Dogs off leash?

[Online Persona]

Anyone have issues with neighbors with dogs off leash? What are the best solutions?

We have 2 little 20lb dogs and a fence and even when walking them, they are never off leash.

But we have neighbors with small dogs off leash and no fence that literally have feint attacks all the way to our door. If you turn, they run because they are small dogs. But it is still an infrequent nuisance. I'm not overly concerned with this because it is just a nuisance.

However, about 2 miles in on the route that we walk our dogs and that my wife and a few of her neighborhood friends walk and run sometimes by themselves, there are 2 large dogs (a pitbull and some large mix) that on rare occasion are off leash and confrontational. Everyone in the area has large lots (2 acres minimum) and I think some people think their dogs are just fine out on their own. While this may be true for some dogs, the pitbull and his nearly equally powerful pal are a real risk to the neighbors. One time while walking our little 20lb dogs, those 2 charged and continued across the street and part way up the hill off of their property as the owner's teenage son came running after them to intervene. We picked up our little ones but without that kid responding, I'm not sure if those dogs attack or not. And I always worry if the wife does a run without me.

Thoughts? What's the best way to address this?

 

[NITTANYJGK]

Address it immediately with the owners. Flat out tell them to keep their ****ing dog on a leash and off of your lawn.

I'm not a dog person because I refuse to walk a dog and pick up it's shit.

 

[Vic Vaselino]

Cook them and eat them.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Spray them with skunk spray. After several days of trying to clean the odor off the dog ….that will convince the owners to control them.

 

[Obliviax]

I'd call them and let them know your concerns. If they don't reign it in, I like the idea of spraying them. I'd use Bobcat Urine.

Several years ago, I owned a Keeshond that was a great dog. While stacking firewood, I suddenly saw three Dobermans approaching my Keeshond who was cowering. I grabbed a stick of firewood and went after those dogs. They ran like they were on fire. I followed them to the owner's place. When I approached him, was upset that his dogs got out of his fenced-in yard. I took him at his word. But I let him know any dog in my yard was my dog and he wouldn't be getting his dogs back if that happened again. I never saw them again.

An apology is one thing but if you are going to own dobermans, you've got an added layer of responsibility. They are GREAT dogs but scare the heck out of people. I wanted to make sure that actions matched words.

 

[WaylonJ]

Listen, he won't hurt you. He's just being friendly. 😃

 

[Online Persona]

Like I said, more concerned with the two large dogs about 2 miles along our normal route. I don't know those homeowners. The little dogs I don't care so much about and I do think that the neighbors have improved control of their dogs. It's mostly the 2 dogs that could do some serious damage that concern me. I've only had 2 instances of seeing them out off of leash and that one close call with our little ones. But the consequences of those 2 out without supervision could be pretty bad.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Like I said, more concerned with the two large dogs about 2 miles along our normal route. I don't know those homeowners. The little dogs I don't care so much about and I do think that the neighbors have improved control of their dogs. It's mostly the 2 dogs that could do some serious damage that concern me. I've only had 2 instances of seeing them out off of leash and that one close call with our little ones. But the consequences of those 2 out without supervision could be pretty bad.

Is it legal to use pepper spray? Once they get a shot or two of that stuff they would probably run away at the first sign of you!

 

[Online Persona]

Is it legal to use pepper spray? Once they get a shot or two of that stuff they would probably run away at the first sign of you!

I would assume, it would be used only under threat off of their property. Maybe I'll suggest my wife carry it on her runs and when we walk the dogs. It would likely neutralize the threat.

 

[psu00]

Listen, he won't hurt you. He's just being friendly. 😃

I want to punch every dog owner who says that as their dog is jumping at other people. I get Cujo there is your little darling, but not everyone is a dog lover. Leash your pet or keep it in your fenced in yard.

 

[The Spin Meister]

I would assume, it would be used only under threat off of their property. Maybe I'll suggest my wife carry it on her runs and when we walk the dogs. It would likely neutralize the threat.

Pepper spray punishes the dog, skunk spray punishes the owner making it my preferred choice.

 

[fastlax16]

Witnessed a moron let his German Shepard off leash yesterday while I was sitting at a red light. Dog promptly sprinted across the street and attacked a small Aussie Shepard being walked by an old man. Caught it on my dashcam but forgot to download it. (I had a screaming baby in the backseat or I would have stopped and offered it).

