Friday February 24th 2023
This short article has actually been composed by Midlothian Dog Trainer Nick McMechan.
We enjoy our Dogs more than ever nowadays. In 2021, The Dog’s Trust finished a study of 345,703 owners about 439,846 dogs throughout the UK. The study discovered that the most popular types in the UK that we enjoy consist of Labradors, Jack Russels and Cocker Spaniels. A huge 85% of owners frequently inform our Dogs we enjoy them and 62% commemorate our Dog’s Birthdays! (My dogs constantly get Steak and Eggs for their Birthdays, and, yes, I do inform them I enjoy them!)
Here are my 3 leading ideas to enjoy your finest strolls with your Best Friend.
1. Stay Safe
Teaching ‘Sit’ is among the very best things you can do. Teach your Dog to Sit at every kerbside, whenever a bicyclist or scooter passes, whenever you see another Dog. Reward your Dog with delicious deals with for doing this. If you are not yet positive you have excellent control over your Dog off leash, utilize a good Harness – I generally advise the Perfect Fit harness – with a long training line of 20 metres or less. This permits your dog to run about, smell and check out whilst you can keep them safe.
2. Respect other Dog Owners
Please don’t let your Dog add to others without complete consent of the owner, especially if that Dog is on lead. If a Dog is on lead, it’s on lead for a factor. Off leash greetings in between Dogs are typically much better than on leash, however I would recommend utilizing the ‘Three Second Rule’ which implies enabling your Dog to state Hello to the other Dog for 3 seconds and after that proceed.
3. Respect the Land you stroll on
Pick up that poo and deal with it securely and properly. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code for Dog Owners has excellent recommendations too. In Scotland you have the ‘Right to Roam’ but there are exclusions such as fields with Cattle, Seeded Fields, Private Gardens and School Grounds to name a few (yes, that’s right, you may be inadvertently breaking the law by walking your Dogs on School Playing Fields). The best advice I can give is to treat the land as if it were your own.
So, here are my five best places to walk your Dogs in Midlothian.
Dalkeith Country Park
A firm favourite with many owners. There are lots of beautiful woodland walks, the land is very well maintained and there are loads of poo bins all-round the park. There is plenty of parking and lots of amenities nearby in the town centre of Dalkeith
Did you know the Estate is owned by the Buccleuch Family and that the 5th Duke of Buccleuch was one of the first to import the now ubiquitous Labrador from Newfoundland in Canada to the UK in the 1830s, nearly 200 years ago
Restoration Yard in the park is excellent and the outside seating is a great place to teach your Dog to be calm and settled when there are lots of distractions going on, as well serving fantastic breakfasts for you. Water bowls are provided for Dogs to refresh themselves after a great run around
The open areas around the park allow you walk with plenty of space if you have a nervous dog.
Pentland Hills
We’re very lucky to have these right on our doorstep in Midlothian. So, when the Weather Permits, get the Walking Boots on and have a great day out with your Dog
The views are fantastic, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed many a walk over the Hills.
Always respect the land, there are many Sheep roaming free so you might need to invest in a harness and training line for you to both enjoy the stroll to its full. If in doubt, please always keep your Dog on leash
The Flotterstone Inn can be a lovely place to finish after a long Ramble across the Hills and they welcome all friendly dogs.
Did you know there are 14 peaks across the Pentlands, the highest being Scald Law at 579 metres?
Vogrie Country Park
This is lovely park with enjoyable walks through woodland areas which your Dog will love.
The park has good facilities including Toilets, a Café and good Parking.
A small herd of deer does frequent the Park, particularly at quiet times, so please keep your dogs close to you for a quick recall if needed
Did you know you can hire Events areas for a BBQ at the park?
Gore Glen
A gorgeous walk, the beauty of all four seasons of the year are well enjoyed around the Glen.
With well-maintained pathways for you to walk along there’s plenty of fun for your Dog to explore, from running up and down the slopes of the Glen to splashing about in the Gore Water, generally having a great time and getting mucky!
Did you know that in 1749 the first Gunpowder Mill in Scotland opened in Gore Glen. The Alder tree still dominates there and was a key ingredient in Gunpowder production?
Lord Ancrum’s Wood
Know well by the locals, a hidden gem to people from outside the area.
Starting a Newbattle Abbey College there are energetic strolls with short steep slopes , through the Wood, where the Trees having been growing on the banks of the South River Esk for thousands of years
Every time I visit, I make a mental note to myself to visit more with my Dogs
Did you understand Newbattle Abbey was gifted to the Nation in 1937 by the Kerr Family, the Marquises of Lothian who own the title ‘Lord Ancrum’?
Nick McMechan is a Dog Trainer who owns Esk Valley Dog Training, based in Dalkeith and covering Midlothian, some of South Edinburgh and some of East Lothian. Nick’s Clients describe him as friendly, knowledgeable and reliable.
Nick specialises in Loose Leash Walking and Reactivity as well as everything you would expect from a excellent Dog Trainer. You can discover more here: eskvalleydogtraining.co.uk
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