Be Kind! with your dog in the Middlesex Fells
Friends of the Fells and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) invite you to join the “Be Kind” campaign to make the Fells a safe and welcoming space for everyone. By following these simple guidelines when visiting with your pups, we can make the Fells safe and welcoming for dogs, and for all people, too.
Why should I leash my pup?
- Not everyone is a dog lover, and some visitors you encounter may even be very fearful of dogs due to traumatic experiences with dogs in the past. Keeping your dog on a leash shows respect and consideration for everyone’s space, safety, and mental well-being.
- Not all dogs are dog-friendly! Many negative and stressful interactions occur when an off-leash dog approaches a leashed, reactive dog. Dog-hesitant canines should have the same opportunity to enjoy the Fells as other dogs.
- Dogs love exploring off-trail! However, off-leash dogs often chase, scare, and can even injure or kill wildlife. Disturbance by off-leash dogs in wildlife habitats can also distract animals from essential behaviors, like foraging and mating. Sensitive wildlife, including nesting birds, salamanders, and small mammals cannot protect themselves or recover after encountering a large mammal like a dog.
- Many rodents have been affected by rodenticide and have high levels of poison in their system. Dogs that consume poisoned rats could experience illness and even death. Having your dog on a leash ensures that your dog doesn’t eat anything dangerous.
But I love seeing my dog run free!
So do we! The Fells provides this opportunity at the Sheepfold Dog Park, an off-leash area where dogs can run free and enjoy making new friends (owners can too!).
Why should I pick up after my dog?
- Dog waste is high in nutrients from a dog’s diet. This can alter the soil and water chemistry, impacting native plant communities. Dog waste can present safety issues when another dog encounters it. Diseases can spread to both pets and wildlife through dog waste, and can harm our water supply.
- Why should I ask before petting a dog?
- Even if they look friendly, not all dogs like to be approached by strangers.
- Some dogs you see in the Fells might be “at work,” such as Service Dogs, and these pets should not be distracted while they are working.
- Owners know their dogs best, and if you ask before petting, they will be able to tell you the best way to have a positive interaction and avoid upsetting their dog.
Join the Friends of the Fells for a dog hike!
Check out their calendar for the occasional “Middlesex Mutts” hiking program.
Please see below for guidelines related to dogs in the Fells.
Dog walking
Please observe the following rules and behaviors:
- No more than 4 dogs per person unless a permitted commercial dog walker who are allowed up to 8 per person
- Dogs must be wearing a collar with current dog license and rabies tags.
- No choke or prong collars.
- Clean up after your dog, and properly dispose of waste.
- Do not allow your dog, even if friendly, to approach other dogs or people, unless invited.
- No digging
- Do not allow dogs to chase, harass or hunt wildlife.
Off-leash area
Sheepfold Meadow is a designated off-leash recreation area for your dog to be free to run and play.
Please observe the following rules and behaviors:
- Dogs are only allowed off-leash in the designated area.
- Keep your dog leashed when entering or exiting the off-leash area.
- Always have one leash in hand for each dog you bring into the off-leash area.
- Dogs must be under control at all times, and come to their owners when called.
- Children under the age of 13 must be supervised by an adult.
- No unattended dogs
- No aggressive dogs
- No dogs in heat
- No digging