This is from one dog owner to all the others out there... Please, put your dog on a leash.
Over the last week I've tried to be neighborly. I run in the evenings, sometimes with my dog and sometimes without. I have seen and engaged two individuals about dogs being off leash. While both have talked to me, with more and less reason, I have left both conversations under the impression that they believe they are somehow entitled to have their dog off leash. They are not, just as I am not.
Two points:
1. It's the law to have your dog on the leash in the city, except in dog parks and your yard. This is for your dog's safety and the safety of other dogs and humans.
I keep my dog on her leash for her safety and the safety of others. She is so friendly (and a whole 12 lbs) that she likes to go visit people and beg them to pet her. While I think this is adorable, I know that there are others who are not so enamored of dogs and may have even had a really bad experience with dogs. That's why I keep her on a leash. Also to be able to pull her away should another dog try to engage her.
2. Leashes signal to your neighbors that you are respectful of their safety-- It's polite and encourages people to interact with your dog because a leash signals that you can control it.
I will never approach a dog off leash because it is inherently unpredictable. I've had dogs my whole life, big and small, and know that as wonderful as they are, they do unexpected things. But a dog on a leash is inherently inviting to me, especially if it is wagging its tail or begging to play with my dog.
If the most highly trained dogs in the world--police dogs, military dogs, and assistance dogs--are always on a leash, then your average family dog should be as well, no matter how friendly you think they are. And, frankly, I don't like a dog running at me in the twilight with no owner in sight (yes, this happened this evening). I much prefer the humans I've seen on the trails who smile and return my waves.
Thanks for your post. I am a dog lover as well and walk with my energetic lab everyday. Loose pets (both cats and dogs) mean a struggle for me to control her. It would be so nice if everyone would respect the rules.
I agree. I walk my dog nightly and almost always encounter one or more unleashed dogs. My mutt, who I've always suspected is part coyote, becomes difficult to control. Reactions of the owners range from half-assed apology to none at all.
Happened again tonight. 7p corner of Threadgill and Antone. I'm out with my toddlers and dog, someone's running with their chocolate lab free. I mention, from across the street, that the neighborhood is a leash area and was told "She's not bothering anyone." Yes, actually, she was bothering me and my children. That's why I reminded this individual of the rule in the neighborhood and ended by asking them to please respect their neighbors. By that time he had run off.
So what can we do about it? At this point I politely (unless I actually am scared because of the size of the dog or it's clear that the owner can't control it), remind the individual of the rules and say something about respecting neighbors, safety, etc. If we all did that every time, maybe it would become more common But I'm wondering what other community-based action could solve this issue. I want the whole neighborhood to be friendly to all people, kids, and animals, and that means leashes. Any thoughts are appreciated!
Your "Plea," posted yesterday is well-stated. I suggest that you bring this issue up at the MNA meeting scheduled for this Saturday, April 21. I believe the situation is getting out of control and I too have reminded persons about the leash requirements when walking my small dog throughout Mueller and adjoining parks.
The entitlement mentality is pervasive and this is just one example. I think you're right to approach people in a polite way, to minimize their natural defensiveness and stand half a chance of getting them to reconsider. But the polite approach is also slow to be effective, and requires more people than just yourself to reinforce constantly, like you said. Your reminder on this forum is a good start.
I hope the MNA can do something about it, though I'm not sure what other than friendly signs about the neighborhood encouraging people to be more considerate of others. Humor works best. We should have a "leash your dog" sign contest!
I agree with misgivings about the dogs on a leash. My Ridgebacks are very well trained and under voice control at all times. I always notice leashed dogs going crazy as we walk or run by. It's interesting to me that people with out of control dogs ON a leash blame the people with dogs under control OFF a leash. I can relate to the person who said her dogs were not bothering anyone. I'm sure they weren't, but just the sight of dogs off leash bother some people. We off-the-leash folk will never win this argument. I firmly believe many people who own dogs shouldn't. They don't have the knowledge or capacity to train them properly. I'll leash up. People have a right to feel safe-- but it seems the danger is often imaginary. I wish people would be so proactively concerned about litter or something...
