We all love our dogs. Sometimes to a fault. They are a part of our lives, a part of our family and we let them into every part of our lives without hesitation and allow them freedoms without boundaries. Sometimes though, in doing so, we forget they are animals who function often on instinct and who, despite the fact we feel we understand our dogs 100%, there is no way we could, given that they don't speak our language or communicate in the same way that humans do.
You're walking your dog off leash. You trust your dog, he has never strayed from your side and he's as friendly as the day is long. Every day you walk him through the neighborhood, in the park and outside your home without worry. But there are a few things to consider before walking your dog off leash.
1. Be Polite: Not everyone loves dogs. It's a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless. Consider too, some people are actually afraid of dogs and size doesn't matter here. I've had plenty an adult and child run away crying from my pugs. Your well-meaning, friendly dog could be approaching someone who doesn't appreciate or want them doing so.
2. Respect Personal Space: Today I was walking one of my client's dogs when a loose dog, off leash, came running towards us. Not only did I not know this dog, but I didn't know his temperament, his intentions or how the dog I was walking would react. Had this been another dog who was not dog-friendly, fearful or saw this loose dog as a threat, we could have had a big problem on our hands. We walked the other way, but he kept following. Suppose that dog had approached, the dog I was walking reacted fearfully or aggressively and the loose dog retaliated? I'd have control of my dog but no one would have had control of the other dog. Though your dog may be friendly, others around do not know that and may not have friendly dogs themselves. Respect others' space by keeping your dog on leash so he/she doesn't invade the space of others.
3. Remember Dogs Have Instincts: Well behaved as your canine friend may be, there are some instincts that are hard wired into their brains. Instincts like prey-drive, chasing, hunting and/or killing small prey are especially strong in hunting breeds like hounds, terriers and many other breeds. If your dog sees something he/she wants, be it a squirrel, a cat or any small animal running across the street or even an animal or object that catches their interest, sometimes instinct kicks in and that drive overpowers them. If your dog is off leash and they run across a busy street you could be in for some serious trouble.
4. Respect Personal Property: Walking your dog through a residential area off leash or not, we may encounter residents who aren't dog-friendly, people who take very seriously the care and appearance of their homes or people who've been victims of the "poop-and-run" - aka owners who don't pick up after their dogs. Walking your dog on leash shows that you are responsible for where your dog goes and that you control where they walk and that you respect your neighbors property.
Although your dog may be wonderful off leash, it's courteous, responsible and in some towns, the law to keep your dog on leash. It's not just about keeping your dog safe, it's about respecting others and keeping others safe and comfortable as well.
For more information on dog parks and dog friendly places to take your dog walking off leash click below:
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| Linus & Lucy sporting their 3 Dirty Dawgz Leashes |
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