Walking Your Dog In The Forest: What Rules Should You Follow?

When walking in the forest with your dog, it can be tempting to let your pet off the leash. However, be cautious: at certain times of the year, this seemingly harmless act can result in a hefty fine! We will review the rules you should follow when you want to take your dog for a walk in the woods.

What are the rules to follow throughout the year?

As a general rule, when deciding to walk one's dog in the forest, one must remain vigilant and not let the animal stray too far.

French regulations stipulate that dogs must remain under their owner's supervision at all times.

The pet must not wander more than 100 meters away from its owner.

What is the regulation in spring?

In spring, the rules for walking in the forest with a pet become more stringent.

From April 15 to June 30, it is mandatory to keep the animal on a leash when walking your dog in the forest outside of forest paths. This rule, often unknown to dog owners, stems from a ministerial order dated March 16, 1955.

It applies each year from April 15 to June 30, outside of forest paths, which means roads, trails, or forest footpaths such as GR trails or simple walking paths.

Violators who let their dogs roam freely in the woods face a hefty fine of up to €750.

Why is there a ban during this time of the year?

According to the National Forestry Office, this ban on walking dogs off-leash in forests was established to prevent the destruction of birds and wildlife.

Although spring is an ideal season for walking one's dog in the forest, it is also the time when mammals give birth and birds build their nests. With their keen sense of smell, dogs pose a threat to all species that nest on the ground.

Even if your dog does not attack birds or other animals, its mere presence could disturb and stress the wildlife and jeopardize the reproduction of forest species.

The moral of the story: dogs must be kept on a leash in the woods during this time of year to respect the tranquility of the wildlife and the balance of forest ecosystems.

What are the other rules to know?

You may not be aware, but there are other rules to follow when you want to walk your dog in the forest or mountains or in other natural spaces. Check with the local town hall beforehand as some municipalities prohibit unleashed dogs in their public spaces.

There are also specific rules in protected natural areas and in certain zones. In mountain pastoral areas, the patou dogs that protect the herds may consider your dog a threat.

The law requires that dogs be kept on a leash at all times in agricultural lands, orchards, vineyards, and marshes. The same rule also applies to the edges of streams, ponds, and lakes.

Finally, note that you should not feed wild animals when walking in the forest or even approach them. If you touch a young animal, its mother could be disturbed by the human smell and abandon it.

To conclude, the next time you come across animals in the forest, simply observe them in their natural habitat, but without disturbing them.