Out with a dog: protecting wildlife, knowing the rules

Wild animals cannot know that a dog only wants to play. To them it belongs to the same group as fox and wolf – the hunters. Even the smell or sound of a free-running dog can flush them. Every flight uses energy, and in winter, when food is scarce and animals must conserve strength, that can eat into their reserves.

During the breeding and birthing season – roughly from spring into summer, varying by region and species – disturbance has especially serious consequences. Ground-nesting birds abandon their clutch when a dog runs through the meadow; the eggs cool down or are eaten by other animals. Fawns are left alone in their first weeks of life and rely on staying unnoticed. A dog sniffing around can find them.

For wildlife it makes a big difference whether a dog is predictable. A dog on a lead on the path moves along a fixed line that animals can get used to. A free-running dog that suddenly leaps into the meadow or thicket, by contrast, is unpredictable and triggers flight much more often.

Before your walk, find out what applies in the area: is there a general leash requirement, a leash requirement during the breeding and birthing season, special rules in a protected area or even a ban on dogs? This differs by country, region, municipality and season. What applies at home does not necessarily apply on holiday.

Even where there is no obligation, the lead often makes sense: during the breeding and birthing season, at game crossings, at dusk when many animals are on the move, and as soon as you see wildlife. A long line gives the dog freedom; but it belongs on a harness, not a collar, because a sudden jerk on the neck can injure the dog.

Stay on paths. Meadows, reed beds, thickets and shorelines are refuges for animals. A dog that stays on the path disturbs far less than one running across the landscape.

If your dog does chase a wild animal, do not run after it. Especially near roads, steep slopes or water you put yourself in danger, and your dog only runs further. Call it, stand still, wait and put it on the lead as soon as it comes back. If it has injured an animal, report this to the responsible authority; if people are in danger, for example on a road, call the local emergency number (112 in the EU).

In some regions, dogs that chase game can lead to fines or further measures. The rules on this differ greatly – inform yourself locally. A reliable recall and a lead at the right moment therefore protect not only wildlife but also your dog.

Also do not let your dog eat or drink at carcasses, wildlife droppings or water with dead game. Pathogens and parasites can lurk there. In areas with wolves, keep the dog close to you.

A reliable recall does not develop overnight but over months. First practise where there is no distraction, for example in the garden or at home, and reward your dog generously when it comes. Then slowly increase the distraction: other dogs in the distance, interesting smells, movement.

Until recall works reliably even with strong distraction, the long line stays on. That way the dog cannot experience success at chasing, which would reinforce the behaviour. If you are unsure, a dog school can help. The sentence “he doesn't chase” is, by the way, one of the most common misconceptions – almost every dog has a hunting instinct that wakes up in the right situation.

You see a deer at the edge of the woods: bring the dog close, put it on the lead, walk on calmly or turn back. The calmer you stay, the more likely the deer stays calm too. Give animals with young especially plenty of space.

Your dog finds a fawn in the grass: a fawn lying alone is almost always not abandoned. Lead the dog away immediately, do not touch the fawn and keep your distance. Only if it is obviously injured do you inform the responsible office. The entry “Found injured or apparently abandoned wildlife” has more on this.