Walkies time! Your guide to Safe and Happy Dog Walks

Always have your dog in sight and keep an eye on what they're doing - they can get into mischief and eat things they really shouldn't! If you're not confident they'll return on command then it's best to keep them on a lead.

Between 1 March and 31 July many birds lay eggs on the ground and lambing will be taking place too, so throughout this time you may need to keep your dog on a lead more often - just look for the signs!

As lovable as your dog is they can make people afraid, especially young children, so it's best to keep them on a lead in playgrounds, parks and gardens or anywhere there are lots of people.

Picking up after your dog is the worst part of any walk it's true, but it can carry diseases that can effect humans and wildlife. So be responsible and always bag it and bin it.

There are often restrictions on beaches, some only accept dogs in winter months, some may have lead restrictions, while others don't accept our four-legged friends at all. It's always best to check ahead to avoid a wasted journey.

Not all dogs are great swimmers, some breeds like corgis and pugs can really struggle. If your dog isn't used to swimming then the sea isn't the best place for them to start learning.

Seabirds may be nesting on the ground especially during breeding season, so you might need to keep your dog on a lead to avoid disturbing them.

Keeping your pooch on a lead is also wise whenever you're near cliff tops.