When Your Dog Actually Needs to Be on a Lead (Whether You Agree or Not)

The rules aren't quite as simple as 'my dog's friendly, so it's fine' — they change depending on where you're walking, what time of year it is, and whether there happen to be sheep in the next field. Ground-nesting birds get legal protection from March to July, livestock areas require leads all year round, and some access land doesn't want your dog there at all. Assuming 'under control' just means they'll probably come back when you shout can land you in trouble, and everyone else in a mess.