Is that allowed: let your dog run loose in a Zoetermeers park or nature reserve

There is nothing better than a long walk with your four-legged friend. Zoetermeer residents are lucky that they can walk or drive to the Balijbos, the Noord Aa beach or the Westerpark. But is your dog always allowed to run loose there?

Even if you feel so free in the Bentwoud or in the Wilhelminapark, you must also adhere to the rules that the municipality has imposed on dogs. You must keep the dog on a leash on the street. For example, at special off-leash areas, such as in Seghwaert Park and along the Heemkanaal in Oosterheem, dogs are allowed to run loose. On the dog card you can see where your dog is allowed to run freely. Click on the correct location and read what the applicable rules are.

Walking with your dog in the Balijbos

If you are going for a walk with your dog in the Balijbos, it is useful to know the following. Staatsbosbeheer has some rules established when it comes to letting your dog run free. Dogs must be on a leash on and along the cycle path. But in most of the forest, dogs are allowed to roam freely. During breeding periods in the spring, different rules may apply or there may be areas where you are not allowed to come with your dog.

Off-leash areas are indicated by blue signs with a white running dog on them. Walking off-leash means not on a leash, but the owner must remain nearby to intervene if necessary.

Walking routes where your dog can run off leash

Have you already seen all the hiking trails of the Zoetermeerse parks and nature reserves? Then maybe you can this website of Staatsbosbeheer to get inspired. There you will find all routes in the areas of Staatsbosbeheer in the Netherlands where your dog can run free. on this website you will find all free-run areas in the Netherlands: put on your walking shoes and go!

Tips from the ranger

To conclude, here are some tips from a forest ranger from Staatsbosbeheer to help your dog resist the temptations of the forest.

• Tip 1: make sure you are always more interesting than the forest. If you regularly play fun games during the walk, your dog will keep an eye on you and he will not go on an adventure quickly.
• Tip 2: Do not immediately put your dog on a leash when you call him. Reward his good behavior with a game or a treat first.
• Tip 3: Call your dog back with a hunting dog whistle. There is no emotion in a whistle.
• Tip 4: Do not feed your dog in the hours before you go for a walk. With a full stomach, your dog will not need you for the time being, which increases the chance that he will roam through the forest.