'I'm a dog expert – here's how to control them around birds, foxes and other wildlife'

Spring doesn't just lure more people outdoors - it also stirs up wildlife.

As dogs explore, they often encounter wild animals, which can surprise their owners. Whether it's a small critter or a larger, more daunting creature, it's always wise to keep your pooch and the wild animal at a safe distance.

With spring in full swing and wildlife becoming more active, many are turning to social media platforms like Reddit to seek advice on managing their pets around wildlife.

Fortunately, Annie-Mae Levy, a professional dog trainer and behaviourist at Woofz by nove8, a puppy and dog training app, has offered her guidance on how to navigate unexpected meetings between your dog and wild animals.

1. Birds (pheasants, seagulls, swans)

Pheasants are prevalent in rural areas, particularly during hunting season, and can startle dogs into chasing them, says Annie-Mae.

She advises: "Keep your dog on a leash in fields and woodlands where game birds nest. Seagulls, especially in coastal towns, can be aggressive when protecting their young.

"Avoid feeding your dog near gulls; they will aggressively try to steal your food and can harm your dog. Swans are fiercely territorial, particularly around lakes and rivers."

She continues: "If a swan approaches, calmly move your dog away and avoid letting them enter the water during the breeding season between April and June."

2. Small animals (hedgehogs, rabbits, rats)

Hedgehogs, with their nightly wanderings and sharp spines, can be a prickly surprise for nosy pups. Wildlife whizz Annie-Mae warns: "If your dog finds one, call them away immediately and never let them paw or bite it."

Then there's the bunny bother. Although chasing rabbits may seem like harmless fun, Annie-Mae points out that these wild hoppers can harbor unwanted stowaways—parasites.

Her advice is clear: "Keep dogs away from burrows to prevent bites and injury. However, if you're in an urban area, you may still be in danger if there are a lot of rats."

On the matter of rats, she urges: "Try to avoid rat hotspots like bins and alleys. These creatures can carry diseases such as leptospirosis, which can be transmitted through your dog's paws or if they catch a rodent."

3. Medium-sized animals (foxes, badgers, deer)

Things get even more awkward when medium-sized mammals enter the mix, with foxes, badgers, and deer becoming part of the suburban safari. Although foxes usually steer clear of trouble, Annie-Mae cautions that they might lash out if backed into a corner—better keep those canine comrades in check.

She advises: "If your dog becomes fixated on a fox, call them back and avoid leaving food outside at night, which attracts foxes."

Badgers don't take kindly to being disturbed either. With their formidable digging skills, they can dish out some serious damage.

Annie-Mae advises: "Avoid wooded areas known for badger activity and keep dogs on a leash at dusk."

She also says to watch out for those antlered adversaries during rutting season, adding: "During rutting season, which is somewhere between September and November, stags can be aggressive, so always leash your dog near deer parks and open moors to protect them."

4. Large animals (wild boar and livestock)

Large creatures aren't left out of this animal advisory. Wild boars can pose a danger if caught off-guard, warns expert Annie-Mae. She advises: "Stick to marked trails and keep your dog on a leash in areas where boars are known to roam.

"Livestock, such as cows and sheep, can also pose a hazard. If cows approach, release your dog so they can run to safety while you calmly move away. However, if your dog appears scared, barking, and pulling toward the cows, it's best to keep them on a leash. During lambing season, always keep your dog on a leash if you're near farms."