Leash Logic: Letting Dogs Run Free Can be Dangerous

In light of a recent camping trip to Folsom Lake (which was awesome by the way!), I have a semi-rant on leashing one's dog. 

Now let me begin by saying, I myself am guilty of allowing my dog to frolic off leash at a park, beach or in my front yard, despite the current California leash law, which clearly states that dogs must be on leash in ALL public areas.  I will however say, that my dog, though not above the law, has a reliable recall, and for the most part ignores other dogs and people.  When I do let her off leash, I make sure no other people or dogs are in close proximity and I am able to call her to me and leash her quickly if needed.  

Now, if your dog doesn't listen to you, charges other dogs and people and runs without giving you so much as a backwards glance, I think it's safe to say your dog has no business being taken off of the leash in a non-fenced area. 

What has prompted me to write this semi-rant? Well, after setting up our tent, we decided to take a walk along one of the trails which borders the lake.  We walked a couple of miles before deciding to turn back. As we approached the camp site, a large group of individuals were set up along the lake, with their five (!) dogs off leash.  We of course had our dear Teri with us (on leash, thank you very much), so I mentioned to my husband to keep an eye on those dogs as we approached. 

I wasn't afraid becaue for the most part it seemed like the dogs were more interested in swimming than us, however as we came closer, the largest of the group ran towards us.  I stopped with Teri and my husband walked in front of us.  The other dogs followed suit and they were all approaching the trail.  I called out to the group of people, "Can you please get your dogs?" 

They ignored me.  I called out again; one woman glanced in our direction but did nothing.  So we began to walk slowly past the dogs as they began to turn back.  Thankfully Teri ignored them. 

Just when we figured the dogs were turning away, one of them began barking and charging us, tail up and chest out.  My husband got between us and the dog (the dog was about a foot away from my husband) as we called out to the group again.  The only response we got was "Obviously we wouldn't let our dogs of leash if they weren't OK."

The dog eventually turned away and we left without incident.

While this situation wasn't really that big of a deal, and no harm was done, the bottom line is this: It is rude to assume strangers are going to take your word for it that your dog is "OK" when their behavior suggests otherwise. 

Did we really think their dogs were going to attack us? No. Did I think it was rude that they let their dogs charge us while they did nothing? Yes. In that situation, had my dog not ignored their dogs and instead attempted to charge back, could a fight have ensued?  Absolutely.  Not only do I not know your dogs, but you don't know mine.  And that, my friends, is a potential recipe for disaster.

This is the type of situation where people claim "My dog has never shown any signs of aggresion or potential bite problems, this incident happened out of nowhere!"

I am going to go out on a limb and say, 90 percent of the time there are always signs. The only problem is that the average dog owner doesn't know that a particular stiffening of the tail, a look of the eye, a stance etc. are warning signs of anxiety, aggression or fear, all of which can result in a bite if pushed.  There are always signs.  It is very rare that a dog bites out of nowhere.

The moral of the story is simple, please just use logic when letting your dog off leash.  Just because you wish and hope that your dog can be reliable, doesn't mean he or she actually is.  Just because you are certain your dog won't behave badly, including intimidating passersby, doesn't mean strangers know this, and they shouldn't be expected to. Be respectful of others.  Had my husband and I been fearful of dogs, or had small children with us who were fearful of dogs, the situation at the lake could have been much different. 

Be kind and respectful to your fellow dog owners and if your dog is not reliable, it doesn't mean he or she cannot reach that goal.  Practice, train, engage with your dog in obedience exercises and above all have fun while doing so.  As dog owners, we are all guilty of being blind to our pets obnoxious and "bad" behaviors at times, but when the potential safety of others is concerned, we must force ourselves to open our eyes and acknowledge our faults as pet caregivers.  Until next time, happy leashing!

**For pet training services, free consultations, questions, additional comments, or more pictures/video, you may contact me via Facebook at facebook.com/melsmenagerie or via email at melsmenagerie@gmail.com.  For more dog trick "How To's" check us out on youtube at: http://www.youtube.com/user/melissa2ea