Guidelines for Exploring Clare with Your Dog

Walking through Clare’s beautiful trails, forests, and beaches with your dog is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors. To keep your adventures enjoyable, safe, and respectful for everyone, follow these essential guidelines:

Know Before You Go

  • Check if dogs are permitted on the trail, forest, or beach you’re visiting, and review any specific rules, such as leash requirements or seasonal restrictions.
  • Stick to public paths and avoid private property or farmlands to ensure you don’t disturb livestock or trespass.

Keep Your Dog Under Control

  • Use a lead where required, especially near other walkers, wildlife, or livestock.
  • Even in off-lead areas, ensure your dog is well-behaved, responds to recall commands, and stays nearby.

Dog Water Safety Advice

  • Avoid Dangerous Waters: Never let your dog enter water with strong currents, tidal flows, or large waves. These conditions are highly unpredictable and put your dog at risk.
  • Don’t Go In After Them: Even strong swimmers can struggle in hazardous water conditions like fast currents or strong tidal waters. If your dog gets into trouble, do not attempt to rescue them by going in yourself. Many accidents occur when owners try to save their pets. Instead, try to guide your dog back to shore from a safe position and call for help if needed.
  • Leash Up Near Risky Areas: Keep your dog on a lead in areas with known strong currents or tides to prevent them from entering dangerous water.

These precautions are vital for ensuring the safety of both you and your dog during walks near water.

Respect the Environment and Others

  • Prevent your dog from disturbing wildlife, chasing animals, or approaching people and other dogs uninvited.
  • Stay on designated paths to protect local habitats and avoid causing damage.

Clean Up After Your Dog

  • Always carry waste bags and dispose of your dog’s faeces in a bin or take it home.
  • Dog faeces can contain harmful bacteria and parasites like E. coli and roundworms, which pose health risks to people, other dogs, and livestock, and may also pollute water sources. Cleaning up is vital for public health and preserving Clare’s pristine environment.

Be Prepared for Your Walk

  • Pack essentials like water, snacks, a lead, waste bags, and a small first aid kit for emergencies.
  • Plan for weather conditions—carry a coat for your dog in colder months or paw protection for rough or hot terrain.

Watch for Signs of Fatigue

  • Monitor your dog for signs of exhaustion, such as heavy panting or slowing down.
  • Stop for regular breaks and provide plenty of water, especially on warm days or during longer walks.

Enjoy Clare Together

  • Let your dog take in the scents and sights, enjoying the natural beauty of Clare’s forests, lakeside trails, and sandy beaches.
  • Stick to dog-friendly routes to ensure a safe and stress-free adventure for both you and your dog

By following these guidelines, you’ll help keep Clare’s outdoor spaces clean, safe, and welcoming while enjoying unforgettable moments with your four-legged friend.

Don’t Forget the Human Walking Guidelines

While your dog may be ready to tackle any trail, it’s essential to make sure you’re just as prepared. Clare’s walks range from leisurely forest strolls to challenging hill climbs, so having the right gear is key.

Pack sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, water, snacks, and a fully charged mobile phone to stay safe. Whether the walk is light or strenuous, being prepared ensures a great experience for you both.

For full details, refer to Safety Walking Guidelines for Humans HERE and make every walk a safe and enjoyable adventure.