As more public spaces become pet-friendly, incidents with unleashed dogs have increased. Everyone wants their four-legged friend to have a great time on outings, but sometimes even the best intentions can go awry. From dog fights to traffic accidents, there are many risks an unleashed dog can face. Fortunately, a leash is the best tool a dog owner must keep their dog safe and help mitigate these risks.
Here are some of the main reasons to keep your dog leashed in public.
1. Traffic Accidents Threaten Off-Leash Dogs
One of the biggest dangers to unleashed dogs in public is traffic. Dogs are curious creatures, known to follow a scent or chase a cat. Unfortunately, if a dog is not properly leashed, it may run right into traffic. Even the best-trained dogs with good recall should always be on a leash in busy areas. It only takes a moment for a tragedy to occur. For the safety of your dog as well as drivers and pedestrians, keep them on a leash!
If you are dining outdoors with your dog, you may want to consider a hands-free leash as a means to keep your dog secured. Many dog-friendly outdoor seating areas in restaurants open right up to parking lots and city streets. So, keep an eye on your dog while you’re eating!
2. Encounters with Other Dogs Could Go Wrong
“Don’t worry he’s friendly” are the famous last words many dog owners have heard as they saw a loose dog barreling towards their leashed dog. In many cases, this, unfortunately, results in a dog fight. Not all dogs are tolerant of other dogs greeting them, especially so uncontrollably. Some dogs are reactive, ill, recovering from an injury, or just plain shy and may lash out if they feel threatened. As humans, we wouldn’t react favorably to a stranger running up and trying to hug us on the street. We must understand that many dogs feel the same. The best way to avoid your dog getting into a fight with another dog in public is to keep them leashed.
With more restaurants, coffee shops, and stores starting to welcome dogs, keeping your dog leashed and out of trouble encourages these new dog-friendly spaces to stay that way. Fights between off-leash dogs or customers disrespecting leash policies can lead to establishments reversing their dog policies.
There can also be legal implications for owners of unleashed dogs that end up in fights. Owners of unleashed dogs involved in incidents can receive fines and citations if there are leash laws in the city or state where they occur.
3. Loose Dogs Can Get Lost
Approximately 10 million pets get lost every year in the US. Unfortunately, many of these lost pets never make it back home. Even the most well-trained dogs have taken off on their owners unexpectedly. Dogs can get frightened by a loud noise, intrigued by a smell, or curious about an animal they’ve spotted. The next thing you know, they have disappeared to investigate. This leaves them vulnerable not only to getting lost but also to getting hit by a car, getting in a fight, or ingesting something harmful. Keeping your dog leashed helps mitigate these risks.
Even with all the proper precautions, accidents can happen. Some dogs seem to be natural escape artists that will seize any opportunity to run off. Even with a leash, it’s always good to make sure your pet also has ID tags and/or a microchip (preferably both!).
4. Your Dog Could Ingest Something Toxic
Dogs love to scavenge! Unfortunately, sometimes that leads them to things they shouldn’t encounter. Dogs can pick up all sorts of harmful things on walks if they are able to roam freely. From garbage, food, and chemicals to wildlife exposure, many pets have been poisoned or picked up internal parasites from things they have found on the street.
Food remnants can make them sick or even contain things that are toxic to them like chocolate or gum. Chemicals like antifreeze, cleaning agents, and pesticides can cause fatal organ damage. Excretions from certain types of wildlife can expose them to viruses and parasites. Keeping them on a leash (and under a watchful eye!) cuts down on their ability to wander off and pick up things.
So, Where Can My Dog Run Off Leash?
There are dog parks, dog beaches, and other designated areas where dogs are allowed to be off leash in a safe place. It’s important to know your dog’s temperament and work on some training before bringing them into an environment with other off-leash dogs. Not all dogs are suited for the dog park, and there are considerations before visiting a dog park with your dog.
There are also “doggie daycare” services that offer supervised playtime (with or without other dogs) as well as amenities like pools and splash pads for your furry friend to play in. Many dog training facilities also have large open areas where dogs can be off leash while they work their commands. This gives your dog great exercise and off-leash time while also reinforcing their training. Some even offer activities like nose-work, agility courses, and other forms of enrichment.
