Whether it’s giving another dog space in the park, practising recall before letting your dog off lead or remembering to update your dog’s microchip details, Dogs Trust Harefield is encouraging London dog owners to remember that responsible ownership starts with the little acts of love we show our dogs every day.
As more Londoners make the most of the capital’s parks, commons and green spaces throughout the summer, the team at Dogs Trust Harefield is sharing simple ways owners can help keep their dogs happy, healthy and safe, while making shared spaces enjoyable for everyone.
The advice forms part of the Dogs Trust and RSPCA Dog Ownership Guide, which encourages owners to provide a good life for their dog while being considerate members of their local community.
Little acts of love for city dogs
Dogs Trust Harefield is encouraging owners to:
Keep your dog close near busy roads. A short lead around traffic and calm waits at pedestrian crossings help keep dogs safe and build confidence.
Give other dogs space. Not every dog enjoys meeting new dogs, particularly in busy parks. Watch their body language and respect owners creating distance.
Only let your dog off lead when recall is reliable. London’s parks can be busy with children, cyclists, sports and picnics, so good recall is essential.
Let your dog sniff. Even a short walk around the block can be enriching if your dog has time to stop, sniff and explore.
Practise calm behaviour in busy places. Reward your dog for settling outside cafés, walking politely through high streets and staying relaxed around everyday city sights and sounds.
Pick up after your dog every time. It’s one of the simplest ways to show consideration for your neighbours and keep London’s streets and parks enjoyable for everyone.
Help your dog travel confidently. Whether by car or on public transport where permitted, positive experiences make getting around the city less stressful.
Keep your dog’s ID up to date. In a busy city, an up-to-date microchip and ID tag are not only essential, but a legal requirement for if your dog ever becomes separated from you.
Richard Moore, Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Harefield, said:
“Dogs become part of every aspect of our lives, and showing them love isn’t just about treats or long walks. It’s the small, thoughtful decisions we make every day that really help them thrive.
“Giving another dog space, practising recall, keeping your dog’s microchip details up to date or choosing the right lead for the environment are all little acts of love that make a big difference.
“Here at Dogs Trust Harefield, we’re fortunate to sit on the edge of London, where many owners enjoy everything from city parks to countryside walks. We want to encourage owners to enjoy those spaces responsibly so that dogs, people and wildlife can all benefit.”
Dogs Trust’s Dog Ownership Guide, developed with the RSPCA, encourages owners to think about every aspect of life with a dog, from health and wellbeing to training, safety, community and planning for the future. Together, these small acts of care help strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners while creating safer, happier communities for people and pets alike.
About the Dog Ownership Guide:
Developed following one of the largest consultations of its kind, receiving more than 36,000 responses from members of the public alongside contributions from more than 30 organisations, the Guide provides, for the first time, a shared definition of responsible dog ownership and practical guidance to help both new and experienced owners throughout every stage of their dog’s life.
Built around five core pillars, the Guide encourages owners to see responsible ownership as much more than meeting a dog’s basic needs.
Good Life – Meet your dog’s physical, emotional and behavioural needs so they can enjoy a happy, healthy and fulfilling life.
Safe and Secure – Protect your dog, other people and animals by preventing harm and making safe, responsible decisions every day.
Good Citizen – Be considerate and respectful in shared spaces, helping dogs and communities live happily alongside one another.
Lifetime Commitment – Recognise that owning a dog means continually learning, adapting and caring for them throughout every stage of their life.
Community – Seek and support trusted advice, services and environments that help dogs and their owners thrive together.
Dogs Trust commissioned new research among 2,500 current and prospective dog owners to explore attitudes towards responsible dog ownership. The findings reveal that while owners have a strong foundation of responsible dog ownership, many still instinctively associate love with visible acts of affection, rather than guidance, protection and long-term care that underpin a happy, healthy life.
On average 79% of owners recognise treats, toys and quality time as acts of love. However, as behaviours become less about affection and more about guidance, protection and welfare, owners become increasingly likely to view them as responsibilities rather than expressions of love.
By providing a shared framework for dog owners, organisations and policymakers alike, the DOG aims to encourage consistent, preventative approaches that improve dog welfare, strengthen communities and help more dogs enjoy happy, healthy lives. At its heart the DOG encourages owners, and prospective owners, to think more deeply about what loving a dog really means.
From recognising early signs that a dog is uncomfortable to understanding public etiquette and making difficult welfare decisions, the Guide encourages owners to see responsible ownership not as a destination, but as a lifelong commitment to learning and adapting alongside their dog. Together, Dogs Trust and the RSPCA hope the Guide will help more people recognise that responsibility isn’t separate from love, it’s one of the clearest expressions.
