Leash Laws

[Danefied]

I'm not sure but some of it could be rooted in annoyance. Coming from someone with a dog that people have all the answers for until they actually try to work him I know how annoying it can be to be told oh-so-simply "you're doing it wrong, do it this way". Honestly though I think it was more of a "Yeah, yeah, feel free to give it a shot" comment cause I've made plenty of those myself too.

Thanks for the reply Adrianne, but I’m over it really.
I wasn’t telling anyone “you’re doing it wrong†didn’t even suggest that. The entire post was I though pretty clear about what MY thought process is and what works for ME.

I can’t seem to say anything on this forum without getting some sort of snotty retort.

IRL I get along just fine with numerous people from all walks of life and don’t experience this kind of disrespect, so I’m guessing the issue is the format and the fact that I’m not part of the “in†crowd here. Either way, its not worth the headache.
Time for another Chaz break for me

 

[sillysally]

Maybe it's just me, but the post didn't seem snotty.....

 

[ihartgonzo]

However, I hear a lot of attitude of it being entirely the loose dog’s fault that there was a confrontation without any acknowledgement that the leashed dogs behavior often directly contributes to the loose dog’s behavior.

I definitely see what you're saying. Since I've worked on Fozzie's on-leash reactiveness, NO loose dogs even bother approaching him. He has learned to look at other dogs softly and he focuses much more on me than any dogs around when he's on-leash. Part of keeping your dog safe is conditioning them to use pacifying signals and look at other dogs in a calm manner. It's much more proactive than waiting for the other dog to approach and hoping you can kick them away. (The kicking away method has never worked for me with aggressive dogs, it probably just makes them more aggressively really...)

I do feel that a well socialized dog with manners is not going to approach another dog who is leashed, unless they're inviting them to play. Fozzie will look at on-leash dogs, and he might walk past them while sniffing in their direction but he does not run up to them. A polite dog just doesn't do that, especially if the other dog is reacting. If a dog runs up to my dogs, I have to assume the other dog is either aggressive or very rude, and I distract the other dog by throwing treats or yelling and walk away with my dogs.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

My dogs are on leash (6 foot leads) where there are leash laws. If there are no signs/people around, they can be on 30 foot leads and that's only for training purposes. So they are engaged with whole time and therefore will react to a command almost immediately if I need them to (they earn the right to be on those long leads). The only times they are off leash are if they are engaged in a training class/trial that requires it, or in a fenced in yard or dog park.

I hate when other dogs run up to me. I've done CU like a crazy person, but I cannot change that Pentti was attacked by a dog a couple of years ago and still is picky with his dog friends (it actually happened after the breed ring at a show - he was with his handler at the time). And picking him up is often not an option because I am usually walking multiples. Kimma is SO much better with her reactivity (again, thanks to CU) but I'm honestly tired of people letting their loose dogs roam around and come up to my leashed dogs, and then the people get offended if Kimma snarks at their dog (she is super growly/shows teeth when she plays, but people don't know that).

 

[Aleron]

When I'm out with the dogs off leash, I really want nothing more than to avoid seeing other people and dogs all together. I take them off leash only in places which are more secluded. I'm always on the look out and if I spot people, I leash the dogs and try to go far away from where they are. If I see people in a spot too many times in a row, I stop going there. My dogs have good recalls and good response to position and stay cues. I also will take them off leash in the front yard sometimes to practice obedience, usually at night when no one is really around.

I can't say I don't worry about the what-ifs involving allowing the dogs off leash away from home even in allowed areas but I also can't imagine never allowing them to run off leash either. We also live in town, have a residential yard and no dog parks in the area. There is a dog park being built in town but my dogs won't be welcome at it and TBH most dog parks are not really my sort of thing anyway (the whole wanting to avoid other people and dogs thing...).

 

[stardogs]

When I'm out with the dogs off leash, I really want nothing more than to avoid seeing other people and dogs all together. I take them off leash only in places which are more secluded. I'm always on the look out and if I spot people, I leash the dogs and try to go far away from where they are. If I see people in a spot too many times in a row, I stop going there. My dogs have good recalls and good response to position and stay cues. I also will take them off leash in the front yard sometimes to practice obedience, usually at night when no one is really around.

I can't say I don't worry about the what-ifs involving allowing the dogs off leash away from home even in allowed areas but I also can't imagine never allowing them to run off leash either. We also live in town, have a residential yard and no dog parks in the area. There is a dog park being built in town but my dogs won't be welcome at it and TBH most dog parks are not really my sort of thing anyway (the whole wanting to avoid other people and dogs thing...).

^ That. Allllllll of that!

 

[GSDPartner]

The problem with off lead dogs whom are under voice control is this: Others follow your lead.

How many people have you heard proclaim their dog is well trained and you are quite sure it isnt?

Who gets to determine which dogs are worthy and which arent? I sure as crap dont want any of my neighbors making the decision.

My late Rottie was dog aggressive and nearly killed a dog whom was well trained. Reason being that he was off leash.

Heck my pup was charged and beaten up on by an off leash dog just a few days ago.

And since discussed, I would also do the necessary to protect my dog and my children.

