The countryside is the perfect place to exercise and enjoy the company of your dogs but it is every dog owners duty to make sure their animal is not a danger or nuisance to farm animals, wildlife and other people. The following are key aspects of The Countryside Code...

1) A dog must be controlled so that it does not disturb or scare farm animals and wildlife. You must keep your dog on a short lead on most areas of open country and common land between March 1 and July 31 and at all times near farm animals.

2) You do not have to put your dog on a lead on public paths, as long as it is under close control. As a general rule, keep your dog on a lead if you cannot rely on its obedience. By law, farmers are entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries other animals.

3) If a farm animal chases you and your dog, it is safer to let your dog off the lead - don't risk getting hurt to protect it.

4) Take care to ensure that your dog doesn't scare sheep and lambs or wander where it might disturb birds that nest on the ground and other wildlife.

5) Unpleasant dog mess can cause infections, so always clean up after your dog and get rid of the mess responsibly. Also, make sure your dog is regularly wormed.

6) At certain times, dogs may not be allowed on some areas of open land or may need to be kept on a lead. Always obey any signs.

For more information about The Countryside Code, log on to www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk