Is it Really So Bad to Have Your Dog Off Leash?

Back when Sierra and Bodhi were alive, we used to frequent a local park that featured softball fields, basketball courts, and walking areas. And tucked way in the back, up a steep hill, was a circular dirt trail that was normally deserted. I used to let both dogs run ahead of me off-leash to explore. But let me back up a minute…Sierra and Bodhi were both shelter rescues who came to me around age two. They were both husky mixes; wild, crazy, completely untrained, sweet little maniacs. I did a lot of training before I ever trusted them to run free. And even then, if another person happened to be entering the trail, I leashed them immediately.

So yes, I let them have their liberty, but only in specific areas and only after plenty of training. This brings me to the typical dogs I see running loose at local parks. I’m not saying none are well-trained, because a small minority actually do seem to respond immediately to their owner’s cue to come. Unfortunately, most seem to develop selective hearing. And why not? They’re having a great time and they know that going back to their owner will end all the fun. But that lack of training combined with too much freedom can become a serious problem when another dog is being walked past, or in the case of my local area, when the dog chases coyotes. I’m floored by some of the responses I get when I warn owners of tiny, off-leash dogs that there are coyotes nearby. Saying, “Yeah, I know” and continuing to walk on is not conducive to your dog living a long, happy life!

Most of us have had the experience of walking our dogs on leash in public areas and encountering off-leash dogs. While some loose dogs are curious and friendly, others may be threatening or flat-out aggressive. Sadly, the owner may not be fully aware of their dog’s temperament or behavior around other dogs, and in some cases, may not care. Having no control over their dog compounds the problem. I’ve had many of these run-ins. Shouting at the owner to please leash their dog as the dog runs toward mine seldom seems to have had the desired effect. For the most part, I believe these are well-meaning people who just want to let their dog have some freedom. But that doesn’t make it okay for the rest of us.

For dogs who haven’t been reliably trained to come when called, or who are being walked in an area where legalities require them to be on leash, a long line can provide a happy medium. A twenty- or thirty-foot line still allows dogs to sniff and even to run a bit, while still keeping them and everyone else safe. And using a long line can be a good intermediary step in training an off-leash recall.  

In short, I’m a big fan of letting dogs run free and explore their environment…within certain parameters. I’m also a big fan of consideration toward others. So, is it really so bad to let your dog off leash? Not if you do it responsibly. __________________________________________________ You can find my books and streaming seminars at www.nicolewilde.com and follow me on Facebook @NicoleWildeauthor. My mentoring service can be found at Dog Trainer's Friend. And if wildlife photos are your thing, check out my Instagram at nicolewildeart.