Why Follow Leash Laws…
Did you know that off-leash dogs are the number one complaint received by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department? It's with good reason and yet the problem never seems to improve.
Let’s look at the reasons a dog may not want to be approached by an off-leash dog regardless of how friendly or well-trained the off-leash dog’s owners insist he or she is...
1. They are a dog. A normal dog with normal social preferences out for a walk. The vast majority of dogs, particularly socially mature adult dogs, do not want to romp with every dog that crosses their path & very few dogs do well being rushed by off-leash dogs when they are on leash. That’s it. There does not have to be anything at all wrong with or out of the ordinary about a dog for them not to want unknown dogs rushing up to them in public, on-leash designated areas. That’s not an example of what appropriate social interaction looks like. Period.
2. They are being walked by someone other than their owner. Shelter dogs out on field trips and client dogs out with pet sitters, trainers, & dog walkers are a normal part of the community. They deserve to walk safely in peace as do *all* dogs.
3. Dogs in training. Any type of training but dogs who are fearful, reactive, or aggressive towards other dogs typically (and hopefully) have humans who walk them in on-leash designated areas with a level of traffic the dog can handle. Dogs with aggression issues may well be being walked in a muzzle making them incapable of defending themselves. They deserve to walk safely and in peace and not to have their training setback as do *all* dogs.
4. Senior dogs and dogs who are injured or ill. Medically fragile dogs still want to enjoy the outdoors too and their humans are often already under the emotional strain of injury/illness recovery or end of life care for a beloved pet. Maybe the dog is just a grumpy, arthritic senior. They have likely chosen a designated on-leash area for a reason. They deserve to walk safely and in peace as do *all* dogs.
5. Working dogs. These dogs are doing a job, whether it’s keeping their owner or the community safe. It is highly inappropriate and dangerous for them to be rushed by off-leash dogs. They deserve to walk and work in peace as do *all* dogs.
6. Humans without dogs who for whatever reason do not wish to be approached by your off-leash dog in an on-leash designated area. They may be fearful, allergic, injured or infirm, have small children in tow, be on a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter, or simply not want to be approached by unknown dogs at that time. They deserve to use the public space safely and in peace too.
In all seriousness, when you choose to disregard leash laws, you have the potential to cause a great deal of harm and you ruin the enjoyment of public spaces for a large number of dogs and people alike. Furthermore, ask any local dog trainer if the majority of off-leash dogs they see have a reliable, distraction proofed recall or are exhibiting safe or socially appropriate behavior. The answer is a resounding and overwhelming no. It’s often a no even in off-leash designated areas but that’s another topic.
If you wish to have your dog off leash in a space other than your secure, private property, choose a designated off-leash area, rent one of the many local Sniffspots, and check out other cool options like Zoom Room’s private gym and Jumping Jack Ranch’s pool area.
Please follow leash laws. Please encourage others to do so. Help keep public spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Should I Leash My Dog? A Flowchart: https://notesfromadogwalker.com/2013/11/16/should-i-leash-my-dog-flowchart/
Dog/Dog Social Preferences: https://www.dogpossibleaustin.com/blog/is-he-good-with-other-dogs
