WHY LEASH LAWS ARE IMPORTANT? pet blogging.

 My husband and a group of volunteers teamed up with a park department employee a few weeks ago to collect water samples from a creek in a local public park. Last year, John joined this group of volunteers, and they visit parks twice a month to monitor the water quality and pick up rubbish along the way.

A big, bridle-mixed dog ran up to the party on this particular day as the team plunged through the frigid water. They all started hunting about for the dog's owner after John mentioned the dog was nice.

They noticed a woman stretching on the other side of the bridge with her leash dangling from her hand.

The park staff attracted the woman's attention and informed her that her dog was supposed to be on a leash in the park. So, could she please call and ask her dog to be leashed?

The woman yelled at the park ranger.

A grown woman sneered at the person in charge of keeping the park clean so she and her dog could enjoy it.

Putting aside the sense of entitlement and the grown-up tantrum, the most important point here is that the woman left her dog unattended.

She was well aware of the rules. I chose to break the rule. The rule was brought to my attention. And yet, despite everything, he continued to break it.

 pet blogging WHY LEASH LAWS ARE IMPORTANT

WHY DO LEASH LAWS MATTER?

Leash laws aren't made up on the spot. They are significant. The reasons why leash laws are important differ from park to park and city to city, but let's look at three of them:

1: People and pets are safer with leashed dogs. Not everyone enjoys dogs. Not all dogs get along with other dogs. The majority of individuals do not anticipate being rushed by an off-leash dog. The majority of people who walk their reactive dogs in parks do so in leashed areas so that off-leash dogs do not approach them. Everyone is ruined by your off-leash dog. Your dog, no matter how friendly you think he or she is, might easily start a fight with another dog, knock someone down, or scare unwary hikers. Continue reading: "It's OK!" has an issue. He's a nice guy!"

2:Wildlife is protected by leash restrictions. Wildlife may thrive in parks, along paths, and across streams–but not if dogs chase, harass, or kill them. It's not just wild animals: plant life in public parks is frequently carefully regulated. Plantlife is protected and preserved by paths and carved trails. Your off-leash dog can easily disrupt the environment, especially since most individuals we've encountered with their dogs off-leash don't follow them into the woods to make sure they pick up after themselves. Blech.

3:A dog that is leashed is a safer dog. Your dog will not be hit by a car if he is leashed. If you keep your dog on a leash, he'll be less likely to contract parvo or distemper. If your dog is leashed, he won't ingest waste or potentially hazardous plants. Your dog is less likely to get into a fight with another dog, knock down a person, or get lost if he is leashed. Your dog will be safer if you keep him on a leash.

There are plenty of other reasons–including the fact that it's the law in most places–but maybe just three are enough to persuade a reluctant leader to change his or her ways. Visit an off-leash park or keep your dog on a leash.

ENSURE THAT YOUR DOG KNOWS HOW TO WALK ON A LEASH.

This isn't a good place to start your training. Check out these posts from professional dog trainers if you're looking for that:

Victoria Stilwell's Loose Leash Walking

Karen Pryor demonstrates how to teach loose-leash walking.

I have one major piece of advice that will help your dog walk more confidently on a leash, but it has nothing to do with training.

People have said in forums that they prefer off-leash areas because their dog pulls on the leash. OK. Maybe. If your dog is tough to walk, I understand going to an off-leash park. I understand. In addition:

You can teach your dog to walk well if he or it is tough to walk... All you have to do now is define what "well" means to you.

For some dog owners, walking well entails having a dog that stays close to their ankles. That's not who I am. Not at all. And I don't believe this is true for all dogs, all of the time. What's the joy in walking along a paved path or a flat path without seeing what's around you? I don't mind if Cooper tugs a little to point me in the direction of something great he wants to smell.

A large part of leash walking success has nothing to do with the leash. Instead, it's all about meeting your dog's requirements. Exercise, of course, is one among them, as is seeing the world through his senses. Allow your dog to get his wiggles and sniffs out while also getting some exercise by interspersing focused walking with exploring.

It may take some getting used to if you've never walked your dog on a leash before. Bring treats with you and give them out when your dog comes to greet you. Reduce your expectations for a "good" walk, and keep in mind that walking together strengthens your relationship. Your dog bolting in all directions is not a bonding experience!

Furthermore, it is the law.

Whether or not that lady eventually leashed her dog, the volunteers noticed another dog walker out with two dogs on a linked line and informed her of the off-leash dog along the trail. That walker would have been blindsided by the tantrum lady if they hadn't been there.

Don't be like her. Put your dog on a leash.

WE LIKE HARNESSES AND LEASHES

Your choice of leash and harness is mostly determined by the sort of environment in which you walk.

I like the Kurgo backpack for trekking because it doubles as a harness and lets your dog carry some items.

I like anything washable with metal hardware for basic walks, like this or this one that donates leashes to dog rescue. Check out this long line for training! It's at the top of my wish list right now!

Reflective neon is my go-to for late-night or early-morning hikes, as well as for thickly wooded areas. This harness is being worn by Coop, however, it does not appear to be available in all sizes. This one, too, appears to be fantastic.