 

[Cletus11]

about 15 years ago in our old development, the owner of a pitbull down the street would let the dog out unleashed. It would literally run around the neighborhood at times. my wife was taking in our 3 year old from teh car when the dog charged, my wife grabbed my daughter and ran inside, the pitbull jumped up and literally got my daughter's shoe. we called the cops but they said unless they can find the dog off leash, there is nothing they can do about it. luckily for us, the person moved out a few weeks later so didn't have to deal with it again.

 

[Obliviax]

about 15 years ago in our old development, the owner of a pitbull down the street would let the dog out unleashed. It would literally run around the neighborhood at times. my wife was taking in our 3 year old from teh car when the dog charged, my wife grabbed my daughter and ran inside, the pitbull jumped up and literally got my daughter's shoe. we called the cops but they said unless they can find the dog off leash, there is nothing they can do about it. luckily for us, the person moved out a few weeks later so didn't have to deal with it again.

As a kid, I used to fear dogs. Once a dog came out and tried to attack me. I had just read "white fang". In that book, they detail out how dogs think. First, the threaten you and try to figure you out. The threat is key. If, when a dog threatens you, you back off, you are toast. The key is to attack, not defend. So I was riding my bike and a big dog comes after me snarling and showing his teeth. I stopped the bike and went after the dog. The dog turned and ran away as fast as he could. Wow, lesson learned. Ever since then, if a dog comes after me, I go after it full bore. Once when jogging, a dog did the same and I went after the dog. It ran away screaming. The owner got mad (he was in the yard cutting his hedges) and told me he had an invisible fence. I told him that I didn't know that, and couldn't wait to find out as it would have been too late. My recommendation was to train his dog not to threaten people outside of his fence. Sorry dude, but I am no going to risk life and limb in the hopes that a home owner has an invisible fence.

 

[republion]

I live in a cul-de-sac and traffic is minimum. We have several friendly dogs in the neighborhood and many of us allow them off leash while we are outside with them. My chocolate lab listens pretty damn well and I have a shock collar with multiple settings that I can utilize if absolutely necessary, but I rarely, if ever, use the shock setting. Leash walkers will come to our neighborhood and let their dogs off leash so they can run off some energy. I don’t let my dog go up to strangers that are simply walking in our neighborhood, whether they are with or without dogs. If I’m out and about in other neighborhoods or the park, he is leashed, unless there is an area meant for off leash.

 

[Cletus11]

I live in a cul-de-sac and traffic is minimum. We have several friendly dogs in the neighborhood and many of us allow them off leash while we are outside with them. My chocolate lab listens pretty damn well and I have a shock collar with multiple settings that I can utilize if absolutely necessary, but I rarely, if ever, use the shock setting. Leash walkers will come to our neighborhood and let their dogs off leash so they can run off some energy. I don’t let my dog go up to strangers that are simply walking in our neighborhood, whether they are with or without dogs. If I’m out and about in other neighborhoods or the park, he is leashed, unless there is an area meant for off leash.

the people that moved in the cul de sac on my street have a huge german shepherd. male, not nuetered as they want too have him bred, and he is over 100 pounds. about as big of a shepherd as I have ever seen, it is a really beautiful dog. they have 3 small children and dog is very protective. they sent the dog away to obedience school as it barked so much. it is sort of scary as it is so big.

so anyway, I am walking my 20 pound dog down the sidewalk and see out of the corner of my eye movement. I am about 3 houses away. I look down at their house and I see him sitting on their front porch, so obviously he had gotten out of the fenced area. I turn around slowly and start to walk back hoping that he did not see me, about 2 second later i hear clicking (paws on the sidewalk) and turn around and he is on the full run down the sidewalk at me. I pick up my dog and just hope as if a 100+ pound shepherd goes after you, not much you are going to be able to do without a weapon. luckily he had seen my dog before and he runs up and just starts sniffing, I stand there pretty still. after about 20 seconds, I start walking back to my house. I get in front of my house and tell the dog to sit which it does perfectly. I walk in the house, put my dog down, grab a leash and go back outside. the shepherd is still sitting in exact same spot. so i go to put the leash on him and when i goto grab his collar, he starts with the very low growl. i decide the better and just say come and start walking back to their house. he follows perfectly. i get in front of their house and start to walk toward their front door and he runs around in front of me and sit about 10 feet from the front door and start with the low growl again, he was not going to let me near that front door. i sat there for a few minutes wondering what i was going to do when one of the kids walks out from the garage who i tell to go get their parents. turns out the lawn guy forgot to shut the gate.