 

[Fran101]

Of course, there is wiggle room and judgement calls.
but when it comes to parks, especially in cities where parks/greenspace is scarce.. please keep your dog on leash before you ruin it for everyone.

I don't know about these huge parks where seclusion is possible.. but in most cities, parks are very shared and open and really, it's only polite to keep your dog on lead and under-control.

All it takes is a few off lead dogs, one incident, one issue, one complaint and then boom, DOGS GET BANNED from the park and one bad apple has once again spoiled the bunch. This happens more often then not and it really sucks.

Your dog doesn't even have to bite or run up, if there is a leash law and your dog is off leash minding its own business by you.. it's still unlawful and somebody could see you, think it's ok, let their dog off leash, or better yet see you and complain..and just like that, one less dog friendly park :/

Utilize long leads, or if your dog NEEDS the running space and it's the only place you can.. come during off times (early morning, evening) during the week and use judgement to make sure that you aren't disturbing anyone.

 

[corgipower]

Meh, it's a comment I've made often on this forum...still haven't found mny chazzers crazy enough to accept.

The last time one did though, it fell through when Nyx ate her way out of the FedEx box.

Honestly though I think it was more of a "Yeah, yeah, feel free to give it a shot" comment cause I've made plenty of those myself too.

Kinda, yeah...must be something about melonheads, huh?

I can’t seem to say anything on this forum without getting some sort of snotty retort.

I am sorry it came across as snotty.

It was intended in jest. Tone of voice and facial expressions don't come out in text though.

 

[Semi-Crazy Dog Chick]

Yes, there are leash laws here. Yes, I follow them. Yes, I think everyone should follow them. Period.

Listen, I have a leash reactive dog. She is super friendly off leash, but she is not as friendly on leash. I have worked really hard to control her reactions and to keep my distance from dogs. When we get rushed by an off leash dog, it negates a lot of teh hard work I put into her and makes me angry. I have had to change routes, cut walks short and give up altogether because people won't keep their dogs on leash.

Also, can we just admit that NO dog has a 100% recall. I don't care how well behaved your dog is. If the distraction is big enough, it may ignore you. Gracie has her CGC and all that jazz. She is very obedient, BUT she also has a crazy prey drive for small animals and birds. I know that about her, which is why I won't even let her off lead in any area that isn't fenced--law or not.

I think respecting leash laws is also showing respect to your fellow dog owners. Implications about a leashed dog with frustration being the issue and not a loose dog makes no sense to me...especially if there are leash laws.

I will do what I need to to protect Gracie from a rushing dog, and no one can fault me on that. I love dogs (I run a rescue, for goodness sake), but I love my dog more.

 

[RD]

I have a border collie, I am not an avid runner, and I have no bike or fenced yard. Hell yes I break leash laws. The amount of walking I would have to do in order to equal 30 minutes of off-lead running for my dog would take the better part of my day, and my dog's fitness level currently far exceeds my own.

I take precautions by carefully picking out a spot where I can let her off lead, I empty her bladder and bowels before we leave the house, and I keep bags and leashes on me in case of an emergency.

Edit: I totally understand that dogs are dogs and not every dog will heed a recall every time. That's why I train my dog and continually proof/reinforce her recall, to stack the odds WAY in my favor. I feel totally confident in saying that there's a very slim chance I would ever lose control of my dog. If I even began to feel like the environment would put too much pressure on her, I'd put the leash back on and off we'd go. Something like a squirrel or a loose dog would not be enough to break 5 years of daily training.

I'd rather risk her slipping up one day and getting into trouble (something which may or may not ever happen, just like getting into a car crash or stepping into a hole and breaking her leg) than deny her the opportunity to get the exercise she so dearly loves.

 

[Linds]

This is an honest question, with no snotty tone meant. What do the people who say there is no reason to ever break the leash law propose for exercising your dogs? Especially for those that the leash law includes not being able to use long lines.

I honestly don't know how you guys exercise your dogs without ever breaking the leash law if it's a restrictive law. I know I have a nice dog park and I still can't manage to not let him off leash in places that I'm not legally allowed to. There are a lot of people who don't have dog parks or yards.

 

[sassafras]

Well, it's really the youngsters that your question is relevant for to me, since Pip can go to the off leash park. And I take them scootering which obviously isn't something everyone does or wants to do.

Before scootering (i.e. before Squash) I just walked Maisy. A lot. A whole lot.

 

[Fran101]

This is an honest question, with no snotty tone meant. What do the people who say there is no reason to ever break the leash law propose for exercising your dogs? Especially for those that the leash law includes not being able to use long lines.

I honestly don't know how you guys exercise your dogs without ever breaking the leash law if it's a restrictive law. I know I have a nice dog park and I still can't manage to not let him off leash in places that I'm not legally allowed to. There are a lot of people who don't have dog parks or yards.

I run with my dogs. I have a skateboard I pull out when I am walking a larger dog (as it's hard for them to get full strides even at my running pace)

to make it clear though. I have seen pictures of what you guys define as "parks" and this is a whole different thing from what I'm dealing with here.

