Dog Owners Urged to Rethink Countryside Walks as Livestock Incidents Rise

As reports highlight the growing financial and emotional toll livestock attacks are having on UK farmers, fresh dog food company Years is urging owners to better understand how unfamiliar rural environments can trigger instinctive behaviour in otherwise well-behaved pets.

Recent coverage from the BBC revealed that attacks and livestock worrying incidents are costing farmers thousands of pounds each year, with even brief chasing episodes capable of causing serious injury, stress-induced miscarriage in sheep, and long-term herd disruption.

According to Darren Beale, CEO of Years, a UK-based fresh dog food brand specialising in tailored canine nutrition, many incidents stem not from aggression, but from misunderstanding canine behaviour in high-arousal environments.

“Most owners genuinely believe their dog would never cause harm,” says Beale. “The issue is not usually aggression. It’s instinct combined with overstimulation. Open countryside, new scents, moving animals and wide spaces can switch a dog into chase mode in seconds.”

Why the Countryside Is Different

Beale explains that dogs who respond perfectly to recall commands in parks or urban settings may behave very differently around livestock.

“A dog that reliably comes back in a familiar park might not respond the same way when faced with running sheep or cattle,” he says. “That’s not disobedience, it’s instinct overriding training.”

Even when livestock are not physically harmed, chasing alone can cause severe stress to farm animals. Pregnant sheep, in particular, are vulnerable to miscarriage after being chased.

The Role of Routine and Arousal

While behaviour is the primary factor, Beale notes that routine and energy regulation can also play a part.

“Long car journeys, disrupted feeding times and high excitement levels can all contribute to overstimulation,” he says. “When dogs arrive somewhere new already heightened, their threshold for impulsive behaviour lowers.”

He adds that structured routines, balanced nutrition and calm transitions before walks can help reduce excessive arousal.

What Owners Should Do

Years is advising dog owners visiting rural areas to:

• Keep dogs on a lead near livestock, regardless of recall reliability
   
• Observe and respect countryside signage
• Allow dogs to settle calmly after car journeys before beginning walks
• Avoid releasing dogs in unfamiliar open fields without assessing surroundings

“Farmers and dog owners both care deeply about animals,” says Darren Beale. “A little awareness goes a long way. Responsible walking protects livestock, protects dogs, and protects the reputation of responsible owners.”

With countryside visits increasing, particularly during school breaks and weekends, the experts emphasise that education, not blame, is key.

“This isn’t about pointing fingers,” he says. “It’s about understanding that dogs experience rural spaces very differently from humans. Awareness is what prevents incidents.”