Edinburgh’s Best Dog Walks
As a dog walker, we often get asked when posting pictures from our adventure day care where the picture was taken. If you have asked before, you’ll also have noticed that we rarely reply. In all the places we walk, we have developed good relations with the farmers and game keepers. They know us, know that our dogs are always under control, and that we are always respectful and grateful to share their working space. In some places, we pay our share for road repairs every year to help them maintain the area. Most of the farmers and game keepers we know have asked us not to tell other dog owners or dog walkers about the places as they prefer to keep them quiet or because they’ve had bad experiences with out of control dogs. To help you find your own magical walks, we’ve put together a list for you!
Google
We have spent countless hours zooming in and out of Google maps. If there is any kind of green area - go check it out! 9 times out of 10, we’ve up hitting a fence or ending up knee deep in a bog before getting very far. But once in a while, you find some really good spots!
2. Parking
When arrived at your dropped pin, make sure that you haven’t parked in a passing place or in front of a gate. Verges on corners are also good to avoid. If a big truck goes past, they might need all the turning space they can get. Even if a dirt track seems quiet or unused, make sure you never block access as you could be interfering with people trying to do their job.
3. Preparation
If you’re going out to explore a new area, always bring extra waterproofs and layers, a head torch, water for yourself and the dog, and snacks. If done right, your adventure will keep you out much longer than you had planned!
4. Communication
Always let someone know where you plan to go and when you intend to be back. A fully charged phone is good, but if you are really out there, you are likely to run into spots without reception - even in Lothians and the Scottish Borders.
5. Your Dog
If you cannot recall your dog off wildlife or livestock - do not have them off leash. This is non-negotiable. Animals always appear where you least expect them too. More than once, we have come across sheep in the middle of deep forestries, far away from where they were supposed to be. If your dog chases and then comes back, the damage is already done. You need to have enough control that they don’t approach in the first place. Although it is important that your dog doesn’t disturb any wildlife, also keep in mind that animals like deer and pheasants are rarely “ownerless”, but belong to estates.
6. Leave No Trace
Even if an area seems quiet - always pick up your dog’s poop, bring the bag with your back home and dispose of it in a bin. Unbeknown to you, there may be other dog owners visiting the same place. Always behave in such a way that if everyone else did the same thing, things would still be good.
7. Enjoy!
Once all these points are checked, don’t forget the most important thing of all - have fun!! We think that there is nothing better than exploring nature with dogs. It is such a way great to bond, ground yourself and help your dog feel fulfilled. We love it so much that our dog walking and dog day care service here in Edinburgh, our Doggie Day Trips, are entirely based around this concept. It is an experience we want all dogs to get to have!