 

[Obliviax]

I live in a cul-de-sac and traffic is minimum. We have several friendly dogs in the neighborhood and many of us allow them off leash while we are outside with them. My chocolate lab listens pretty damn well and I have a shock collar with multiple settings that I can utilize if absolutely necessary, but I rarely, if ever, use the shock setting. Leash walkers will come to our neighborhood and let their dogs off leash so they can run off some energy. I don’t let my dog go up to strangers that are simply walking in our neighborhood, whether they are with or without dogs. If I’m out and about in other neighborhoods or the park, he is leashed, unless there is an area meant for off leash.

I don't have any problem with a well-trained and compliant dog running around a known area. But if that dog comes into my yard or threatens me in a common area, I will not guarantee that dog's safekeeping. If the dog is outside of their yard, the dog's behavior is the responsibility of the owner. If a dog comes after me or my pets, and I kill that dog, I am OK with that. Conversely, if my dog did the same, I understand it.

 

[Online Persona]

Pepper spray punishes the dog, skunk spray punishes the owner making it my preferred choice.

Yes but which is more effective at deterring an attack? I get that the owners are responsible but I don't want my wife or little doggies getting attacked.

 

[Online Persona]

As a kid, I used to fear dogs. Once a dog came out and tried to attack me. I had just read "white fang". In that book, they detail out how dogs think. First, the threaten you and try to figure you out. The threat is key. If, when a dog threatens you, you back off, you are toast. The key is to attack, not defend. So I was riding my bike and a big dog comes after me snarling and showing his teeth. I stopped the bike and went after the dog. The dog turned and ran away as fast as he could. Wow, lesson learned. Ever since then, if a dog comes after me, I go after it full bore. Once when jogging, a dog did the same and I went after the dog. I ran away screaming. The owner got mad (he was in the yard cutting his hedges) and told me he had an invisible fence. I told him that I didn't know that, and couldn't wait to find out as it would have been too late. My recommendation was to train his dog not to threaten people outside of his fence. Sorry dude, but I am no going to risk life and limb in the hopes that a home owner has an invisible fence.

I've had the invisible fence situation before. At our lake house on the other side of the lake there is a good sized dog off leash in a big yard with an invisible fence. I didn't know it either but fortunately the owner was outside working when their dog ran towards the property line. He called the dog and it came, apologized, and told me his dog would never go outside the invisible fence. I've gone by there since when the dog is out and it doesn't go past the fence.

 

[PSUSignore]

It's probably illegal, there are leash laws in many jurisdictions. I'd probably ask the neighbor nicely once or twice and if they continue to ignore the laws start filing reports to your city or county.

 

[Mufasa94]

To the OP, does your municipality have a leash law and/or an animal control officer?

Being the property isn’t close by for an easy stop and conversation, I would leave a note in the mailbox as friendly reminder/warning that you would get the authorities involved if it continues.

I’ve had annoying (without the scary) scenarios in my definite suburban neighborhood setting, except my (one at a time) dogs over the years have been 120-140 lb Akita mixes and its me worrying about the safety of other loose dogs.

 

[PAgeologist]

I got confronted by 2 German shepherds on a steet once walking. I was on the opposite side, so not even on their part of the sidewalk. If I had a weapon they would have been dead. I was looking for anything I could grab before the owners finally got them rounded up.

I got charged by several Doberman once. The owner (my neighbor) laughed. I said it will be really funny when I go home and grab my shotgun and mow them over. He got a fence.

Our standard poodle is often off leash when we walk. We trained her that if she sees someone, she comes back to us. We also walk on lightly used woods trails. Plus we have a shock collar. One beep from it and she's by my side. I don't think she would ever do anything to anyone or any other animal as she is super gentle. But you never know. Plus not everyone likes dogs.

 

[PAgeologist]

To the OP, does your municipality have a leash law and/or an animal control officer?

Being the property isn’t close by for an easy stop and conversation, I would leave a note in the mailbox as friendly reminder/warning that you would get the authorities involved if it continues.

I’ve had annoying (without the scary) scenarios in my definite suburban neighborhood setting, except my (one at a time) dogs over the years have been 120-140 lb Akita mixes and its me worrying about the safety of other loose dogs.

On the mailbox. I might be wrong but I believe opening a mailbox that isn't yours or have permission to open is a felony.

 

[PAgeologist]

Anyone have issues with neighbors with dogs off leash? What are the best solutions?

