Why don't people keep dogs on leads?

[Greedybilly]

Why? Just why? Sick of being jumped up at - sick of seeing them wandering round the park/our allotment/every decent walk. Is it seen as cruel to not let them off? Is it a bit like putting reins on a toddler? Genuinely I don't know because I don't have a dog. Please educate me - I just know there's been a massive cultural shift and leads seem a bit out of fashion.

Here we go again 🙄

You're free to scroll on by if you don't have anything to add ofcourse;)

Because dogs are revered in the same way God is and they can do no wrong apparently…..

Why shouldn't they be off lead, they need a run around.

I have no idea. They were running round the pub garden last night🙄 before they got put in their doggy pushchair to go home 🙄

Because too many owners are self centred arseholes and don’t care about the behaviour of their dog. They don’t even train them half the time.

Christ this is a daily topic atm. Couldn’t you have posted this on one of the other 120 threads on hating dogs and be done with it?

because they need to run and roam and sniff and explore and interact with other dogs

I find it hard to believe that you are regularly being 'jumped at'. I walk my dog twice a day for the last 10 years in popular dog walking areas, there are lots of dogs. I've had a dog jump up maybe twice

My dogs don't go to pubs, shops, cafe's as they have no money LOL. They would rather run around than go after people.

Here we go again. Froth, rage, froth, recrimination, child-hate, dog-hate, plenty of 'vile', 'disgusting', 'utterly foul', bile, froth, rage and a bit more froth.

Because they harass people and jump up at people etc

But that doesn’t matter I suppose because they’re just “being friendly”.

I’ve got such a lovey big park near me and I hate going because there are just dogs roaming free everywhere. My kids are so nervous of it because all they see is loud dogs barking at them and running at speed towards them.

If I ever do have to walk through the park I always carry my youngest and tightly hold the hand of my eldest.

I genuinely believe that dogs should not be allowed off lead in communal areas
like this, especially around children.

Aren’t there areas specifically for dogs who are off lead that are separate from communal parks?

Dogs need to be off the lead sometime, would you want a collar and lead round your neck every time you left the house?

I have to agree - the ones who do not train their dogs with good recall or pick up poo, or even let their dogs jump up at you without apology - they should be kept on a lead until they can be taken somewhere suitable to run around. However, if your dog has good recall, you are a conscientious owner and pick up poo and don't let your dog jump up, then absolutely fine to be off lead.

I think the issue here op is that you're talking about dogs that aren't well trained being let off lead and being allowed to approach you/ other dogs/ jump up.

We have a very high energy breed and he needs the mental stimulation of being able to 'flush' ie follow scent through long grass/foliage which is what he's bred to do even though he's our pet rather than a working dog. We can't do that on lead as it would get tangled and he could get stuck.

His recall is excellent and he comes immediately when called, he is trained to ignore all other people and dogs (although he'd be delighted if someone approaches him for a pet) and we put him back on lead if another leashed dog/ small children/cyclists are coming to be considerate.

I could walk him on lead until his legs fall off but it wouldn't hold the same enjoyment and mental stimulation for him as being off lead does so it's important we are able to do both. Since he's friendly and well trained I see no reason why I should pay to rent a field to do this in every day- it wouldn't be financially sustainable and I don't use enclosed dog parks because I've had negative experiences there before and witnessed dog fights due to owners not understanding their dogs limitations and needs.

If a dog has poor recall/ is jumping up on other people and approaching on lead dogs they should be on lead to protect the dog and the people/ other animals. The issue here is responsible ownership.

As long as they have a good recall. It irresponsible owners, who give the rest of dog owners a bad name.

Because lead walking isn't enough exercise for most dogs. Many dogs would develop behavioural problems if they didn't get the mental stimulation and execise from a good run around and the chance to sniff, play with other dogs etc.

I am absolutely sure that you are contributing to your children’s fear of dogs if every time you see one you pick your child up

I don’t believe that you get dogs running towards your children and barking every time

Not all dogs need them, our dog is very rarely on a lead, he follows us on walks, ignores people, other dogs, cats etc. He’ll run around the park etc if we give a run around and have a bit of fun command, but he’ll still keep away from others and come back when shouted.

If you're sick of just seeing them I think the issue might lie with you.

We do cos there is no where safe for them to be let off. If I lived somewhere where I can let them run I would.

Dogs need a good run

Agree with @Lavender14

As stated on the other threads, the problem isn't dogs off lead, the problem is untrained/poorly trained dogs off lead with owners who either don't understand dog behaviour or can't be arsed to train them.

My dog is mostly off lead when we go running or walking but his recall is impeccable. He isn't allowed near anyone (unless they are smiling/reaching out and clearly wanting to pet him).

People on benches, people having picnics, kids at outdoor camps, other dogs on leads - he's not allowed near them. I just call him away if he starts heading that way and he turns and comes back to me.

So he's off lead but doesn't create any issues. But it took a LOT of effort and training and constant reinforcement to get him that way.

Like OP, we also have issues with other dogs who are jumping at me/chasing us/lunging at him. Those owners are usually on the phone, don't care or sometimes just genuinely clueless that those sorts of behaviours are not considered normal and ok.

Why don’t people stop posting countless dog threads?

I don’t contribute to their fear as I have absolutely no problem with them being around dogs on leads or dogs we know etc, I just don’t want them being approached by big dogs that aren’t on a lead that I don’t know and who are scaring my children.

The safety of my children is my priority as is every other parent’s priority.

I don't believe it either. I commented earlier in the thread to say I have been walking my dog twice a day for 19 years in areas of high dog traffic. I've been jumped up at maybe twice. I have never had a dog run at me, barking

I do agree that dog owners should be responsible, train their dogs, pick up poo etc. but most really ARE responsible. most dogs really don't run at people, jump up, bark at them etc. it's very exaggerated by people who don't like dogs

*10 years