Guide

UK dog laws for owners

A plain-English guide to the rules that apply to dog owners in England, Wales and Scotland, with links to the official sources.

Microchipping, ID tags and being in control
Council rules in England and Wales
Scotland’s dog control notices and access code

Need a dog trainer?Tell us about your dog and your full postcode so we can find the nearest trainer.K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. Your details are shared with the trainer we refer you to so they can contact you about your request. See our Privacy Policy for how we use your data and your rights under UK GDPR.

How it works

From request to trainer in three steps

K9PN is a referral service. We do not train dogs. Trainers set their own prices and programs.

1. Tell us what you need

Share your dog’s age and breed, what you want help with, and your full postcode. It takes about two minutes and costs nothing.

2. We match you with a trainer

K9PN is a referral service. Based on what you need and where you live, we refer your request to a professional trainer who covers your area.

3. The trainer gets in touch

The trainer contacts you to talk through your goals, pricing and scheduling. You decide whether it is a fit.

About this guide

Dog law differs across the UK. This guide covers the main rules for owners and links to the official sources. It is general information, not legal advice, and local rules change, so always check your council’s website.

Rules across Great Britain

A dog must be microchipped by eight weeks old and the owner’s details kept up to date on the database. A dog in a public place must wear a collar with a tag showing the owner’s name and address. A dog that is dangerously out of control in a public place is a criminal offence, and the owner is responsible. See gov.uk: control your dog in public.

England and Wales: Public Spaces Protection Orders

Councils can make Public Spaces Protection Orders that require dogs on leads in certain places, exclude them from some areas such as children’s play areas, limit the number of dogs one person can walk and require you to pick up after your dog. Breaking an order can lead to a fixed penalty notice. Rules vary between councils, so check the page for your area.

Scotland

Under the Control of Dogs (Scotland) Act 2010, a council officer can serve a dog control notice on the owner of a dog that is out of control, and it can require things such as microchipping, a muzzle or lead in public, neutering of a male dog or dog control training. Dog fouling is an offence under the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003. In the countryside, follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland has its own rules. Every dog must be licensed and microchipped: nidirect gives the licence fee as £12.50 for 12 months, with reduced rates for some owners, and says dogs must be microchipped at eight weeks old before you apply. Councils such as Belfast City Council also set rules on leads, fouling and the number of dogs you can walk.

The countryside

In England and Wales, the Countryside Code says to keep your dog under effective control, on a lead around livestock, and on a short lead on open access land between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground-nesting birds. Bag and bin dog poo.

City-specific rules

Each city page summarises its own council rules: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bristol, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Nottingham.

Common questions

Do I have to put my dog on a lead?

Not everywhere, but many council areas and parks require it, and you must keep your dog under control. Follow signs and your council’s rules.

What is a Public Spaces Protection Order?

A council power in England and Wales to set rules about dogs in public places, such as leads, exclusions and clearing up. Check your council’s website for yours.

Is K9PN a dog training company?

No. K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer who covers your area.

Are you a dog trainer in the UK?

K9PN passes local dog-training requests like the ones on this page to professional trainers in the area so new-client inquiries reach you without you running ads. We also build the website, CRM, booking and follow-up that turn those enquiries into booked clients. Book a call to ask about availability in your area.

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Types of dog training

Types of dog training in the UK

Pick the kind of help your dog needs, then choose your city for a page covering costs, what to expect and how to choose a trainer.

Puppy training

Toilet training, early socialisation, lead manners and the basics that set a puppy up well.

Puppy training in London Puppy training in Manchester Puppy training in Birmingham Puppy training in Glasgow Puppy training in Edinburgh Puppy training in Cardiff Puppy training in Belfast

Reactive dog training

Calm, structured help for dogs that bark, lunge or struggle around other dogs and people.

Reactive dog training in London Reactive dog training in Manchester Reactive dog training in Birmingham Reactive dog training in Glasgow Reactive dog training in Edinburgh Reactive dog training in Cardiff Reactive dog training in Belfast

Recall and lead training

A reliable recall and relaxed lead walking, built up gradually around real-world distractions.

Recall and lead training in London Recall and lead training in Manchester Recall and lead training in Birmingham Recall and lead training in Glasgow Recall and lead training in Edinburgh Recall and lead training in Cardiff Recall and lead training in Belfast

Separation anxiety training

Gentle, step-by-step support for dogs that cannot cope when left alone.

Separation anxiety training in London Separation anxiety training in Manchester Separation anxiety training in Birmingham Separation anxiety training in Glasgow Separation anxiety training in Edinburgh Separation anxiety training in Cardiff Separation anxiety training in Belfast