Countryside dog walking tips for the UK

A countryside walk can reset a city dog's brain. It can also become a livestock incident if you treat footpaths like a private park.

Livestock and control

On lead around farm animals unless you are certain of recall and local rules allow otherwise. If cattle approach, drop the lead and get yourself to safety first — advice echoed by countryside and welfare groups for a reason.

Footpath etiquette

Close gates. Stick to the path through crops. Pick up even when "nobody is watching".

Mud and ticks

Expect both. Check coats after longer grass. Dry gear before the car seats forgive you.

Patch in the sticks

Loops across quiet lanes work beautifully for closing territory. Just do not trespass for a prettier colour on the map. Public rights of way only.

Try it on your next walk

Download Patch free on iOS or Android. Tap once when you leave, walk as normal, and see what ground your dog claims.

There's unclaimed ground outside right now.

Download the free dog walking game on iOS and Android. Your first patch takes about four minutes.