Sheffield Walking Group

"The walking group for people in their 20s & 30s"

Walks menu

Dogs On Walks

Bringing your dog on a walk?

Due to repeated complaints about misbehaving dogs in the past, the SWG policy on dogs is that:

  1. Dogs may only attend walks indicated with the new dogs permitted symbol, dog (reason: walk leaders use their discretion as to whether they accept dogs or not, be it due to inappropriate conditions or for any other factor)
  2. Owners must still contact the walk leader to ensure that it is okay to bring their dog. Please make sure that you speak to the Leader, not just leave a message. Leaders are not expected to call you back. (reason: circumstances may have changed since the programme was written, the leader may have discovered prohibitions or there may be a different leader)
  3. Dogs must be kept on a short (maximum 2m) lead throughout the entire walk. No exceptions. (reason: some members are nervous of, or allergic to, dogs, this ensures that they are kept away from those members; dogs on an extendable lead, or not on a lead are a significant trip hazard to members)
  4. If the walk crosses areas prohibiting dogs, owners must immediately leave the group at that point. SWG will not be responsible for your alternative route or return journey. You are expected to check the route prior to joining the walk to assess any restrictions. The walk leader may not necessarily be aware of the restrictions. (reason: sometimes temporary bans or unexpected restrictions may occur; SWG do not wish to be associated with disrespecting these bylaws)
  5. Dog owners need to be prepared to leave the group should the walk leader deem their dog a problem or the terrain inappropriate. SWG will not be responsible for your alternative route or return journey. (reason: dogs may, for example, worry livestock which may pose a threat to members, particularly cattle, or a walk may cross more inaccessible areas that an animal may have difficulty in passing - some walks have involved climbing walls).
  6. If challenged about any of the above by the Walk Leader, Back Marker or a Committee member, please respect their decision and accept it courteously. Their decision is for the benefit of the whole Group. Should you feel that the decision is unjust, please contact the committee after the walk where it will be reviewed. (reason: the policy has been agreed on behalf of the whole group and is not due to any one individual, it is unfair to take an aggressive attitude when they are upholding Group policy)
  7. If general members have concern about a dog on a particular walk they should discretely approach the Walk Leader, Backmarker or a Committee member. (reason: direct complaints may cause conflict and embarrassment)

If there are continuing problems with dogs under this system SWG will reconsider a complete ban on all dogs.