Whether exploring West Sussex’s Public Rights of Way network, or visiting a countryside site, such as Buchan Country Park, there are some beautiful locations to walk your dogs in the county.
You should always make sure you behave considerately, such as following general signs, parking appropriately and so on. You should also follow the Countryside Code.
By also following this code of conduct about dogs in the countryside, you can help us conserve our countryside for wildlife, people and dogs.
Pick waste up
Dog waste is a big problem for people, livestock and wildlife if it's left on the ground or in a bag. It can take up to a year for the waste to fully decompose. You should:
- always pick up your dog's waste and put it in any public bin
- take it away to dispose of it if you can't find a bin
Keep them in sight and under control
Not everyone is confident around dogs. Check whether it is alright for your dog to approach other people or dogs before they do. You should:
- be particularly careful around:
- children
- horse riders
- anglers
- runners
- cyclists
- always carry a a suitable lead for each dog you're looking after
- ensure you have trained your dog in basic recall or keep them on a lead
- remember to close gates behind you - in the unlikely event of being chased by cattle, ponies or other animals, release your dog and get to safety
Be aware of livestock and wildlife
Livestock and wildlife are nervous of dogs, particularly when they have their young. Make sure you keep your dogs on a lead and at a distance from animals.
You must put your dog on a lead between 1 March and 31 July, even if there is no livestock, when you are using open access land.
Beware of adders during warmer months. They are the only venomous snake in the UK. You should take your dog straight to the vet if they get bitten.
Paws on paths during nesting season
Many threatened bird species, such as nightjars and skylarks, nest on or near the ground. They are very vulnerable to disturbances. Make sure you keep your dogs paws on footpaths between 1 April and 31 August when walking in open areas such as heaths or meadows. Make sure you look out for and obey signs.
Keep your dog safe
For your dog's safety make sure you:
- keep them on a lead in and around car parks and on roads to avoid injury to themselves or others
- have your dog:
- wear a collar and identification tag with the owner's name and mobile number
- microchipped, to prove ownership
- always have a plan in case of emergency, for example having a local vet's number with you
- carry clean, fresh drinking water for dogs in you care in warmer weather
- don't leave dogs in cars in warm weather
Follow signs
The countryside is a working environment with nature conservation, land management and farming work taking place. Signs are there to keep visitors, wildlife, livestock and your dog safe. You should follow the guidance on all signs.
Additionally, you should not allow your dog to swim in ponds and rivers, unless there are signs allowing it. This is because of possible harm to either your dog or the local wildlife.
Professional dog walkers
Professional dog walkers can make use of our sites, but we ask that you follow this code of conduct.
Do not walk more dogs than you can safely control - we recommend no more than 6.
Countryside locations in West Sussex
You can find countryside locations on our pages for:
Reporting an issue with a dog
If you have a problem with a dog, you can report it as necessary to: