It’s that time of year again. The fields are dotted with pregnant ewes, and soon, lambs will be taking their first wobbly steps into the world. Lambing season is a crucial period for farmers, and as dog owners, we all have a responsibility to do our part.
If you walk your dog in the countryside, you’ve probably seen the signs asking you to keep dogs on leads near livestock. It’s not just a request—it’s a necessity.
Even the most well-trained dogs can be unpredictable when they catch sight of sheep. A moment of excitement, a chase, and suddenly, the consequences can be devastating.
At Paws Academy, we believe in responsible dog training that clicks, and that includes keeping dogs under control when it matters most.
What’s the Big Deal About Lambing Season & Why You Must Keep Your Dog on a lead?
From January through April, ewes are either heavily pregnant or caring for newborn lambs. They’re at their most vulnerable. Stress, fear, and even mild exertion can have serious consequences for them.
When a dog chases a ewe, it’s not just about the immediate danger—it’s what happens after that can cause real harm.
Here’s what can go wrong:
• Miscarriages – If a pregnant ewe is chased or stressed, she may lose her lamb.
• Injuries – Panicked sheep can run into fences, ditches, or uneven ground, leading to broken legs or worse.
• Orphaned lambs – If a ewe is frightened away from her lamb, she might abandon it, leaving the lamb to die from cold or hunger.
• Financial and emotional cost – Farmers work tirelessly to keep their animals safe. A single dog chase can mean lost income and heartbreak.
And let’s be honest—no one wants to be the person whose dog caused harm to an animal.
“But My Dog Has Perfect Recall!”
We hear this a lot.
Your dog might have excellent recall most of the time. But no matter how well-trained your dog is, there are always variables you can’t control.
A sudden burst of adrenaline, an unexpected scent, a movement in the distance—sometimes, instinct takes over before you even have a chance to call them back.
That’s why a lead is the only guarantee that your dog won’t run after livestock.
What You Can Do Instead
Being a responsible dog owner doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the countryside—it just means making small adjustments.
Here are some practical ways to keep your dog and local livestock safe:
• Use a lead whenever you’re near farmland or areas with sheep.
• Practice recall in controlled environments before trusting your dog off-lead.
• Look out for signs warning of livestock and respect them.
• Choose different walking routes during lambing season. If you’re not sure if sheep are in a field, assume they are.
• Keep distance even if your dog is on a lead. Being too close can still cause stress to the sheep.
Making Recall Stronger With Positive Training
If you do want to work on recall, consistency is key.
At Paws Academy, we teach recall using positive reinforcement to make sure your dog sees coming back to you as the best option—no matter what else is going on.
Here’s how you can improve recall at home:
• Use a clear cue – Stick to one recall word and only use it when you’re sure your dog will come back.
• Make it rewarding – Use high-value treats, play, or praise every single time your dog responds.
• Gradually increase difficulty – Start recall training in quiet areas, then add distractions as your dog gets more reliable.
• Avoid punishment – If your dog ignores recall, go back a step rather than scolding them.
Even with great training, a lead is still essential around livestock. It’s the only way to guarantee your dog won’t cause harm.
Let’s All Do Our Part
Lambing season is just a few months a year, but the impact of one loose dog can be permanent.
Keeping dogs on leads isn’t about taking away freedom—it’s about respecting the countryside, protecting animals, and ensuring that farmers don’t suffer unnecessary losses.
Need help with recall or loose-lead training?
At Paws Academy, we offer training that clicks, using kind and effective methods to help you and your dog build a strong bond. Please contact us for any support that you might need with your dog training.