A DOG-loving charity worker from Warwickshire has provided some tips to prevent pooches from picnic-raiding.
Katie Steel, from Stockton near Southam, works for charity Dogs for Good – which trains dogs for people in need – as an autism instructor.
As lockdown rules relax, the charity says some clients and supporters have sought advice about how to prevent their dog from ‘picnic raiding’.
And since covid safety measures mean more people gathering outdoors, Katie has come up with a number of tips to prevent dogs poaching family picnic food.
Katie said: “Consider free-running your dog in different areas that are more likely to be picnic-free. Instead of town or country parks that are the first choice for picnics, you could take your dog to canals, woods or much bigger open spaces where they can enjoy their free run and you’re not worried about him or her making off with a cocktail sausage.
“You could also take high-value treats with you on your free-run – their very own picnic! Cheese and tasty meat treats are largely irresistible and will encourage your dog to come back to you for something yummy instead of raiding someone’s picnic.”
She also advised, by mixing up treats, dogs will be more tempted back by a surprise morsel should they run off.
Other tips include –
-Recall your dog as soon as you spot a picnic and pop them back on their lead until they’re a safe distance away
-Distract pooches from picnics with a ball or noisy toy before they spot the picnic.
-If completely switching a local walking area is difficult, consider changing the direction and usual route you take. This will help dogs to be more vigilant and interested in their owner, rather than looking further afield.
– Consider an earlier or later walk to avoid lunchtime.
– Practise recalling your dog confidently with both voice and whistle. This can also be practised in low distraction areas such as at home or the garden.
Visit dogsforgood.org for more advice.
