The UK’s lucky canines can expect to enjoy the festive season as much as their owners as an incredible 49% of owners will be preparing them their very own special doggie dinner at Christmas.

According to the recent survey carried out on behalf of Direct Line Pet Insurance, of the 1,021 dog owners questioned, almost half (49%) are planning to make a special Christmas meal for their dogs and with 46% planning a special family walk with their dog, it will soon be walked off!

Adam Whiteley, head of pet insurance at Direct Line, offered this advice to dog owners: “Dog owners going to the trouble of cooking a special Christmas dinner for their best furry friend are clearly doing so out of love and festive spirit. It’s worth remembering that there are a few things dogs shouldn’t eat at all, even on special occasions, as doing so can make them very ill or even cause death in extreme cases. Chocolate, raisins, onions, and added salt should all be avoided, as should sharp or small bones. It’s a good idea to make sure that all food items and treats are stored well out of reach of pets, during the holidays and all year round.”

According to the survey, 89% of Britain’s dogs can expect a delivery from Santa left under the tree for them to spend the holidays enjoying.

40% Britain’s dogs will have an average of £10 on presents spent this year with a lucky 9% having gifts worth more than £100 awaiting them.

Toys are the most favoured present of choice, but pampering with collars, leads and clothes also top the list of most desired presents.

However, with 26% of Britain’s dogs enjoying chewing presents, it might be advisable to make sure Santa’s little four legged helpers have someone keeping an eye out for them.

K9 Magazine editor Ryan O’Meara offered this thoughts on the findings,“The fact that nearly half of all dog owners are preparing to fully include their canine pals in the Christmas festivities is indicative of just how much the relationship between pets and their owners has changed in modern times. Dogs are now considered fully fledged members of the family and this research highlights just how seriously owners take that relationship. Dogs bring us so much joy every day, it’s nice to hear that owners take great delight in including them at this special time.”

The 3,800 square kilometre Cairngorms National Park welcomes around 1.4 million visitors annually, many of which are dog owners. While visitors and are encouraged, they need to be mindful that areas such as these are home to vulnerable wildlife as well as landowners and farmers.

This has led to the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) launching an awareness raising campaign to educate dog owners on what it means to be a responsible dog owner in the Scottish countryside and about the issues that can exist between their pets, farmers’ livestock and wildlife. The campaign is based around three key messages about dogs relating to farming; natural heritage and dogs in public open spaces.

As a country estate set within the Cairngorms National Park, Glen Tanar is supporting CNPA’s campaign by jointly hosting a ‘Dogs and the Code’ responsible dog ownership educational event aimed at local residents.

Michael Bruce, Glen Tanar Estate Owner, says, “While we actively encourage visitors and want our countryside to be enjoyed, we do not want this to be at the expense of nature. Glen Tanar is home to an abundance of wildlife including deer and rare capercaillie making it essential that dogs are kept under close control and do not chase such wildlife. Ideally dogs should be kept on a short lead during the bird breeding season so not to upset or harm ground nesting birds or disturb their nests.

“By supporting CNPA’s campaign through hosting this event, which will take place in February, Glen Tanar can work with the local community to encourage responsible behaviour among dog owners and ensure greater compliance with the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. This is turn will ensure the safety of our visitors as well as the conservation of the wildlife.”

Justin Prigmore, CNPA’s Outdoor Access Officer says, “The Cairngorms National Park is home to 16,000 residents and tourism related business accounts for 80% of the park’s economy. The support received by Glen Tanar in conveying our message to its local residents and visitors is very welcomed as only by working with local landowners can our campaign be a success”.

There are nine key points that The Scottish Outdoor Access Code recommends to dog owners, which are promoted at CNPA ‘Dogs and the Code’ events:

· Don’t take your dog into fields where there are lambs, calves or other young animals

· Don’t take your dog into fields of vegetables or fruit unless you are on a clear path, such as a core path or right of way, but keep your dog to the path

· Never let your dog worry or attack farm animals

· If you go into a field of farm animals, keep as far as possible from the animals and keep your dog on a short lead or under close control

· If cattle react aggressively and move towards you, keep calm, let the dog go and take the shortest, safest route out of the field

· During the bird breeding season (usually April to July), keep your dog under close control or on a short lead in areas such as moorland, forests, grassland, loch shores and the seashore

· Pick up and remove your dog’s faeces if it fouls in a public open place or where there is a risk to farming interests

· Some reservoirs and streams are used for public water supply. If there are intakes nearby, keep your dog out of the water

· In recreation areas and other public places, avoid causing concern to others by keeping your dog under close control

For more information on Glen Tanar visit www.glentanar.co.uk or call 013398 86451. For more information about the campaign to promote responsible outdoor access with dogs, please contact Justin Prigmore at the CNPA on tel: 01479 870533 or email: justinprigmore@cairngorms.co.uk

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