What are the benefits of having your dog off leash?

Time and time again I encounter situations which remind me that the pet community continues to need further awareness, discussion and education around the affects our actions have on the health and safety of our dogs, other dogs and our fellow humans.

As a pet lover and professional dog mom, I would like to communicate that as pet people we are all responsible to ensure and display safe practices that extends to the entire community. What very few pet people consider is how often their behaviors can affect others. Unfortunately in the worst cases where this exists, dog bites or attacks can occur and may result in injury, fatalities and/or euthanasia. If we truly love dogs, why would we subject them to potential harm due to simple careless human behaviors?

One subject which seems to resurface often for me is dogs that are off leash. I want to start by placing emphasis that by law, a dog is required to be on a leash when in public areas and parks.

I was recently told and I quote, “Clearly off leash is an issue to you. But I see the benefits vs. suddenly taking it away out of fear.” I diplomatically replied that I was merely trying to share insightful safety information. I am in no position to force someone’s hand nor try to convince or debate the thoughts of a mind clearly set in its ways.

However, it is this level of ignorance or dismissiveness that I have a problem with. Quite on the contrary, I am extremely supportive of dog parents who have developed that strong bond to truly have the ability to command and read the behaviors and signs of their dogs and other dogs alike. My problem is that this is the exception and not the rule. This is why dog training and dog behavior therapy professions exist and are so popular. There are far less people capable of channeling their inner dog whisperer and we end up facing many dogs being abandoned, injured or being euthanized as a result.

Our companion dogs have been domesticated from their wild ancestor. Early socialization combined with regular exercise and consistent training help to achieve a well-balanced obedient dog. However, it is no stretch of the imagination that instincts may still creep in occasionally. Your dog by nature will be driven to do what it was bred to and perform the specific jobs that were intended upon it. Wild animal cues from Fido do not translate the same in human environments. Knowledge, understanding and respect for the history of specific breed types will help you better handle instinctual behavior should it arise. Until then, our desire to have canines part of our world requires us to deliver on their needs in a balanced, controlled and safe environment. In all other instances where the balance, control and safety of dogs is out of our hands, we are responsible to follow by the rules to assure the welfare of all others.

I would love to have the discussion and hear back on your thoughts. What are the benefits of having your dog off leash?

DISCLAIMER:

All data, information and/or content contained in this blog is for general informational purposes only. JoJo and KiKo Pet Services LLC. and Nancy Chan makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of any information contained on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, loss, injuries or damages arising from its display or use. Any reliance you place on the information contained in this blog is strictly at your own discretion. The blog post may contain topics or content related to health and safety. Any health, medical or safety matters should be discussed and consulted with your medical professional or professional trainer.