We have 2 little 20lb dogs and a fence and even when walking them, they are never off leash.

But we have neighbors with small dogs off leash and no fence that literally have feint attacks all the way to our door. If you turn, they run because they are small dogs. But it is still an infrequent nuisance. I'm not overly concerned with this because it is just a nuisance.

However, about 2 miles in on the route that we walk our dogs and that my wife and a few of her neighborhood friends walk and run sometimes by themselves, there are 2 large dogs (a pitbull and some large mix) that on rare occasion are off leash and confrontational. Everyone in the area has large lots (2 acres minimum) and I think some people think their dogs are just fine out on their own. While this may be true for some dogs, the pitbull and his nearly equally powerful pal are a real risk to the neighbors. One time while walking our little 20lb dogs, those 2 charged and continued across the street and part way up the hill off of their property as the owner's teenage son came running after them to intervene. We picked up our little ones but without that kid responding, I'm not sure if those dogs attack or not. And I always worry if the wife does a run without me.

Thoughts? What's the best way to address this?

My parents have a neighbor with a bad dog. They carry an air horn. He now runs away when he sees anyone with an air horn.

I carry my 9mm when walking in the remote woods. In town, carry a pole or a bat. I have also carried some sort of pepper or bear spray.

 

[Cletus11]

I am pretty shocked at how many people are scared of any dog. I have a 20 pound goldendoodle. Looks like a little ball of fur teddy bear. when I go over to the park, i have a leash on her but don't hold it so basically she can go where she wants. the leash is to say I have a leash on her and to be able to catch her if needed as easier to step on a leash then try to grab a little dog who thinks it is fun to play chase. being a goldendoodle, she is about as friendly as a dog can be and her tail is constantly wagging. but she can walk up to people on the walking trail and they will move away from her with a look of fear in their eyes like she is a vicious looking Doberman or Pit Bull that is growling at them. You would be surprised the percentage of people that are that way.

 

[PAgeologist]

I am pretty shocked at how many people are scared of any dog. I have a 20 pound goldendoodle. Looks like a little ball of fur teddy bear. when I go over to the park, i have a leash on her but don't hold it so basically she can go where she wants. the leash is to say I have a leash on her and to be able to catch her if needed as easier to step on a leash then try to grab a little dog who thinks it is fun to play chase. being a goldendoodle, she is about as friendly as a dog can be and her tail is constantly wagging. but she can walk up to people on the walking trail and they will move away from her with a look of fear in their eyes like she is a vicious looking Doberman or Pit Bull that is growling at them. You would be surprised the percentage of people that are that way.

My aunt worked for the USPS and was attacked by several dogs in her career. She developed a true genuine fear of any dog, regardless of size or personality.

 

[Lion84]

Some dogs are Ok and some are not but the one constant is all dog owners thinks there dog is great and everyone would love to meet it - not true at all for many reasons. Always have our dogs on leashes and never let them go up to anyone who first doesn't ask to meet them. Pull up any article on Pit Bull/Dog attacks and it is amazing how many people have been killed by dogs off leash or have escaped yards and not just little kids but it seems pit bulls have a instinct to know you down and rip out your throat.

 

[Online Persona]

My parents have a neighbor with a bad dog. They carry an air horn. He now runs away when he sees anyone with an air horn.

I carry my 9mm when walking in the remote woods. In town, carry a pole or a bat. I have also carried some sort of pepper or bear spray.

Didn't think about the air horn. That may also be an option.

 

[Cletus11]

Some dogs are Ok and some are not but the one constant is all dog owners thinks there dog is great and everyone would love to meet it - not true at all for many reasons. Always have our dogs on leashes and never let them go up to anyone who first doesn't ask to meet them. Pull up any article on Pit Bull/Dog attacks and it is amazing how many people have been killed by dogs off leash or have escaped yards and not just little kids but it seems pit bulls have a instinct to know you down and rip out your throat.

True. And I think in general most dogs are nice, the problem is (1) some are not, (2) some dogs can snap. When a 10 pound yorkie gets angry, it doesn't matter as they cannot hurt anyone. When a Pitbull or Pinscher snap and get mad, they are big enough that they can seriously hurt a human being, that is the difference. And certain dogs are known to be much more mean. I mean you don't read articles on humans being attacked and maimed by Golden Retrievers and Poodles and Irish Setters even though they can just as big as pit bulls and dobermans and other bully breeds, that is because they don't have personalities like some of the breeds that have instincts to protect.

