Spring is a wonderful time – nature awakens, flowers bloom, and the days grow longer. But while we enjoy the warm sunshine, a particularly sensitive period begins for many wild animals: the breeding season. From March to July, numerous animal species give birth to their young, making them especially vulnerable. For this very reason, many regions have seasonal leash laws in addition to the normal leash laws, which dog owners should take seriously.
Perhaps you've already wondered why such strict rules apply during this time of year? The answer is simple: dogs running loose can pose a serious threat to wildlife. Even if your dog isn't actively hunting, its mere presence is often enough to cause significant stress. Hares, fawns, and ground-nesting birds like pheasants and partridges rely on their camouflage – if they panic, they may abandon their hiding place and become defenseless against predators or other dangers.
We have compiled everything you need to know about the breeding and nesting season in this article.
Why leash requirements are so important in spring:
- Avoiding stress for wildlife: A startled fawn or a fleeing mother duck can mean the difference between survival and death for their offspring.
- Protecting young animals: Many wild animals abandon their babies if they are disturbed too much – so a dog running loose can unintentionally leave them orphaned.
- Safety for your dog: Some wild animals react not only by fleeing, but also by attacking – especially wild boars with piglets can be dangerous.
- Preventing conflicts regardless of breeding and nesting season: Not every walker is dog-friendly. If your dog runs unchecked through the forest, it can lead to trouble with forest rangers or other nature lovers.
In short: The leash requirement in spring is not a nuisance, but an important contribution to nature conservation. With a little consideration and care, you can not only help wildlife but also ensure a relaxed coexistence between humans and nature.
How to exercise your dog appropriately on a leash
You might be asking yourself: “But my dog needs exercise – how am I supposed to give him enough exercise during the breeding season if he isn’t allowed to run free?” Don’t worry, you can still give your four-legged friend plenty of exercise on a leash without endangering wild animals.
A leashed dog doesn't automatically mean boredom—quite the opposite! There are numerous ways to add variety to walks and encourage your dog's mental and physical stimulation:
- Sniffing walks: Instead of running for miles, let your dog consciously use his nose. Sniffing is incredibly tiring and satisfying for dogs—it's at least as demanding as a free sprint across the meadow. Let him purposefully explore new smells and incorporate little "search games" with treats or toys.
- Leash training and impulse control: Use this time to work on your dog's leash behavior. Does he stay relaxed even when he smells a wild animal? Can he concentrate even when other dogs are nearby? This is a perfect opportunity to practice impulse control!
- Incorporate interactive commands: Have your dog perform commands like "sit," "down," "stay," or "look" during your walk. Turns, slalom runs, or short jumps over fallen branches also keep your dog mentally active.
- Use a flexi leash or a long leash: If permitted, a long leash gives your dog more freedom of movement while still allowing you to maintain control. Make sure your dog can't wander into bushes or meadows.
- Targeted indoor activities: If your dog can't get enough exercise outside, there are additional games you can play at home – thinking games, retrieving training, or intelligence toys are a great alternative.
A well-occupied dog will not only be calmer and more balanced, but also happier – without having to run freely through nature.
You should avoid these areas during the breeding and nesting season
There isn't a general leash requirement everywhere, but as a responsible dog owner, you should respect particularly sensitive areas even without legal requirements. Some places are absolute sanctuaries for wildlife—special caution is advised here:
- Meadows with tall grass: Roe deer fawns instinctively lie flat in the tall grass and rely on their camouflage. They cannot defend themselves and are completely helpless if disturbed.
- Wooded areas with dense bushes: Hares, wild boars, and ground-nesting birds often hide here. A dog that wanders into the thicket can unintentionally destroy entire nests.
- Wetlands and riparian zones: Ducks and geese often nest directly near water. Here, too, dogs can cause significant stress, even if they aren't hunting.
- Nature reserves: These are usually subject to strict leash requirements—and for good reason! These protected areas are often the last refuge for endangered wildlife.
If you're unsure about the rules in your area, it's worth checking the website of your municipality or local nature conservation association. Many cities provide maps with designated leash-required areas.
Why dogs can be dangerous even when they don't hunt
You might be thinking, "My dog has no interest in wildlife" or "He doesn't hunt anyway, so what's the problem?" A reasonable assumption, but unfortunately not entirely true. Even if your dog doesn't hunt or chase deer or rabbits, he can still pose a serious threat to wildlife—and completely unintentionally.
Dogs leave more tracks than we realize. Even if your four-legged friend is just casually strolling across a meadow, their scent alone can linger for days. Many wild animals rely on their keen senses – if they pick up a dog scent, they consider the area unsafe and avoid it. This can be particularly tragic during the breeding season, when mothers abandon their young in supposedly safe hiding places.
Another risk is that mothers abandon their offspring in panic . A fawn that instinctively ducks into the tall grass won't move—even if a dog is standing right next to it. But the mere presence of a strange animal can cause the mother to fearfully avoid returning. Without its mother, the young animal has little chance of survival.
The danger posed by careless movements should not be underestimated. Even a joyful leap from your dog can cause damage. A dog romping through bushes or tall grass could unnoticed trample a nest or injure young. Many ground-nesting birds lay their eggs right at the edge of forests or in meadows – a single uncontrolled dash can destroy entire clutches.
In short, even the most peaceful dog can unintentionally cause great harm. Wildlife is especially vulnerable during the breeding season—which is why it's so important to enjoy nature with consideration and care. Keeping a dog on a leash during this time not only protects wildlife but also helps maintain the natural balance.
Consideration makes spring more beautiful for everyone
Spring is a beautiful time of year – and with a little mindfulness, we can ensure that humans, dogs, and wildlife benefit equally . A leash requirement in spring may initially sound restrictive to many dog owners, but with the right activities, your dog will still be happy and well-adjusted. At the same time, you're making an important contribution to nature conservation. Follow the rules, respect nature, and enjoy time with your dog – responsibly and with consideration for the small wild animals who are just taking their first steps into life.
