A few weeks ago, my husband and a group of volunteers joined an employee from our parks department to collect water samples from a creek in a nearby public park. John joined this group of volunteers last year, and twice a month they go to the parks to check water quality and pick up trash along the way.
On this particular day, while the group was wading through an icy stream, a giant mixed-breed dog with a bridle rushed towards the group. John said the dog was very friendly, and all started looking around to find the lost owner.
They discovered the woman lying on the other side of the bridge, with a chain dangling from her hand.
Park staff caught the woman’s attention and let her know that the park required her dog to be on a leash. So could she please call and leash her dog?
The woman who tipped off the park staff.
An adult woman pulls herself together to make sure the park is clean for her and her dog to play in.
Ignoring the feeling of entitlement, and ignoring the anger of adults, here’s the bottom line: The woman left without a leash on her dog.
She knows the rules. Select to ignore the rule. Was reminded of the rule. And still keep breaking it.
Grrr.
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Why is the law of leash important?
The chain rule is NOT arbitrary. They are important. The reasons why leash laws matter vary from park to city and city to city, but let’s take a look at three reasons why there are leash laws:
- Chained dogs keep people and pets safe. Not everyone likes dogs. Not all dog like other dogs. Most people don’t expect to be swarmed by a broken dog. Most of their reactive dog walkers in the park choose leash parks so that dogs without a leash don’t rush over to them. Your dog’s broken leash spoils it for everyone. Your dog, as friendly as you might think he is, can easily start a fight with another dog, knock over people, or scare off unsuspecting hikers. Read more: The problem with, “It’s okay! He’s friendly! ”
- The law of leash protects wild animals. In parks, along trails and through streams, wildlife can thrive – but not if dogs chase, harass or kill them. And, not just wildlife: Often, plant life in public parks is carefully managed. Paths and trails protect and preserve plant life. Your cordless dog can easily disturb the ecosystem, especially since most of the people we’ve seen with their dogs chained don’t follow them into the woods to make sure they pick up their poop. Teeth whitening.
- A chained dog is a safe dog. If your dog is on a leash, he won’t get hit by a car. If your dog is on a leash, they are less likely to be exposed to parvo or distemper. If your dog is on a leash, he won’t eat junk food like feces or potentially toxic plants. If your dog is on a leash, they are less likely to get into a fight with another dog, knock a person down, or get lost. Keeping your dog on a leash keeps your dog safe.
There are plenty of other reasons too – including laws that apply most everywhere, of course – but hopefully those three are convincing enough to convince a reluctant landlord to give up those misguided ways. Take your dog on a leash or visit a park that’s off-leash.
Teach your dog to walk on a leash
This is not a vigorous exercise. If you need that, check out these articles from professional dog trainers:
I have a key tip that can help your dog walk better on a leash, but it has nothing to do with training.
I’ve read on forums, people say they prefer leash parks because their dogs are terrible at being leash. YES. Probably. I mean, I’d go to a leash park if your dog has a hard time walking. I got it. And in addition:
If your dog has a hard time walking, you can teach him to walk well… you just need to define what is “good” for you.
For some dog owners, a good walk means a dog is always in your ankle. It’s not me. At all. And I don’t think it should apply to all dogs, all the time. What’s fun about walking along a stretch of sidewalk or a flat road without discovering what’s around you? I don’t mind if Cooper pulls a little to direct me to something great he has to sniff.
An important part of successful leash walking has nothing to do with the leash. Instead, it has everything to meet your dog’s needs. Those needs include exercise, of course, and also experiencing the world through his senses. So let your dog wiggle and sniff AND exercise with focused walking alternating with exploration.
If you’ve never walked your dog on a leash before, it may take some getting used to. Bring snacks and enjoy when your dog comes to check on you. Lower your expectations for a “good” hike and remember that walking together builds your relationship. Your dog running all the way is not a bonding experience!
Plus, again, it’s the law.
Whether or not the woman eventually put her dog on a leash, volunteers saw another dog walker with two puppies on a ramp, and they informed her about the dog. Dog on a leash on the trail. However, if they weren’t there, that pedestrian would be blindfolded by the famous woman.
Don’t be her. Put your dog on a leash.
Chains and lanyards we like
Your choice of leash and harness depends a lot on the type of place where you walk.
I love hiking kurgo backpackdoubles as a harness and helps your dog carry some gear.
For basic walks, I prefer anything you can wash and come with metal hardware, like this or this Donate leash to rescue dogs. For training, check this long line! It is now at the top of my wish list!
For walks at night or early in the morning, or to heavily wooded areas, I use reflective neon lights. Coop is currently using this harness, but it doesn’t seem to be available in all sizes anymore? This looks great too.
Read more: I wish you knew about my reaction dog and Run with a sled dog
Taken by Dominik Kempf and Jon Koop on Unsplash
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