 

[BudatPSU]

I do not walk without my pepper spray. Three hours in the emergency room, about 20 x-rays looking for bone fragments and about 6 weeks of pain. I told the owner of the dog he should put the dog down because it was vicious, violent, and dangerous. He knew his dog had bitten someone but he acted like he did not know it was me. He looked at me like, why would say that. I told him I was the person the dog had bitten two weeks previously. He said, "Sorry about that man." They never made any other contract with me before or after I spoke to him. The dog was quarantined for a month the day I was bitten. They knew who I was.
Some people understand integrity and know and do the right thing... some don't.

 

[Sooner Lion]

I want to punch every dog owner who says that as their dog is jumping at other people. I get Cujo there is your little darling, but not everyone is a dog lover. Leash your pet or keep it in your fenced in yard.

I walk my dogs daily without a leash down here in Texas. Both of them are on a zapper. The zapper has beep, buzz and shock. When I press the beep, both sit immediately. I'll start putting my dogs on the leash the minute all the cat owners start doing the same.

 

[Obliviax]

Listen, he won't hurt you. He's just being friendly. 😃

Inspector Clueseau.

Does your dog bite?

What?

Does your dog, bite?

Oh, no, my dog does not bite.

Cluseau reaches out to pet the dog and the dog bites him!

You said that your dog does not bite~!!!

Oh, this is not my dog.

 

[crm114psu]

For dogs roaming my woods with a collar I find that a paintball gun is both a deterrent to the animal and a message to the owner. Fireworks / air horn to frighten off the strays, and pepper spray for close encounters with any animal.

 

[WaylonJ]

I don't want other peoples' dogs coming up and jumping up on me on the street, friendly or not. I don't want their fecal-encrusted paws all over my clothing and if I'm in shorts I don't want them scratching their fecal bacteria into my flesh. I don't think it's a lot to ask to keep your dog on a leash and away from other people, yet a lot of dog owners (as has been stated above) feel as though "I love my dog, and by God you better too." Some of them are certifiably nuts.

Friend of mine lives out in the country and there are some other homes along his back road. He takes long walks for daily exercise. One day the lady around the corner was outside with her dog out on her property. My buddy is walking up the berm of the public highway and this dog (I don't know the breed) is shot out of a cannon and straight for the man and promptly takes a chunk out of his leg. The lady owner was able to corral this thing and then proceeds to tell my friend the dog flipped his wig because he doesn't like men in ball caps. Some puppyhood trauma now sends this thing ballistic when it sees a man in a hat. This apparently not only justifies what the dog did in some people's minds, it puts the blame back on the person who was attacked because they had the audacity not to capitulate to some dog's unknown and theoretical phobias. People are insane. She paid for medical care and they got on with life as they are neighbors, but just another chapter in the annals of insane people who own dogs.

 

[WIP2001]

Having been a juror in a severe dog attack case, I am forever horrified that dogs capable of causing harm roam free. To me a pit bull is no different than a mountain lion, except much much less afraid of people.

My advice when in the area they’ve been loose: (1) mini pepper spray when jogging or biking. Bear spray or a pistol when walking or hiking. Do not think twice if encountered. (2) call animal control yesterday. Either for prevention or eventual removal or even prosecution, you want this issue to be known before something bad happens. (3) if you know the owners, attempt to have a civil discussion (“hope we can handle neighbor to neighbor. There’s kids, small dogs, etc. I’m sure your pits are friendly but let’s not either one of us take the risk. They could be spooked, provoked.. anything can happen.”)

 

[87 Penn St8]

I've had the invisible fence situation before. At our lake house on the other side of the lake there is a good sized dog off leash in a big yard with an invisible fence. I didn't know it either but fortunately the owner was outside working when their dog ran towards the property line. He called the dog and it came, apologized, and told me his dog would never go outside the invisible fence. I've gone by there since when the dog is out and it doesn't go past the fence.

As an Invisible Fence owner I can see things both ways. You have to train the dogs well to have good results but there are instances where they will take the jolt.

A since departed black lab exited the property while having a deers leg in her mouth. SHe was chasing it and as they approached the property line she hung on.

Another dog was more mischievous. Our neighborhood is 2.6 acres per lot and I live on a hill. He learned that if he just barrel assed down at full speed he could be free. That happened a few times and at one point scared some elderly ealking neighbors who didn't have the courtesy to talk to me...just called animal control. That's not a very good process for anyone. I called her and told her to stand outside a listen as a re-trained our big lab Terp. His mouth was foaming. He did stay inside...but coukdn't accept the role of non-alpha so we re-homed him.

