The study, from the University of Surrey, suggests that it is everyday distractions that exacerbate related environmental problems, rather than a deliberate irresponsibility.

 

The project sought to understand why dog walkers might fail to prevent pets from dog fouling, disturbing wildlife or approaching livestock. It considered whether such behaviours were the result of ‘irresponsibility’, or whether other factors were at play.

 

To investigate this, researchers conducted 40 hours of observation at four locations: Puttenham Common, the Chantries and St Martha’s Hill, Norbury Park and Denbies Wine Estate.

 

Researchers recorded 11 occasions where a dog walker did not attend to dog fouling. This was heavily concentrated within 50 to 100 metres of car parks and along busy paths, which researchers said reflected dogs’ tendency to toilet early in a walk.

 

There were also cases where off-lead dog entered undergrowth, disturbed birds and approached livestock.

 

Observations reported that walkers using phones or headphones sometimes missed when their dog fouled, strayed off the path or entered a sensitive habitat.

 

Those walking socially were likely to miss things when absorbed in conversation. Similarly, professional dog walkers may not notice if their attention is divided between several animals.

 

However, despite these trends, researchers noted that the majority of dog walkers consistently picked up after their dogs. Some even collected waste left by other animals.

 

Dr Tom Roberts, senior lecturer in Environmental Sociology at the University of Surrey, said: “Dog walkers are often portrayed as either responsible or irresponsible, but our research shows that the reality is far more complicated. Most people care deeply about their dogs and the countryside. Problems frequently arise because their attention is divided or because facilities do not match how dog walking actually happens.”

 

The study also included a workshop, which 15 farmers, land managers, countryside business owners and conservation professionals attended.

 

Participants suggested bins where dogs regularly toilet, rather than only at entrances. They supported dedicated off-lead areas in appropriate areas, community-led stewardship, and signs in strategic places.

 

Haeyoung Eun, innovation lead at the University of Surrey, said: “Simply giving people more rules is unlikely to solve these problems. Land managers need to work with the routines, relationships and practical realities of dog walking. Well-placed bins, timely messages and suitable spaces for off-lead exercise could make responsible choices much easier.”

 

The full study can be found in the journal Society & Natural Resources.