Archive for the ‘Respect The Lead’ Category

As someone who has owned many dogs, trained and shared my life with them for many years, I know how much joy they bring. But as a veterinary nurse, I’ve also seen the devastating consequences when a dog gets into the wrong situation. Recently, Sussex Police seized two dogs as part of an investigation into […]

Every year, National Dog Bite Prevention Week raises awareness of how to stay safe around dogs. While it’s an American campaign, the message is just as important here in the UK, because dog bites are not rare, and most are entirely preventable. As a veterinary nurse of over 30 years, I’ve sadly seen the impact […]

The Respect the Lead campaign has always been about real stories, from dogs and their humans who understand the importance of space, safety, and respect when out walking. Over the last few months, we invited entries for our photo competition, asking people to share images that capture what Respect the Lead means to them. The response has […]

When I first launched the Respect the Lead campaign, my focus was on dogs: raising awareness of why some dogs need space, and helping owners understand that not every dog wants an off-lead greeting. Over the years, the campaign has grown far beyond that, and recently, it’s become clear that our posters also need to […]

For many dog owners, walk time should be a joy-a chance to explore, sniff, and socialise. But for others, like Basil’s owner, it’s become a stressful, carefully choreographed experience due to repeated encounters with off-lead dogs. In this Respect the Lead interview, we hear from a committed whippet owner whose experience highlights the emotional toll […]

I recently had the pleasure of joining Dr Alexia Mellor on her Mystic Dog Mamma podcast — a space for soulful conversations about dogs, wellness and the human–canine bond. Alexia is a certified Holistic Canine Nutrition & Wellness Consultant, and we connected during a nail trim session in Horsham. Her dog was on a long […]

For many dog owners, learning how to navigate walks respectfully takes time, experience, and often, a few hard lessons. In this interview, we speak with Kirstie and her dog Reuben, a 10-year-old labradoodle, about their journey together. From the early days of misunderstanding lead etiquette to now advocating for greater awareness, Kirstie shares candid insights […]

Does your dog proudly wear their lead? Do they have a story that helps others understand why respecting on-lead dogs is so important? Do you want to help spread awareness while celebrating your four-legged friend? If so, we want to hear from you! The Respect The Lead campaign is looking for real dogs to become […]

Reflecting on the seven-year journey of the Respect The Lead campaign reveals significant milestones, community engagement, and the ongoing importance of promoting responsible dog interactions. Origins and Purpose of The Respect The Lead Campaign Founded by me, Zoe Blake, a professional vet nurse with over 30 years of experience working with animals, the campaign was […]

Nationwide Campaign Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership Takes Centre Stage In a remarkable stride towards promoting responsible dog ownership and fostering safer interactions between our four-legged friends, the nationwide campaign “Respect The Lead” has recently garnered widespread coverage in Wales. Founded by Zoe Blake, a dedicated and qualified veterinary nurse, the campaign addresses the vital importance […]