Another neighbor had 2 huge Mastifs. Despite no incidents, a walker called Animal Control. Neighbor was a lawyer and went back and forth but eventually he fenced in his property to be in compliance. The walker was not from our development and post battle we didn't see her again.

Invisible Fence isn't foolproof. Batteries on collars die, lightning strikes can mess up signals, and sometimes animal instincts take over. My two new hillbilly hounds have barked at a fox who knows how to safely cross between me and my neighbors Invisible Fences. My 2 and his 2 go nuts but the fox is not concerned. When the fox had babies they woukd occasinally wander into our yard and weren't as fast. My boy Cassidy took the jolt a few times chasing them. Eventually he ws re-trained and hasn't left the yard in a year.

What I would do is maybe leave a note in the mailbox of the yard you are concerned about and ask the owner to call you. See if they have a fence or not. If there has been threatening towards you/yours mention your concerns and ask him to please make sure that he is doing everything he can. But forewarn him that a call to your local Animal Control is forthcoming if things go awry.

Not surprisingly, I haven't talked to my neighbor since...

Good Luck!

 

[bvillebaron]

It's probably illegal, there are leash laws in many jurisdictions. I'd probably ask the neighbor nicely once or twice and if they continue to ignore the laws start filing reports to your city or county.

It is my understanding that an unleashed dog which is not constrained in a fenced area is a violation of the Dog Law.

 

[junior1]

Anyone have issues with neighbors with dogs off leash? What are the best solutions?

We have 2 little 20lb dogs and a fence and even when walking them, they are never off leash.

But we have neighbors with small dogs off leash and no fence that literally have feint attacks all the way to our door. If you turn, they run because they are small dogs. But it is still an infrequent nuisance. I'm not overly concerned with this because it is just a nuisance.

However, about 2 miles in on the route that we walk our dogs and that my wife and a few of her neighborhood friends walk and run sometimes by themselves, there are 2 large dogs (a pitbull and some large mix) that on rare occasion are off leash and confrontational. Everyone in the area has large lots (2 acres minimum) and I think some people think their dogs are just fine out on their own. While this may be true for some dogs, the pitbull and his nearly equally powerful pal are a real risk to the neighbors. One time while walking our little 20lb dogs, those 2 charged and continued across the street and part way up the hill off of their property as the owner's teenage son came running after them to intervene. We picked up our little ones but without that kid responding, I'm not sure if those dogs attack or not. And I always worry if the wife does a run without me.

Thoughts? What's the best way to address this?

many locals have leash laws. If your's does ask the owners to enforce it

 

[AWS1022]

True. And I think in general most dogs are nice, the problem is (1) some are not, (2) some dogs can snap. When a 10 pound yorkie gets angry, it doesn't matter as they cannot hurt anyone. When a Pitbull or Pinscher snap and get mad, they are big enough that they can seriously hurt a human being, that is the difference. And certain dogs are known to be much more mean. I mean you don't read articles on humans being attacked and maimed by Golden Retrievers and Poodles and Irish Setters even though they can just as big as pit bulls and dobermans and other bully breeds, that is because they don't have personalities like some of the breeds that have instincts to protect.

Most breeds of dogs bite when they’re mean, but some maul….those are the ones you have to worry more about (Pitbulls, Rotweilers). The ones who maul are the ones who kill or maim people. That’s why most insurance companies prohibit certain breeds of dogs and not others.

 

[PSUSignore]

I am pretty shocked at how many people are scared of any dog. I have a 20 pound goldendoodle. Looks like a little ball of fur teddy bear. when I go over to the park, i have a leash on her but don't hold it so basically she can go where she wants. the leash is to say I have a leash on her and to be able to catch her if needed as easier to step on a leash then try to grab a little dog who thinks it is fun to play chase. being a goldendoodle, she is about as friendly as a dog can be and her tail is constantly wagging. but she can walk up to people on the walking trail and they will move away from her with a look of fear in their eyes like she is a vicious looking Doberman or Pit Bull that is growling at them. You would be surprised the percentage of people that are that way.

Leash laws are just as much there to protect your own dog as other people and dogs. What happens when a friendly but not under verbal or leash control dog approaches a reactive dog that is not friendly but is on a leash? The off leash dog might get bit, injured or mauled and the owner that let their dog roam free would be at fault.