I've recently acquired a puppy. He's called Blue (most of the time when he's not up to mischief!) and a bit of a handful to say the least, but ridiculously cute so all is always forgiven!

He's Kerry Blue Terrier but constantly gets mistaken for a Schnauzer or a Poodle cross, so it's surprising he hasn't got a complex.

Inevitably, if you live in London, owning a dog means walking it in one of the numerous parks we're so lucky to have in the city, along with all the trials and tribulations which come with that! It's not always as simple as a mere 'walk in the park' once a dog (especially a puppy) is in the equation, given the list of other 'interesting things' which are far too numerous to mention ­ but think along the lines of runners, cars, other dogs, children, cyclists etc etc!...

Having current first hand experience of dog­related 'park issues', and at least another decade or so of park walking ahead of me, I thought I would share some tips to help those who walk their mutts in London parks. I think there is an unwritten park etiquette, and this list is not definitive and probably seems like common sense for the most part….but I can assure you it isn't for many!

  1. Pick up your dog's poop! No explanation necessary.
  2. If the sign says 'Dogs must be on a lead' put it on a flaming lead!
  3. If someone is calling their dog frantically and it is following you and your dog, please don't walk in the other direction ­ especially not at a fast pace!
  4. Recognise when your puppy / dog is playing rough with another and pull it up for this behaviour, don't just ignore and walk off.
  5. Female dog on heat? Probably a good idea to keep her on the lead and walk her extra early.
  6. Don't pick up someone else's puppy or dog in the park! Ever!
  7. Don't pick up your own dog to remove it from a situation.
  8. Good intentions ­ but not a great idea to give other people's dogs treats (at least without asking the owner first).
  9. Don't boot someone's dog in the face. Or hit, slap, strangle etc etc... Goes without saying….you would THINK.
  10. Don't bore someone's ear off just because your dogs are playing nicely together. Not everyone wants to be your friend / hear your life story / or listen to you drone on just because your dogs like to wrestle with each other.

I post pictures of Blue on Instagram from time to time (quite a lot!), so please do take a look at follow there: www.instagram.com/thecheekofher

Aside from my park grumps, I write catchy Pop / Rock tunes on the piano with a new release "YOLO" coming up on 18th May! www.thecheekofher.com