I am talking square of grass, very open, no seclusion, there is no place I could let my dog off lead and not disturb people. There are people everywhere.. the park is very obviously made for PEOPLE activities (volleyball, soccer, tennis, kids play area) so just bringing my dog there, you can tell the whole dog thing is already on thin ice

There are people on golf carts writing down EVERY dog related infraction. The more poop, the more off lead dogs, the better the case is for banning dogs from the park.

A better pictures of the whole place

especially with the KINDS of people running around everywhere. People with soccer balls, kids running and screaming, volleyball players in the sand, YOGA people on the floor saying OMMMMMM and bending themselves into pretzels.

..even the dog with the most amazing recall IMO would have trouble. and even if your dog did have a recall..it's another mark on the dog record.

and by people seeing it, they get the idea it's ok and let THEIR dogs off lead.
and then it's an issue.

This is the ONLY park surrounded by condos.
we need this lol

 

[Linds]

Well, it's really the youngsters that your question is relevant for to me, since Pip can go to the off leash park. And I take them scootering which obviously isn't something everyone does or wants to do.

Before scootering (i.e. before Squash) I just walked Maisy. A lot. A whole lot.

God, I would go crazy! The dogs and I find walking SO boring.

Also, Sass, I know biking with dogs is illegal in some (not sure how many) places. I had to make sure before I started biking that we didn't have that law. Does the same thing effect scootering or bikjoring?

 

[RD]

I have wondered the same thing, Linds. We have no dog park nearby where I'll be staying in Ohio, and even if we did, my dog is not dog park material. Does that mean I have to match her, step for step, walking her for 100% of her exercise? Good god I think my legs would crumble underneath me before she even began to tire.

 

[elegy]

I will respectfully disagree. I don't care if my dog is barking her fool head off, straining at the end of the leash and flashing her teeth; if the other dog were restrained in some way, that would be the end of it. I have physical control over my dog, therefore my duty (as a member of society if not a dog owner) is done.

Agreed. My dog is restrained. My dog is not approaching your dog. End of story. I don't love it when my dogs act like complete jerkwards, but it happens sometimes.

I had the most beautiful thing occur awhile ago while hiking on the Appalachian Trail. I had Steve off-leash and he was (as usual) a bit ahead of me. I saw a woman with a dog in the distance coming toward us. I recalled Steve and leashed him. The woman recalled her dog and leashed him. We passed one another with friendly hellos, and then once we were clear of one another, released our dogs again.

WHY CAN'T EVERY OWNER BE LIKE THAT??

 

[sassafras]

God, I would go crazy! The dogs and I find walking SO boring.

Well, I am fortunate in that my city has a lot of green space. We live about four blocks off the Mississippi River, where there is a lovely walking parkway and walking paths that go down into the woods. It's not like walking around a neighborhood just on sidewalks. Although even neighborhood walking isn't that boring for me.

Also, Sass, I know biking with dogs is illegal in some (not sure how many) places. I had to make sure before I started biking that we didn't have that law. Does the same thing effect scootering or bikjoring?

Yea I've heard that and I think it's really weird. I've never heard of an ordinance banning skijoring or scootering (we don't have an ordinance against biking with dogs, either, though). My guess is that not enough people scooter or have skijored for it to have occurred to anyone to make a law about it... and skijoring is becoming enough of a recognized sport in my area that it will probably always be safe from any legislation.

I mostly scooter at a nearby state park. At first I wasn't 100% sure that I was allowed to scooter there and the people at the office were pretty much like "uh... you want to do what, now?" Pets are allowed in state parks as long as they are leashed and I couldn't find any rules explicitly forbidding it so I just kind of went for it, and funny thing is whenever the park rangers see me they all smile and wave, lol, so I'm good. They must basically count it as biking, and I've seen other people bikejoring there, too.

 

[Linds]

I have wondered the same thing, Linds. We have no dog park nearby where I'll be staying in Ohio, and even if we did, my dog is not dog park material. Does that mean I have to match her, step for step, walking her for 100% of her exercise? Good god I think my legs would crumble underneath me before she even began to tire.

Yeah, I mean Traveler is a pretty good DP dog and our dog park is fabulous. I don't deny that. But even then I still go at off times, avoid crowded days because being intact other dogs aren't as fond as him and I'm still wary after getting bit by that GSD. I need other options and if I was doing it legally there wouldn't be many.

to make it clear though. I have seen pictures of what you guys define as "parks" and this is a whole different thing from what I'm dealing with here.

Oh I get that Fran! I think there is going to be a big difference just between cities and suburbs let alone cities and rural areas! Whenever I'm in Chicago I think "HOW COULD I LIVE HERE" there are no places to do anything with the dogs.

 

[Laurelin]

Mia would go crazy without her off leash time. I'm very lucky that now I live close enough to my dad's 40 acres that that is an option but to be honest I think it's probably more dangerous for the dogs there with the wildlife I've seen in that area. At the park we go to, I have never had a dog run up to mine and mine have never run up to another dog. It's set up so you have a really good field of vision in most spots and I avoid the busier areas.

Mia absolutely LIVES to get some time to explore and run around and sniff everything. I can't imagine not giving her that.