On Leash Means On Leash
Obeying leash laws
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Off leash areas are clearly designated by signs. If there are no actual signs indicating an off leash area then your dog must be on leash. On leash areas includes parks, pathways, streets, your driveway, sidewalks and parking lots.
Many people are becoming increasingly frustrated and even somewhat afraid of walking their dogs .Why? Because wherever they walk they are sure to come across an off leash dog and the inevitable human calling out “he’s friendly”. Well many dogs are friendly but they have no interest in meeting other dogs when they are on leash and the other dog is off leash.
A leashed dog is under a lot of pressure when forced to meet an off leash dog and things can go badly wrong.For the leashed dog they have no way out if they are uncomfortable with the meeting or the other dog is inappropriate.It is reckless and disrespectful not to mention against the law for these people to allow their dogs off leash on pathways, sidewalks and parks.
People have been chased or jumped on by off leash dogs or had their leashed dogs attacked by an off leash dog.
Not every person out there wants to meet your “friendly” dog. Lots of people don’t like dogs or are afraid of them or maybe they don’t want muddy paws on their clothing. Parents probably don’t want your dog’s tongue on their child’s face or nose in their stroller. Your dog may be put into a situation where he feels the need to bite resulting in an injury to a person, a fine to you, an increase in your homeowner’s insurance premium and possibly an even harsher sentence for your dog.
Your off leash dog could be injured by the other dog on leash, who may not enjoy interactions with other dogs.
Your dog could run away and be lost for good, killed by a car or get into trouble with wildlife. If your dog is fortunate enough to be found and brought to Animal Services you will likely have to pay to have your dog released as well as fined for the fact that he was off leash in the first place.
Your dog may not be the happy go lucky soul that you thought. I see many dogs who are really uncomfortable and not happy at all to meet another dog or person but his people thought he was just fine. To my mind he was a ticking time bomb.
Be respectful of other people and other dogs. Be kind to one another. Obey the rules. Enjoy being with your dog.