01/09/2025
Interesting post I came across, I thought I'd share!
I use Paw Paddock, Tytherington for free running, exploring etc - highly recommend as safe, well maintained environment. There are also loads of indoor enrichment activities for indoors that can be found online - I never tire of observing the different ways dogs approach them.
Beginning to feel a bit like Autumn...
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Lead neurosis and lead colours
Part 1: Professional Position Statement
Balancing Canine Welfare and Public Responsibility
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires that dogs are able to exhibit normal behaviours, including free running, exploration, and social interaction. This duty is reinforced by extensive scientific research showing that:
• Free running improves health, reduces stress, and promotes natural movement.
• Exploration and scenting provide essential mental stimulation, lowering frustration and reactivity.
• Social interaction builds resilience and reduces behaviour problems.
• Chronic restriction (constant lead walking/avoidance) is linked to frustration, obesity, and increased reactivity.
Despite this, the rise in dog reactivity has created a culture of over-management. Increasingly, sociable and well-trained dogs are clipped on, diverted, or prevented from free running whenever a reactive dog is present. This reverses responsibility, undermines welfare, and creates unnecessary tension in shared spaces.
Principle: Reactive dogs and their handlers deserve support and understanding. However, responsibility lies with the handler to choose appropriate environments. It is neither fair nor scientifically justified for the welfare of the majority to be compromised by the challenges of a minority.
References & Evidence
• Animal Welfare Act 2006 – Section 9(2)(a): Duty to ensure animals exhibit normal behaviour patterns.
• DEFRA, 2018. Licensing of Activities Involving Animals (England) Regulations: Statutory Guidance.
• Rooney, N. & Cowan, S. (2011). Links between restricted dogs and higher frustration/reactivity.
• Herron, M. et al. (2009). Stress and behavioural fallout from restrictive practices.
• Westgarth, C. et al. (2010). Benefits of free running/exercise for welfare and human health.
• Christensen, E. et al. (2007). Restricted socialisation linked to behavioural problems.
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Part 2: The Rainbow Lead Circus
Yellow was enough. “Give me space.” Clear. Simple. Done.
Now we’re drowning in colours: red, orange, green, blue, purple. Each one supposedly signals something - but no one agrees what.
Red? Could mean “I bite.” Or “I’m deaf.”
Orange? “Nervous.” Or “don’t approach.”
Green? “Friendly.” Or “training.”
Blue? “Do not feed.” Or “working dog.”
Pink? “I’m snappy - or is that just my owner?”
It’s bolloxx. And it’s dangerous.
Dogs don’t read colours. Owners don’t carry a Pantone chart in their back pocket. Lead colours have become an excuse, a way to outsource responsibility instead of training, managing, or making better choices.
If your dog is genuinely unsafe, you don’t need a red lead. You need a muzzle. And if they’re a full-on liability? You need a secure private field, not a Sunday stroll through the woods.
And for comic relief: it’s the 1980s gay hanky code all over again. Back then, different coloured hankies in your pocket supposedly broadcast what you were into. It spiralled until no one knew who wanted what - or who was about to get more than they bargained for - without lubrication. Dog leads are heading the same way.
Bottom line:
• Law and science both say dogs have a right to freedom, exploration, and natural behaviour.
• Yellow = “give me space.” End of.
• Everything else? Stop the circus. Take responsibility.
