Last year, one person died every month at a level crossing un the UK. Star of BBC’s Dog Borstal Mic Martin has complied a number of top tips for safe and enjoyable walks.

Following almost 25 years in the Police Service Mic Martin has trained in excess of 1800 Dogs from Police Dogs and Security work in the Middle East, to Drugs and Explosive detection, general pet training and Film and TV productions.

General

* Be safe – plan ahead and follow signs
* Leave gates and property as your find them
* Protect plants and animals, and take your litter home
* Keep your dog under close control
* Take care when crossing roads or railway lines
* Wherever you are walking, always pick up mess after your dog and dispose of it responsibly

Before you go

* Prepare for your walk before you set off
* Plan your route
* Take into account the age of the dog and the standard of the walk for all members of the group, particularly if there are young children
* Check the weather forecast
* If possible, tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back
* Always check for public right of way on any farmland or footpath

During your walk

* Try not to let the dog graze as there are a number of hazards including pesticides and disease
* Be aware that there are several plants which are highly poisonous to dogs*
* Make sure you always clean up after your dog
* Use a training lead if you have one as they tend to be safer than extendable leads
* Consider a muzzle If the dog is unpredictable or hard to control
* Make sure you are able to keep your dog under control when in a public place
* Ensure you can recall your dog quickly before you consider letting it off the lead

What to take

* Wear suitable footwear
* Depending on the type of walk you may need a compass or a map
* Always carry a small first aid kit in case of an accident
* Never rely on your mobile phone in case of poor signal
* Take a spare lead
* Always take water for yourself and the dog
* Don’t forget dog mess bags

Look after yourself

* Stay alert, be aware of what is going on around you
* Don’t openly wear expensive jewellery
* Keep your bag closed and your keys separate
* If listening to music, play it at a volume where you can still hear what is going on around you

Walking on farmland

* Check the designated public footpaths across farmland
* Don’t let your dog off the lead around moving machinery
* Be aware of electric fences and remember to close gates
* Don’t let your dog swim in ponds or drink stagnant water
* Take particular care around livestock

Walking near roads

* Keep your dog on a lead at all times
* Always pass other dogs on the left with dogs on the outside
* Do not let small children pet your dog
* Be aware of traffic and take care when crossing the road

Walking near railway lines

* Don’t underestimate the danger of railway lines
* Always abide by the level crossing code of conduct**
* Avoid walking too close to the train tracks, as this can be fatal. With trains travelling at up to 125mph it is important to keep a safe distance
* Ensure your dog is under control when approaching the crossing
* Remove headphones so you can hear any danger
* If the dog tries to run on the track do not follow. Try and recall from a safe distance

Get the most out of your walk

* Try and make the walk interesting for the dog. Walking round the same field is boring and can lead to the dog misbehaving
* Use the walk as a training exercise and introduce games like fetch
* Searching, tracking and agility make the dog use its senses and use up more energy

*Daffodil, Castor Oil Bush, Cherry Laurel, Laburnum, Lilies, Azalea, Foxgloves, Ivy, Rhubarb, Yew. If any of these plants are eaten contact your vet immediately.

LINK http://www.networkrail.co.uk/ 

Highly Recommended: What dog owner wouldn’t want a piece of THIS action? – Get FREE dog food!

Related posts:

1. Positive Training: Teaching a Dog To Walk Nicely on a Lead
2. Martin Clunes Set to Explore the Dangers of the ‘Pedigree Dog Time Bomb’ for ITV
3. London to Become Home to First Dog Walk of Fame
4. Pet Travel – Everything You Need To Know From Sickness To Safety
5. Dog Borstal Wants Your Puppies – TV Dog Training Show to Focus on Prevention Rather Than Cure