Why You MUST Obey Leash Laws

This week’s post is born from frustration. Hopefully, you’ll stick with me through it. First, a bit of background.

I walk with my dogs a lot. We enjoy hikes through conservation areas, on trails and even through the city. Pretty well anywhere we can walk, we do. When we are on trails or in a conservation area, my dogs drag leashes and when I see anyone — be they person, child, bike, horse or dog, I call my dogs to me and keep them well under control so as not to impose on anyone else using the area.

Unfortunately, it would seem I am often unique in my desire not to interfere with anyone else’s enjoyment of these public spaces. On many occasions, we have been approached by off-leash dogs. It’s actually something I’ve come to expect and I keep an observant eye out so that I can try to stop any dog on approach.

So, while out on a public trail this weekend, it was no surprise to me when we were approached by an off-leash dog. While the dog was still about 30 feet away, with the owner trailing behind, I voiced my concern, “can you call your dog, please.” To the woman’s credit, she tried. Unfortunately the dog, lacking a recall, ignored several calls and continued toward us. I called to the person, “I really don’t want them to say hello,” to which the response was, “I can assure you, she’s quite gentle.” I rolled my eyes.