By Steve Dale, CABC
I am no sociologist, so I will not attempt to explain why, but since the pandemic, more people are walking their dogs without a leash. I suggest that this is potentially dangerous to dogs and people. Renowned dog trainer Laura Monaco Torelli’s dog – a Rhodesian Ridgeback – was attacked by two dogs a few years back as they were walking and minding their own business.
Here are seven reasons to keep your dog on a leash.
- Safety First: It’s true, some dogs can learn to navigate traffic. Still, it should be noted that even Guide Dogs, which know when to cross streets safely, are on a leash and harness. You may think your dog won’t run into the street, and maybe for years your dog has not, but all it takes is that one squirrel who somehow motivates the dog.
- Dog vs. Dog: Even if your dog is the most dog-friendly dog, the next dog may not be. If the handler isn’t paying attention or has little control over their off-leash dog, your dog may not be able to get away. And since your dog is off-leash, you may not be near enough to even attempt to intercept.
- Dog vs. Human: Some people are afraid of dogs. I admit it – I roll my eyes when I am walking a dog on a leash, and a person crosses to the other side of the street (often based on presumed breed or size of the dog). When I am walking our 9-lb therapy dog and someone crosses to the other side of the street, I just think, “Really?” But then, when a dog is off-leash and a person is fearful, I now understand their point of view. They don’t know the dog. And fearful people are somewhat more likely to elicit a negative response, even in a well-trained and well-socialized dog.
- Running in Parks: Dog parks and dog beaches are a separate issue, and hopefully, a fence keeps dogs inside the perimeter since they are off-leash, as they should be in these places. However, letting dogs off-leash in parks or beaches that are not designated for dogs can cause problems. Dogs may keep running and get lost. Dogs can run up to fearful dogs and create a confrontation or even knock down a child or a senior citizen, which could lead to a potential lawsuit for you to deal with.
- Rural Areas: Certainly, there are still some places in America where being off-leash is no issue. Having said that, dogs run a whole lot faster than people and could take off and get lost. Some people suggest using a shock collar to teach recall in these rural places, which certainly may be effective – but not 100 percent – and simultaneously will likely cause collateral psychological damage to the dog, and is painful.
- Snack Time: With you not right there to prevent or to notice, a dog off-leash and out of sight can snack on anything from rodenticide to a discarded chicken wing.
- It’s the Law: True, you may not need to serve jail time, but you may be fined.
Veterinary technicians/nurses are master communicators – use that skill to spread the word, and feel free to use this document (or author a version of it).