 Barked: Thu May 31, '12 1:48pm PST |
 | |  | | I believe that everyone here who is on the "I walk my dog/dogs off leash" side are willing to accept the responsibility for that decision. We all know that technically we are breaking the law and there are consequences for that if a law enforcement officer decided to ticket us. I don't think anyone here has stated ANYTHING differently. We also know that there is a risk that something might happen to our dogs. However, the same things can happen to a dog even if they are leashed. Most dogs can break away from their handler while on leash if they really want to and chase that rabbit or deer across the street. It is just as easy for leashed dogs to fight as it is for unleashed dog, sometimes easier since many dogs are leash reactive. And leashed dogs are just as likely to go for a but sniff of an unfriendly dog as unleashed dogs are. Leashed dogs are more likely to get testy with other humans since their escape route is removed and their human's tension can be carried down the leash.
Furthermore, I have spent literally thousands of hours training my dogs how to behave off leash, I know what they will do in a given situation. I should not be blamed because someone else does not have their dog under control anymore than someone who has a well-trained on leash dog should be blamed if an out of control, but on leash dog attacks another dog. Note: my dogs do not approach another dog unless I give them permission.
What I think other people are getting testy about is the idea that another dog owner is going to get nasty with them about just having their dog off leash, even if their dog is minding their own business and not interfering with anything. When I walk at parks I see all sorts of thing going on that are legally questionable like people without any clothes on enjoying the sun, people jumping into the river from the railroad trestle, people smoking pot or drinking, people biking or sledding in a park where it is prohibited. There are a few parks that are known for prostitution hook ups. Heck, if they really wanted to get rid of the prostitution they should allow off-leash dogs, in fact dogs are allowed off leash in New York City parks before like 9 am and after 6 pm or something just to keep the crime rate down. I don't feel the need to inform people that what they are doing is against the law, I assume they know that fact. If they are not bothering me, I won't bother them.
I personally don't need the aggravation it would cause me to give someone else a hard time if what they are doing is not interfering with my day. |  |  | |  |
|
| my posts | my page | msg me | my family's posts | gift me | become pals | [notify] |
24
