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LAKE DISTRICT GUIDES - DOGS

OUR GUIDES Maps & Routes Clothing & Packing Dogs Weather

Hiking with a canine companion is very enjoyable for all concerned - however, it does come with some extra considerations:

Control: It's lovely to let them roam free on the fells, but remember that your dog should be under control at all times. There might be distractions and dangers in any direction. In some areas, it is mandated that dogs are kept on the lead.

Sheep: There are a lot of sheep wandering about on the fells. Your dog must not aggress the sheep in any way, and you should pay particular attention if there are lambs.

Note that shepherds can and sometimes do act decisively if a dog is worrying the sheep. To be safe, your dog should always be on a lead if near sheep.

Leave no trace: Please pick up after your dog.

Herdwick Sheep and Lamb, near Esk Hause
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Items to carry: Water bowl (the foldable silicone ones are very handy), poop bags, trowel for burying deeply where possible, some food and of course adequate water.

It's really important to take enough water for your dog as well as for yourself. On many hikes, water is available from streams and tarns - do your research, but if in doubt carry extra.

Recommended: A body harness is more useful than a collar should you need to assist your dog over a tricky section. We favour a hands-free system such as a belt or lead attached to the rucksack.

A fluorescent or hi-vis item on your dog in case of bad light.

Indy with harness and reflective band
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