There is a big movement for “leash-free” parks, forests, neighborhoods, even whole cities like Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. And while dogs do love to have their freedom, there are many reasons why it’s best to keep your best friend leashed, even when you don’t have to.
#1 – Less likely to be hit by a car
Loose dogs, even well-trained loosed dogs, may find themselves in the street, driveway or parking lot and accidentally get hit.
#2 – Can’t be stolen
Dogs are stolen for all kinds of disgusting reasons – abuse, puppy mills, research and to be used as bait dogs. A dog attached to you by a leash is a lot harder to steal.
#3 – Easier to keep an eye on if they make a mess
Regardless if your dog is loose or not, you are still responsible for cleaning up after him. However if he is loose, you may not notice that he is lifting his leg on someone’s car or pottying outside of a restaurant. It’s more responsible to keep him where you can see him.
#4 – Less likely to chase after something
A dog on a leash can’t go very far if he sees a squirrel or cat. A loose dog could chase after them and get lost or hurt.
#5 – Can’t get lost
He’s right there attached to you! It’s the best way to keep him safe and avoid a tragedy.
#6 – Lessens the possibility of a fight
Just because your dog is friendly, doesn’t mean the other dogs he is going to encounter will be. It’s best to keep your dog near you on leash rather than risk him going up to greet the “wrong dog.”
#7 – Less of a chance they will eat something poisonous
A loose dog could eat something before you even get close enough to realize he was eating something and not just sniffing. With stories of people purposefully poisoning pets and so many toxic foods and plants out there, it’s just safer to keep your dog near you.
#8 – They won’t be a pest to other people
Not everyone is a dog person. It’s polite to keep your dog out of your neighbor’s yards and not let him run up and greet every person he sees.
#9 – They won’t be the cause of an accident
Even if your dog doesn’t get hit by the car, a car swerving to miss your dog may get into an accident.
#10 – Lessens the chance of a bite
All dogs have the possibility of biting. If your dog is loose and gets scared or upset (maybe a kid grabs him from behind for example), you could be facing a very tough situation. Keeping your dog on leash gives you more control to prevent bites from happening.
#11 – Prevents wildlife attacks
If you are out in the woods, a loose dog can easily wonder off from site and get attacked by wildlife. Keeping your dog leashed beside you greatly reduces that chance.
#12 – No accidental breedings
This should be a “no brainer,” but if your dog is still intact for some reason and you let it run free, chances are he or she will end up adding to the dog population. Keep your intact dog on leash to avoid accidental breedigns. Better yet, spay or neuter your dog and then keep them leashed
#13 – They won’t be able to get to anyone’s livestock
In a lot of places, if your dog if found on someone’s farm going after their livestock, they have the right to shoot. Keep your dog safe by keeping him on leash.
#14 –Less likely to get into danger
Your city dog may not be used to being in the “great outdoors.” There are a lot of things they could encounter such as strong currents in a river, loose rock on a cliff and hunting traps. Keep ‘em leash to avoid a tragedy.
#15 – Can’t damage property
You can be held liable if your dog damages someone else’s property in any way. Dogs can cause all kinds of trouble in someone else’s yard before you track them down.
Toledo, United States.
