defensive behaviour.

 

*At the start of an event, when everyone is gathering, you must keep your dog away from other dogs and ensure they do not jump up onto anyone.

 

*It’s important to remember that not everyone likes dogs….no, not even your little darling.

 

*Please be aware that even the most polite of dogs can’t be trusted around food (me either to be fair), so please have them on a very short lead when we’re having a snack or lunch break.

 

*Your dog MUST be on a short lead THROUGHOUT the guided walk....even if they’ve been brought up on a farm and couldn’t give a flying fig about stupid, boring sheep and have excellent recall.

 

*Keep in mind that your dog may behave differently when they are new to group walks….excitement and pack behaviour can send even the calmest of dogs a bit loopy! (We find they do soon chill out)

 

*There will be MANY stiles, some without dog gates therefore YOU must be able to get your own dog over the stile. It is not the job of the leader or any other participants to help you.

 

*Bring poo bags, use them and carry them out….leave no trace applies to dogs too, even if the path/track is remote! Dog poo is toxic to farm animals, looks grim and leaving it is never acceptable.

 

*Routes are often on rough terrain…if your furry beloved doesn’t like walking in mud, heather, rocky paths or long grass…hiking may not be for them.

 

*Extendable Leads are NOT allowed, your dog must be on a short lead and you must pay attention to where they are to ensure your dog does not trip anyone up or get in the way. If you use a waist lead, you must still guide and direct your dog.

 

*No more than TWO dogs per person. No matter how well behaved.

 

*If your dog barks or whines when they are stood still (at the start of an event, snack times, view appreciation or talking about local history etc) You must walk them around so the leader can talk to the group, this is very important.

 

So, while the rules may seem strict, they mean that well behaved dogs can happily join in without doing everyone’s heads in!

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Emma Shipley Owner/Founder Yorkie Talkies Outdoors