Hello and Welcome

Daisy, Maimee and Alice ready for the off

When you consider that Britain's dog population is now (wuffly) about 8.3 million, it's easy to understand why dog walking is one of most popular past times. Whether it's an energetic gallop across the Malvern Hills, a leisurely spot of squirrel chasing in a local wood or an amble around the park, a good dog walk will always send your spirits soaring.

Living in Worcestershire means that Maimee and I get to explore a whole range of country delights and meet up with chums and their owners every week.

How far you go depends on how fit you are so as Maimee and I are both ten years old and my arthritis means I can't go as mad as I used to and Maimee is disabled because she suffered ruptured achiles and crutiate ligaments, our choice of walks are pretty gentle.

But this blog is aimed at dogs of all ages and abilities so it's up to you and your owner to choose one or two that you like and try them.

We've paw-picked some of our friends to recommend walks that are tried and tested across the country and we hope that you'll get in touch with us to offer tips and walks to share.

Wherever you go, it's essential that you follow the countryside code particularly when you're out and about on farm land and nature reserves. We all love to run and snuffle to our hearts content but if there are signs warning of nesting wildlife and birds and grazing stock, be a good dog and stay on the lead.

And remember, no-one likes to step in a great big pile of dog poo and your owner can be fined up to £1,000 for letting you foul in a public place, so make sure they take plenty of poo bags and pick up your business as you go.

It's outrageous how many owners pick up poo and then hang it in bags on tree branches or just discard them on the side of woodland tracks and pathways. If there's no dog poo bin, then it's far better to move it into a ditch with the aid of a stick rather than bag it and leave it.

And if you see a sign on your travels telling your owner to "CLOSE THE GATE" or DON'T FEED THE LIVESTOCK" don't ignore it.

The countryside's for everyone to enjoy and, understandably, not everyone enjoys the company of four-legged companions so if you're the boisterous type, make sure your owner keeps you under control at all times.

And for heaven's sake, show some consideration to farmers. They have a tough enough job as it is without having to worry about their animals and crops being disturbed by unruly dogs.

If there's a sign saying "PRIVATE, KEEP OUT" it's there for a reason. Dogs can't read, owners can so make sure your owner sticks to the public footpaths with you and doesn't allow you to go galloping off across fields. Especially at this time of year when the ewes are tending lambs.

Follow the rules and enjoy your walks.