Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

6 Reasons to Leash Your Dog With Safety Considerations

The girl stands on the street with a puppy Teddy Roosevelt Terrier dog leash

We all want to see our dogs running wild and free. But if you don’t have a fenced yard or secure off-leash areas to play, it may be tempting to let your pup off the leash in public. After all, they come to you when you call them.

No matter how good your dog is with recall and staying close, letting them off leash isn’t a safe or wise decision in public places that aren’t secured. It may be less fun, but there are several reasons that leashing your dog is safer. Read on to learn those reasons!

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

The 6 Reasons to Leash Your Dog

1. Leashes Protect Your Dog

Public places have a lot of hazards for your dog, including traffic, other dogs, cats, and wildlife. An encounter with the wrong animal could cause a scuffle that leaves your dog with injuries, diseases, or worse. In addition, your dog may eat things they find along the way without you noticing, including potentially toxic foods.

newfoundland dog on leash with owner at the park
Image By: MVolodymyr, Shutterstock

2. Leashes Keep Others Safe

A leash helps you keep control of your dog for their own safety and the safety of those around you. Even if your dog is well-behaved, some people are afraid of dogs and would prefer not to say “Hi.” Other dogs may not be friendly, either, or seeing a loose dog running around may trigger their aggression.

There’s also wildlife to consider, which may be a fun chase for your dog.


3. Leashes Protect Human Health

When your dog runs loose, they may poop somewhere you don’t see. Cleaning up after your dog is a common courtesy that’s important to keep public areas clean and safeguard human health. You can’t do your part if you can’t see where your dog goes.


4. Recall Isn’t 100%

Some dogs have a solid recall. No matter where they are, you can call and they come running back. Other dogs, even with training, are known to have poor recall, such as dogs with high prey drives. They may listen a lot of the time, but a glimpse of a squirrel or feral cat can send them running.

man training a leashed border collie dog
Image By: Dora Zett, Shutterstock

5. Leashes Keep Dogs From Wandering

Some public areas may seem safer for off-leash activities, such as quiet parks with nature trails. Still, your dog needs to be on a leash, even if you’re the only one there. Your dog can’t tell the difference between public and private property or dangerous areas, and they may wander into a place they shouldn’t be before you realize it.


6. Leashes Are the Law

Off-leash areas are the exception, not the rule. Most jurisdictions have leash laws to protect dogs, owners, and other people and wildlife. If you don’t see a sign that says your dogs are permitted off-leash, it’s best to err on the side of caution. You could end up with a hefty fine if you’re caught, or worse, legal consequences if your dog harms another animal or person—even if they didn’t start it.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

How Can I Work on Off-Leash Training With My Dog?

American Hairless Terrier with red leash standing on green lawn background in evening light
Image By: art nick, Shutterstock

Your dog should be trained to accept the leash and be mannerly in public, but recall is important as well. For example, if you’re in public and the leash slips out of your hand for some reason, your dog should know to stay put or come to you when you call.

However, if you can’t take your dog off leash in public and don’t have a backyard, what can you do?

Here are some tips to remember:
  • First, no matter how hard you work, some dogs will never be completely reliable off-leash. But with a lot of practice, you can increase your dog’s off-leash reliability and recall to maximize the chances that they’ll come to you in an emergency.
  • You can start building recall indoors. Teach your dog to sit, stay, and come to you in different areas of your home, such as the kitchen or bedroom. Move into different areas of the house to test your dog’s recall when you’re not nearby. Your dog should have solid indoor recall before you attempt outdoor recall without a leash.
  • If you don’t have a fenced backyard, a dog park can be a suitable alternative. It’s best to go when it’s quiet, however, as multiple dogs and people may be too distracting for your dog and may inhibit your training efforts early on. As your dog’s recall improves, you can use dog parks to test their skills in the face of distractions.
  • Check your area for other fenced public spaces, such as multi-use sports fields or parks with fenced areas. Just make sure dogs are allowed and clean up any messes. If you don’t have dog-friendly, secure spots, you can practice outdoor recall with a long training line. Though it’s still technically a leash, your dog has a lot more freedom to run around—and possibly ignore you—to reinforce strong recall, but you still have some control.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

Playing with your dog off-leash is fun and exciting, but safety should always come first. No dog has perfect recall in all circumstances, especially with distractions. The safest option is to always keep your dog on a leash in public areas with other people, dogs, and traffic so you always have control.


