16 • Rural Lifestyle


Countryside Living - brought to you by APL Media • Wednesday 7 August 2024


Call of the wild F


rom coastal climbs in Devon to hilly hikes in Yorkshire, our canine companions are


increasingly joining us for the journey. According to holiday accommodation company Canine Cottages, there was a 36% increase in dog-friendly bookings between 2022 and 2023, a trend that’s holding true in 2024. However, for those planning their first dog-friendly adventure, it may seem a little daunting. “Take it slow and give your dog


time to adjust. Don’t head off on a week-long wild camping trip in the wilderness if your dog has never seen a tent,” says Hollie Jenkins, video creator behind The Edinburgh Spaniels. “For hiking, build up both difficulty of terrain and length of hike gradually, ensuring your dog has plenty of rest. For camping, introduce your dog to the tent ahead of time.” Start with practice hikes to assess


THE EDINBURGH SPANIELS/HOLLIE JENKINS


your dog’s limits. Consider your dog’s breed, age and fitness level — not every dog is built for treks. Research your route thoroughly, check the weather conditions and assess what kit and supplies you’ll need. “A dog’s basic needs are similar to our own: food, water and gear


While luxuriating on a hot beach might be the dream for some, dog owners are in search of something more adventurous. Words: Beth Finney


for the journey,” says Dani Reese, ambassador manager at dog apparel company Ruffwear. “You’d pack first aid for yourself, so you need first aid for your dog, too.” The Met Office and Mountain


Weather Information Service are both great resources for checking you and your pooch are prepared. Think about what kit you’ll need and remember that dogs will need plenty of water in hot and cold weather. “When it’s hot, take frequent water


breaks so your dog can sit in the shade and drink water,” Dani says. “Dogs cool down the quickest through their belly, paws and armpits, so if they’re very hot, focus on these areas first.” For hot weather, a cooling harness is a great investment.” When it comes to kit, Hollie


doesn’t head out on hikes without a waist bungee lead, so she can clip her dogs to her but still have both hands free, or a well-fitted harness, which is safer than just a collar (especially if the terrain is slippery) and has a handle so she can liſt them during trickier scrambles. She also packs snow booties and treats with a high meat percentage to keep up her dogs’ energy and sense of reward.


“Invest in good waterproofs and


pack plenty of layers,” says Hollie. “I would be much happier coming back from a hike with one extra layer in my bag, than need it and not have it.” Another important thing to check


is laws — The 1980 Highways Act gives walkers the right to access certain paths across private land, but this doesn’t extend to dogs. Landowners can decide whether or not to allow dogs on their property — restrictions are usually there to protect wildlife, livestock and/or dogs from harm. The 1953 Dogs (Protection of


Livestock) Act states that if your dog isn’t under control around livestock, you can be imprisoned and/or fined up to £40,000. You’ll want a durable and versatile lead and harness set-up and you’ll need your dog to have the appropriate training — good recall is imperative for a safe and fun hiking trip. “Terrain and ground shape can change dramatically,” says Hollie. “You need to be able to recall your dog away from edges reliably should a sharp ledge be revealed.” Once your and your dog’s safety


are in hand, it’s time to focus on great adventures, leaving only footprints — and pawprints — as you explore.


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE


Massey Feeds — feeding the animals that feed the nation


Massey Bros (Feeds) was established in 1878, and there are records of the company first trading out of what’s now the mill at Cranage, Holmes Chapel. Throughout the generations,


Massey Feeds has been run by the Massey family, and today is no different, with the sixth generation of the Massey family running it, and family being one of their core values. In 2019, the company harnessed


its passion for agriculture and launched the nation’s first animal feed range with zero palm kernel and zero soya. This is called the Planet range. The range has now increased and is available to customers with cattle and sheep. The Planet range also helps


farmers with their journey to net zero, which is vital for some milk contracts. From its mills in the north west


of England, Massey Feeds supplies farmers who produce lamb, milk, cheese, eggs, pork, beef and chicken. The company is trusted to be the driving force with the lastest technology when feeding animals and ensures it delivers the highest quality feeds made from the highest quality raw materials.


As a progressive


family business, Massey Feeds can react to the changing needs of farmers quickly and responsibly, ensuring feed is delivered on time and to the required specifications.


Get in touch


Visit: masseyfeeds.co.uk T: 01477 536300/01772 206200 Socials: Massey Feeds Insta: @massey_feeds


ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Compact tractor attachments


When it comes to enhancing your agricultural and landscaping operations, Winton tractor attachments are the best choice


Renowned for the high-quality construction and design of its products, Winton attachments are robust and reliable. This is one of the many reasons why compact tractor dealers throughout the UK are stocking the Winton range. Winton offers a versatile range of


tractor attachments, from mowers and tillers to trailers, hedge cutters and much more, allowing tractor owners to tackle multiple jobs with ease. With implements for year- round landscaping, livestock and general maintenance tasks, Winton’s range of attachments are supplied in various sizes to suit the power or width of tractor and acreage of the estate, paddock or smallholding it’s going to be used on. Winton’s commitment to


customer satisfaction is evident in its comprehensive support services, which include knowledgeable dealers with immediate delivery and installation assistance, easy access to spare parts, comprehensive user manuals and ongoing technical support. The company has garden and ground care machinery to fit all brands of small and compact tractors.


Enhance the


productivity and efficiency of your agricultural and landscaping operations with Winton tractor attachments.


For more information


Visit: farmtechsupplies.co.uk T: 01420 520510 E: sales@farmtechsupplies.co.uk


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