Why Put Your Dog On a Leash?

As a responsible pet owner you should never allow your dog to run free, or even be off leash while you walk together. If you have not considered the many reasons why your dog should be on a leash than consider these reasons..

1) Dogs who are off the leash may cause injury to a person.

This does not necessarily mean that your dog has bitten someone. Injuries to people can come in other forms. What if your dog scares an elderly person and they fall down? What if your dog knocks a small child over? You as the owner are responsible for your dog’s behaviour. You might find yourself at the wrong end of a large lawsuit.

Biting should always be a concern. As a responsible dog owner you have to be aware that all dogs have the potential to bite. You may own the friendliest animal in the world, but it happens to thousands of people every year. Even small dogs can do damage. What if a young child pulls your dog’s tail or tries to take a toy away from your dog? Be aware that your dog is an animal and there is always the potential for danger.

2) Your dog could eat something unhealthy. Dogs love to put things in their mouths. They may get into anything from anti-freeze to a rotting chicken in the neighbours trash. Country dogs are just as at risk from eating something dangerous as city dogs. Dogs may drink contaminated water or walk through an area that was sprayed with pesticides. They may chew on a dead animal while roaming and pick up worms, or parasites. The list of possibilities is staggering. Any one of these things might cost you an expensive trip to the vet, and in the worst case scenario may result in the death of your beloved pet.

3) You do have neighbours. Not everybody loves dogs. And your neighbours are certainly not going to like your dog if they discover that he has been going through their trash. He certainly is not going to be very popular if he is digging holes in their lawn or using their yard as his personal bathroom.

People who allow their dogs to roam free are giving responsible pet owners a bad name. Due to a small number of negligent owners, more and more bans and restrictions regarding dogs are being put into place.

4) In many areas any dog that is not on a leash and is roaming free may be picked up by local animal control. As an owner, you may be held responsible for pick-up fees and his stay at the local pound. You may also incur additional fines for allowing your dog to run loose. And there is always the risk of not being able to locate your dog, sadly many dogs simply disappear.

5) You may own a very friendly dog, but what about all the other dogs? Your dog might be attacked by another dog if that animal considers your dog to be invading his territory. Or another dog may see your pet as a potential danger to his owner. Your dog could be seriously hurt or killed. If your pet is the one not on a leash you may find yourself responsible not only for any veterinary bills regarding your dog but any bills incurred by the other dog as well.

6) Dogs do not respect wildlife. A dog that is allowed to roam free, may hurt or kill young wild animals. He may destroy the nests of ground birds. You also face the risk of having your best friend encounter an unfriendly variety of wildlife. Anyone who has had the pleasure of trying to wash off the delightful smell of skunk will tell you it is not an easy task. Removing porcupine pine quills is another chore that you would do well to avoid. Depending upon where you live, there may be even more dangerous predators that your dog may encounter.

7) A dog who is not on a leash will go to the bathroom almost anywhere. If you do not have control over your pet you can’t be sure where he is doing his business. This can be extremely annoying to your neighbours and other pet owners. You may not be aware that in certain areas the failure to clean up after your animal can cost you a fine of up to $5 000.

8)The animal population is getting out of control, by keeping your dog on a leash you are greatly decreasing the chances of your dog becoming a parent. If you so intend to breed your dog, the last thing you want is to discover that your dog has been the one to pick the father.

9)Dogs get distracted. Your dog may be an obedience champion, but if a cat went running under his nose he just might chase it. What if something suddenly spooked your dog? A car back firing or a fire cracker goes off? The best trained dog in the world might not respond to his owner’s command at that point.

10) In many places it is the law! Dog owners who do not keep their animals on a leash may receive fines.

Be a responsible pet owner, keep your dog on a leash. In many cities there are parks where you can allow your pet more freedom. Get a retractable leash which gives the animal more space. But keep your animal safe, make your neighbours happy and obey the law.