Dorset Dogs has just released a new leaflet called Enjoying Dorset with your dog – great places to walk in south-east Dorset.

The leaflet includes a map and advice about how you and your dog can safely enjoy our beautiful rural and urban countryside. Seventeen dog-friendly sites are included, ranging from urban parks to beaches and rural forests.

It’s a diverse mix with some offering an enjoyable 20 minute walk while others link to local trails providing the option to tire out even the most energetic of pooches.

The free leaflet is available from libraries, tourist information centres and visitor centres across south-east Dorset and can also be downloaded from dorsetdogs.org.uk.

Dorset Dogs’ website is full of information for local dog owners and visitors to Dorset, including Out & About information about the places in the leaflet plus many more, doggy news and events, a link to the lively Facebook page, first aid advice for dogs and the Doggy Do Code which provides straightforward guidelines to help deal with issues that may arise in the countryside.

The organisation recognises the positive impacts of dog walkers in the countryside and works with dog walkers, countryside managers, dog related charities, businesses and organisations to promote positive management for dogs and responsible dog ownership.

If you are a dog owner and not already signed up to Dorset Dogs go to the website and sign up today to receive your free membership pack.

  • For further information about Dorset Dogs go to dorsetdogs.org.uk or email dorsetdogs@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Canine-friendly haunts

  • Longmeadow Woods, Creekmoor: Shaded woodland walk and dog agility area, links to Castleman Trailway.
  • Delph Woods, Gravel Hill: Shaded woodland, shallow stream, links to Castleman Trailway.
  • Bytheway Field, Wimborne: Popular open grassland, linked to woodland walk.
  • Cannon Hill Plantation, Stapehill: Large woodland, stunning viewpoints, links to Castleman Trailway
  • Potterne Park, Verwood: Open grassland, wooded margin with shallow stream, links to Moors Valley.
  • Upton Wood, Upton. Small woodland, near Upton Country Park l Wareham Forest, Wareham: Many varied forest walks.
  • South Beach, Studland: Beach walks, seasonal on lead restrictions.
  • Sandbanks beach (west): Beach walks, check dog beach signs onsite.
  • Slades Open Space, Ensbury Park, Bournemouth: Open park, fenced agility area, woodland walk.
  • Branksome Dene Chine, Poole: Beach walks, promenade, check dog beach signs onsite.
  • Meyrick Park, Bournemouth: Popular open parkland with wooded area.
  • Strouden Woods, Bournemouth: Woodland walk
  • Queens Park, Bournemouth: Large open parkland
  • Nea Meadows, Christchurch: Grassland with walks and wooded areas.
  • Mudeford Woods, Christchurch. Woodland and riverside walks.
  • Poor Common, Ferndown: Woodland and open walks.

Top tips for a happy, safe animal

  • Training will help your dog be happy, safe and confident. Best to start young, but it’s never too late.
  • Remember to take water on longer walks.
  • Don’t risk leaving your dog in the car in warm weather.
  • Be aware, dogs are increasingly being stolen from cars.
  • Dogs fall off cliffs every year in Dorset, so always use a lead near cliffs, even for obedient dogs.
  • Adder bites, ticks and other hazards – find out more from your vet and at dorsetdogs.org.uk.
  • If you can’t quite trust your dog not to attack other dogs, don’t let them off the lead until you can.
  • Vaccinations and worming. So worth it.
  • Collar, tag, microchip. They don’t want to lose you.