Encouraging responsible dog walking

The National Park Authority recognises the many benefits of dog walking, especially to the health and well-being of their owners!

It also recognises that not everyone loves dogs – and that in some circumstances, dog walking may conflict with other aspects of the Forest.

Many people enjoy the New Forest for all types of outdoor recreation including dog walking. It is vitally important that everyone walking with a dog adopts the best practice set out in the New Forest Dog Walking Code to ensure that they do not damage the special qualities of the Forest or interfere with the working practices that help maintain the landscape.

The New Forest Dogs Forum works to help New Forest organisations with particular interests in dogs to work together.

Dogs Forum aims

• recognise and promote the benefits of dog walking in the New Forest
• collect and share data on dog walking and dog-related issues to enable evidence based approaches
• discuss and implement initiatives that make dog walkers and their dogs feel welcome, encourage responsible behaviour and avoid conflict with the special qualities of the National Park
• share responsibilities and resources, and work in partnership where appropriate
• minimise mixed messages, duplication of effort and missed opportunities through a joined up approach.

Dogs Forum members

• New Forest Dog Owners Group
• New Forest National Park Authority
• Forestry England
• Hampshire County Council
• New Forest District Council
• National Trust
• Natural England
• New Forest Association
• Hampshire Constabulary
• Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
• Commoners Defence Association
• RSPB
• Test Valley Borough Council
• Solent Recreation Mitigation Partnership.

Since its formation the Forum has proved very effective at encouraging joint working between the organisations that attend. Mutual understanding has greatly improved, enabling a positive approach to addressing areas of common concern.

The Forum is an excellent place for individual organisations to benefit from the knowledge and experience of others.

Work to date

• Developing a Dog Walking Code 
• Providing car window stickers
• Sharing the leaflet ‘Enjoy the New Forest with your dog’ 
• Joint events aimed at encouraging responsible dog walking
• Signs and other work to reduce disturbing rare ground nesting birds
• Engaging with commercial dog walkers.

Get in touch

If you have suggestions or information for the Dogs Forum, please email: rangers@newforestnpa.gov.uk.

Find out more about enjoying dog walking in the New Forest or email enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk for a copy of the car window sticker.

Dog walking businesses have an additional duty to operate responsibly. They also have an excellent opportunity to set a positive example to other dog walkers.

However, there are currently no specific national regulations for commercial dog walking, except where it is done as part of a daycare or home boarding service.

The New Forest Professional Dog Walking Charter (PDWC) promotes best practice for dog walking businesses operating throughout the National Park.

Businesses signing up to the PDWC are committing to follow the guidance available, alongside local codes of practice. In doing so they will operate and conduct themselves in a professional manner; consider the welfare and behaviour of the dogs in their care; and minimise their impact on the wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park.

It is supported by the New Forest National Park Authority, New Forest District Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, Natural England, Forestry England, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, National Trust, Bird Aware Solent and New Forest Dog Owners Group.

If you walk dogs in Dorset, please follow the Dorset Dogs Professional Dogs Walkers Charter.

If your dog walking business would like to sign up, please read the Professional Dog Walkers’ Charter and fill in your details on our form here. If you have any questions please email pdwc@newforestnpa.gov.uk. 

Feedback on the operation of the scheme is also welcome to the same email address.