Why Your Dog Must Be on a Lead in Lambing Season
Updated: 4 days ago
Every spring the fields fill with heavily pregnant ewes, and soon after with wobbly newborn lambs. It's a lovely time of year in the countryside, and it's also the time farmers worry most about dogs. Our training centre is in Ballycroy, surrounded by sheep farms, so I see both sides of this. Even a friendly, well-trained dog can chase when sheep run, and the damage can be done in seconds. Here's why lambing season matters so much, why "my dog has great recall" isn't enough, and how to enjoy country walks safely.
THE SHORT ANSWER
Keep your dog on a lead anywhere near sheep, especially during lambing season, when ewes are heavily pregnant or caring for young lambs. A dog doesn't have to catch or bite a sheep to cause harm. Being chased or frightened can make pregnant ewes lose their lambs, cause injuries as sheep crash into fences, and separate ewes from their lambs. Even dogs with good recall can be overtaken by the urge to chase, so a lead is the only real guarantee. In many countries farmers are allowed to protect their animals from dogs, and owners can be fined or prosecuted. Follow the signs, pick routes away from livestock where you can, and keep working on recall with a long line somewhere safe.
Why lambing season is different
In the months around lambing, ewes are heavily pregnant or looking after newborn lambs. They're tired, vulnerable and easily stressed.
A chase that might seem harmless to us can have serious effects. The damage often happens after the dog has gone, so owners may never know what their dog caused. The main risks are:
lost lambs: stress can cause pregnant ewes to miscarry
injuries: panicked sheep can run into fences, ditches and walls
orphaned lambs: frightened ewes may leave their lambs behind
bites and deaths: dogs can and do kill sheep, even dogs who've never shown any interest before
"But my dog has great recall"
I hear this a lot, and I understand it. Your dog may come back brilliantly on most walks. But sheep running is one of the strongest triggers there is for a dog's chase instinct.
In that moment, adrenaline takes over and even a well-trained dog can stop hearing you. A lead is the only way to be sure. It isn't a sign your training has failed. It's just the safe choice around livestock.
It isn't only sheep
The same care applies around cattle, horses, goats, deer and poultry. Cows with calves can be protective and dangerous to both you and your dog.
If cattle come towards you while you're walking your dog, let go of the lead if you're at risk and get yourself to safety. Your dog can outrun them, and you can't. Read dogs around horses: why recall matters.
The law and the farmer
In many countries, farmers are legally allowed to protect their livestock from dogs, and dog owners can be fined, sued for losses or prosecuted if their dog worries sheep. Rules differ from place to place, so check what applies where you walk.
Beyond the law, it's about respect. Farmers lose income and animals they've cared for all year. Nobody wants to be the owner whose dog caused that.
How to walk safely in the countryside
You can still enjoy the countryside with your dog. It just takes a little planning. A few simple habits help:
keep your dog on a lead near any field that might have livestock
follow signs and stick to marked paths
if you can't see whether a field has sheep in it, assume it does
pick routes away from farmland during lambing season
give livestock plenty of space, even with your dog on a lead
close every gate behind you
Keep working on recall
Lambing season is a great time to work on recall somewhere safe. Use a long line so your dog has freedom while you stay in control.
Practise in quiet places first, call once, reward generously every time and add distractions slowly. Read what to do when your dog won't come back. Even with brilliant recall, the lead still goes on around livestock.
RENEE'S TIP
Teach your dog a "look at me" game for when you pass sheep on the lead. Each time your dog glances at the sheep and then looks back at you, say "yes" and reward. Start at a big distance. Over time, sheep become a cue to check in with you rather than something to stare at or chase.
QUICK CHECK
ā Keep your dog on a lead near livestock, every time
ā Chasing can cause lost lambs and injuries, even without a bite
ā Good recall isn't a guarantee around running sheep
ā If you can't see the field, assume there are sheep
ā Practise recall on a long line somewhere safe
ONE-TO-ONE HELP
Help with a dog who chases
If your dog chases sheep, wildlife, bikes or cars, I can help you build a safe plan in an online Dog Behaviour Consultation from wherever you are.
Online on Teams, wherever you are. 30 or 60 minutes.
FAQs
Why should dogs be on a lead during lambing season?
Being chased can make pregnant ewes lose their lambs, cause injuries and separate ewes from lambs.
My dog has good recall. Do they still need a lead near sheep?
Yes. The urge to chase running sheep can override even good recall. A lead is the only guarantee.
Can a farmer shoot a dog for chasing sheep?
In many countries farmers are legally allowed to protect livestock from dogs. Check the rules where you live.
What should I do if cattle come towards me with my dog?
Let go of the lead if you're at risk and get yourself to safety. Your dog can outrun them.
How can I practise recall safely?
Use a long line somewhere away from livestock, call once, reward well and add distractions slowly.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Renee Patience Ā· National Dog Trainer of the Year 2025
Founder and head trainer of Paws Academy, with more than 30 years training dogs and a Level 6 Diploma in Applied Canine Behaviour. Renee has competed in agility, obedience and heelwork to music across the UK, including at Crufts and Olympia, has appeared on CBBC, and is the author of the Modern Training Guides and the Modern Breed Handbook series. Pictured with her boxer, Kookie.
READ NEXT Dogs around horses: why recall matters