Featured Image Credit: Jane_Zh, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

  1. Thank you we enjoy every informative story you post they are all helpful informative , positive and constructive..

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Pyrenean Mastiff Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Pyrenean Mastiff is a fluffy gentle giant. This rare breed originated from the Pyrenees Mountains in Northeastern Spain and was bred to...

How to Diagnose Food Allergies in Dogs: Signs to Look For (Vet Answer)

With the rise of “boutique” pet foods and smart marketing, dog food allergies are a hot topic. While marketing experts have made the...

Bouvier des Flandres Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Origin & More

The Bouvier des Flandres is a beautiful large dog that has a shaggy, rough coat of fur. They also grow extra fur on...

Turning My Dogs Into Perfect Houseguests Will Never Happen

Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. I...

More related

8 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Chesterfield, MO You Can Visit in 2025

If you live in an apartment in the city or you don’t have a yard, dog parks offer an opportunity to exercise your...

Dalmador (Dalmatian & Lab Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

The Dalmador is a combination of the Labrador and the Dalmatian, and they have been becoming extremely popular in the last few years...

13 Cairn Terrier Mixes (With Info & Pictures)

The shaggy, spirited, and somewhat scrappy Cairn Terrier is one of the earliest Scottish dog breeds. The loving and lively pup makes a...

Do Dogs Like Baths? 4 Reasons Why Dogs Go Crazy After a Bath

Dogs are active animals that tend to make a mess whenever possible. They don’t seem to mind being stinky and dirty! You likely...

Keep reading

7 Best Foods for Great Dane Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

When it comes to taking care of our dogs, we only want to give them the best. This is especially true for those who own a Great Dane puppy as these large breed dogs are fast growers and require specific...

great dane puppy

Can Dogs Eat Falafel? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Falafel is a typically vegan-friendly Middle Eastern dish made of chickpeas or fava beans, spices, herbs, garlic, and onions and that is often served up with pita bread, tahini sauce, and with a side of salad. Now, falafel is an...

Can Dogs Eat_falafel

Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

It’s no secret that dogs want to eat everything they see us enjoying. Of course, as responsible dog owners, we know that isn’t possible. Certain foods are toxic to dogs while others simply aren’t good for them. One of the...

Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas

Ollie Fresh Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

Ollie Pets delivers fresh premium dog food straight to your door. All the recipes were crafted by experts in the field and contain very nutrient-dense ingredients. If you’re looking to make mealtimes more convenient, you’ll want to consider Ollie. Once...

DOG SAPR OLLIE NEW

Can Dogs Eat Chives? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you love to cook, chances are your kitchen is stocked with many of the basic ingredients you need for your favorite recipes. Vegetables and herbs from the Allium (onion) family, including chives, are among the most common seasonings used...

Can Dogs Eat_Chives

My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone, What Do I Do? (Vet Answer)

You may have been warned about the dangers of dogs eating chicken bones, and with good reason. Eating a chicken bone can be dangerous for a dog. So, whether your dog gulped down a chicken bone without chewing or if...

My Dog Ate a Chicken Bone

10 Best Affordable Puppy Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

How can you not fall instantly in love with adorable, roly-poly puppies? But puppies and of course, dogs, end up being expensive to take care of, so it’s always helpful to find ways to save money. Considering that one of...

jack russell terrier dog eating from bowl

11 Best Freeze-Dried Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Freeze-dried dog food takes the preparation and the work out of feeding a raw, natural diet. The freeze-drying process preserves more of the original ingredients’ nutrients and retains the natural flavor to make it more palatable for your dog. Freeze-dried...

labrador-retriever-dog-eating