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A quick Google of the words “dog” “walk” as well as “leash” brings up precisely what you would expect: great deals of sites, articles, videos, etc. about exactly how to teach your dog to walk on a leash, to heel, as well as to stop pulling.

So then why is it that when I walk my corgi around my nice, suburban neighborhood, I am constantly greeted by the site of dogs purposely left off leash?  even worse, some are off leash without any supervision, whatsoever.

I have to say, I am absolutely astounded.  These dog owners are either overconfident or lazy.

First, to all the people who walk their dogs off leash since they have put in a great deal of time as well as effort to have well-trained, well-behaved dogs:  I applaud you as well as your commitment to your dog’s training.  However, I firmly believe there are things you cannot totally train out of a dog.

Consider this:  All dogs have motivators (food, toys, belly rubs, etc.).  Each dog has its own chief motivator—that which a dog seems to like more than anything.  For my corgi, it’s food.  (While we like each other, I’m quite sure Loki would offer me out for the right type of dog treat.)  I’ve utilized her like of this motivator to train her.  Do you understand what’s truly difficult to train her to do now?  Leave food alone.  If I were to walk Loki off leash as well as she spotted a piece of discarded food lying in the middle of the road, there’s almost nothing I might state to stop her from recklessly sprinting over to the appealing (and most likely disgusting) morsel as well as right into the path of an oncoming car.

Maybe your dog has an insane prey drive as well as you’ve harnessed that into utilizing toys as motivators.  communities are full of prey—cats, squirrels, smaller dogs, as well as goodness understands what else in less established locales (we have a great deal of rabbits around here, a LOT—it’s almost like they just keep multiplying).  It’s next to impossible for a dog with a strong prey drive to withstand a streaking feline silhouette or a bouncing bunny tail.

Do you see where I’m going with this?

And let’s state your dog really IS completely trained.  You’re not over-confident since there’s no “over” about it.  It doesn’t matter if your dog is connected to your midsection or a block away, you have overall manage over him.  Unfortunately, you do NOT have manage over whatever else.  You don’t have manage over people who drive distractedly as well as fly around corners like they’re at the speedway.  You don’t have manage over other off leash dogs (whether they be strays, getaway artists, or other superbly trained animals—the least likely of the three).  You don’t have manage over other creatures.  more as well as more suburban as well as metropolitan communities are reporting wildlife resurgences, mainly predators like mountain lions, bobcats, as well as coyotes.

Bottom line?  It’s just not worth it.  If you’re out walking your dog, leash up.  Oh, it’s likewise the legislation in most places.

As for the people who let their dogs out the front door as well as then just walk back in to the house, it’s no longer a matter of IF something occurs to your dog, however WHEN. The only time your off leash dog does not requirement supervision (and even this is pushing it) is when he is in your extremely secure—and totally lacking dangerous materials— backyard.  All the dangers an off-leash dog might potentially come up against while out with his owner multiply exponentially when your dog is outside by himself, without any rules, no protection,  and no method to understand better.  If you wouldn’t let a two year old out front by himself, then don’t let your dog.  If you don’t have a safe, secure backyard or the time, energy as well as ability to walk your dog, then you should not have a dog. Period.

Finally, if you’ve truly got a jones to provide your dog some off-leash time, discover a dog park, discover a national park, discover a dog beach, discover something somewhere you can minimize the prospective damage to your cherished finest friend; he’s worth it.

Pet Safety