Out into the forest with your dog
When it is not too cold and there is little or no snow, the forest is a wonderful playground for the dog. But first you should find out what is allowed and what is forbidden. I would like to help you make the outing as lovely as possible for you and your four-legged friend.
In Germany this is regulated by the Federal Forest Act
It states that one may enter the forest for recreational purposes. This also applies to the wooded areas off the paths. In addition, there is the forest act of the respective federal state, which you can certainly read up on online. Restrictions can also arise in designated protected areas. As a basic principle, free-running dogs must be recallable and must under no circumstances poach. Consideration for wildlife and for other people seeking recreation is absolutely necessary. When in doubt, keep the dog on the lead; then it will still have a lot of fun.
There is no better place for foraging, climbing or digging
You can try out games with your dog that are like gymnastics for it. It is wonderful when the dog can tramp through dense, dry foliage. You can also lead it over branches and thin tree trunks lying on the ground. If you often walk the same routes, a tip: you can then lay down a few branches at a certain spot for next time. This way you can use them again and again as sport and play. You should also lead the dog with your hand held low so that it can see where it is stepping. You can also give the dog a lot of joy with crumbs of food that you hide. For example in the foliage, in a root, on embankments, at the front of a woodpile or in a shallow stream. Many dogs also love to balance on low tree trunks. Here too, lead the dog with your hand held low. It helps both fidgety and fearful animals if, as a little trick, you lay a trail of food across the tree trunk. If it does not work straight away, that is no problem either. Never force the animal.
This article serves for general information and as a caring suggestion for a lovely forest outing with your dog.
