Guidance, reports and evidence for best practice

Dogs & dog owners out and about: research & reports

Pick and Mix! This page presents links to documents offering advice and detailing research that may be of interest to anyone ranging from dog owners to housing developers, rangers, anyone who manages land with public access and anyone else with an interest in best practice. Documents include everything from online advice from well-known charities to scholarly articles and Government reports. Listed alphabetically by title.

Dorset Dogs has reports and survey results relating to the work we do, you can obtain copies or further information about these, as well as reports and surveys carried out by the Urban Heaths Partnership (including information about Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspaces) by contacting dorsetdogs@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Conference handbook cover with image of Eiffel Tower and silhouettes of people and animals

Ambassadors for wellbeing: A new role for commercial dog walkers
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Home Office cover statutory guidance document

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: Anti-social behaviour powers Statutory guidance for frontline professionals
Includes guidance on Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) which replace Dog Control Orders (DCOs)
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Document cover with seated black labrador

Code of practice for the welfare of DOGS
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Cover of summary report with image of 3 dog walkers walking in countryside with dogs

Commercial dog walkers in the outdoors: Attitudes, engagement or opportunities
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Read full report

Front cover with title

CROW Act 2000 Open Access Visitor Survey Executive Summary
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Dogs in parks and the countryside front cover

Dogs in parks and the countryside
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Front cover of document with dogs and people enjoying activity equipment

Dog and Human Activity Trail: Design Guidance
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Person with 3 dogs enjoying activity equipment

Dog Activity Trail: Lee Valley Regional Park
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Front page of article in scientific journal, title and text

Environmental and social impacts of domestic dog waste in the UK: investigating barriers to behavioural change in dog walkers
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Dogs Trust logo with loveable dog head with floppy ears

Help and advice for dog owners: Behaviour/Training/Dog School/Getting a Dog: Dogs Trust
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RSPCA logo

How to look after and care for a dog: RSPCA
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Cartoon-type image of dogs and person happy in wooded hills

Managing Dogs in Woods
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Front cover of report showing people enjoying a varity of outdoor places

Monitor of Engagement with the Natural Environment (MENE): Headline report 2019
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Report cover with stylised dog jumping for a ball

Out of Order: The Impact of Access Restrictions on Dogs and their Owners
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Document cover with images of people, dogs, housing and plans

Planning for Dog Ownership in New Developments:
Reducing Conflict – Adding Value
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Document cover with birds flying above water

Poole Harbour Disturbance Study
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Poole Harbour Disturbance Study Map Annex
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Report front cover with title and image of border collie

Tackling livestock worrying and encouraging responsible dog ownership
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Document cover with people and dogs sitting in a flower-filled field

Understanding the Psychology of Walkers with Dogs: new approaches to better management
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