You don’t have to chain your dog to a bench all day. Richmond Park has designated areas where dogs can run off-lead safely—like the wide-open grasslands away from the deer herds. Pack a long line or a flirt pole (that toy on a rope) and play fetch in those zones. Your dog gets the zoomies, you get the peace of mind, and the deer get to keep being deer.
Another tip: train a rock-solid recall—the “come here” that works even when a deer is ten meters away. Practice it at home with high-value treats (think: cheese cubes, not boring biscuits). If you can’t trust your dog to come back in a park full of wildlife, a long lead is your best friend. It’s not a punishment; it’s a lifesaver.
A final, warm thought
Think of Richmond Park as a shared house. The deer are the quiet, dignified housemates who’ve been there for centuries, and your dog is the enthusiastic new puppy who doesn’t know boundaries yet. You wouldn’t let your puppy jump on the quiet housemate’s face while they’re napping, right? So don’t let them chase the deer.
When you walk your dog in that beautiful park, you’re part of a community—of dog owners, park staff, wildlife lovers, and the deer themselves. A small choice to keep your dog close makes you a hero to the fawn hiding in the tall grass, the fox watching from a distance, and the next family who wants a peaceful walk. That’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of, don’t you think?
