Dogs Visiting the National Park
Thinking of taking your dog for a walk in the National Park?
Taking your dog out for a walk in beautiful wild countryside can be a very enjoyable experience – and good for your health and your dog’s health. However, there are some points that you should be aware of, so that both you, your dog, other visitors, wildlife and farm animals all have a safe and happy day.
Is your dog under control?
Always carry a lead when out with your dog, and use it when necessary. For some dogs, this may mean keeping your dog on a lead at all times. Not every dog is likely to come back when called.
Will your dog come back to you the minute you call it? Even if it is chasing a deer? The National Park is full of deer, and in Glendalough there are also herds of wild goats. Few dogs can resist the temptation, especially as the deer usually jump out suddenly with no warning. Being chased by a dog can result in wildlife having to change their feeding habits or exert so much energy that their health is affected. Stressed animals can die. Never let your dog out of your sight. If in doubt, keep your dog on a lead.
Farm animals, especially sheep, are also at risk. Always remember that farmers are entitled to shoot any dog that worries their stock.
Not everyone loves your dog…
Always be aware that not everyone appreciates dogs. Some people are scared of dogs. Small children may be worried by even the friendliest of dogs. In any event, few people appreciate being sniffed in a ‘personal place’ or being jumped on by a friendly pooch or even being sprayed by water when your wet dog shakes. So, in respect of other walkers, please slip a lead on your dog as you approach.
Beware of cliffs!
Every year, dogs fall over cliffs in the Wicklow Mountains. Not all survive. Many are chasing goats or deer at the time. Goats are equipped for steep ground. They have built in suckers in their hooves, and from their earliest days they are adept at leaping from rock to rock. Dogs are not so equipped. When a goat is suddenly chased by a dog it will usually leap safely over the cliffs. An excited dog will often follow. Be warned, Mountain Rescue only rescue humans, not dogs.
Just how responsible are you?
Do you pick up after your dog? You probably know that you should… But do you actually carry a plastic bag or a poop scoop at all times? You are probably thinking ‘Oh, but this is a National Park – animal droppings are natural.’ Well, think again!
For starters, no one wants to step in dog dirt. (Do you?) And no one wants their toddler to crawl in it. So, if you are anywhere near a path or car park, you need to pick up that poop.
When you are on open hillside, the problems are more subtle. Much of the National Park consists of nutrient poor bogland and heath. Deer and sheep droppings do not harm this environment, because they are part of the food web of the place. (Deer eats heather, poops heather, feeds heather, etc.) But our pet dogs are fed high quality food. The extra nutrients they bring to these habitats can be detrimental. Also, visiting pets can introduce pathogens in their faeces that can affect wildlife.
So please, follow Leave No Trace principles and always take your dog dirt home with you.