Should my dog have to wear a leash?

Question

My dog is a German Shepard husky and I walk her all the time without a leash. She is 14 years old and is very slow. She never leaves my side when we walk and is very loyal. Today while walking my dog home from the park I had a young black man start yelling at me to put my dog on a leash. I didn't have one and he started talking about how he should start carrying a bb gun to go out to his car.

Then I encountered another guy who was giving me extremely dirty looks.

The whole time my dog was just walking by my side at the slow pace she walks. My dog has never attacked another human/dog in pretty much all its life (besides being a puppy) and I feel it deserves the respect to stay off her leash.

Opinions?

Answer 1

Just put a light leash on her and allow her to drag it. I do understand your feelings. I have a golden just like your dog. But I do understand their feelings of fear too. A light weight leash just hanging would be a good option. Not everyone who walks their dog without a leash has an older, slower dog. People are afraid.

The young black man needed to be turned into police for threatening you with a weapon. A bb gun is a weapon. You should have called 911. That type of threat should be prosecuted for the safety of the entire public.

Answer 2

I understand your feelings about your dog being very slow and gentle. Other people and dogs don't know that fact.
There could be a situation where another animal (rabbit, cat, dog, raccoon...the list is endless) upset your dog. Maybe even threaten your dog or you which could be trouble.
I believe your dog should wear a leash. You have to respect the public while being in a public place. Sorry, sounds tough, but some people are afraid of dogs no matter how slow and/or gentle they look. Maybe buy an attractive leash that you both feel good about then you wouldn't have the yelling and dirty looks.

Answer 3

The man you encountered sound nuts so I would try and forget about him.

As to whether you should have your dog on a leash, that depends on whether or not you have leash laws in your area. If you do, it would be better out of respect to leash her until you get to a signed off leash area. Don't forget that although you know she is a sweet old dog, maybe people who are not familiar with dogs do not know that which could be why you are getting the dirty looks.

If you do not have any leash laws in your area, technically there is nothing anyone can do about it. But again, you might want to consider leashing her in residential areas (along the sidewalks, etc), purely out of respect for those who might panic when then see an unleashed dog. I am sure she won't mind wearing a leash for part of your walk as she sticks by your side anyway.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Unfortunately, yes, She, by most state laws, must be on a leash. I hate the law, but I understand it. My dog can be very good out in the country where we'll let her run, but when at home in the city, she is never off a leash or run. Check out your state laws. Most say 6 feet, but if your dog is so good by your side, it shouldn't be a problem. A lot of people are probably scared of your dog (she sounds like a big one.) The dirty looks could be a form of jealousy ("Why does this guy think he doesn't have to leash his dog?") It's also safer for your pooch. As good as a dog can be (mine is an example, there are some things that set her off) she may get a whiff of someone she doesn't like or something and think she needs to stand her ground. And if another dog happens to be walking, it could protect her from a fight and that sort of thing. Good Luck

Answer 5

The deal is, a leash isn't just to keep your dog under control. It sounds like your dog is very gentle and well behaved. But the problem is, other people in public don't know that. Having a dog (esp. a large german shepherd/husky) off a leash makes people very nervous. They don't know if your dog is going to stay by your side or not. They don't know your dog's history. They have no reason to trust your animal. Keeping your dog on a leash is a responsible way to have your dog out in public. And in most places it's also the law.
ALSO, if you should encounter someone else with a dog who is NOT gentle and that dog decides to attack your dog, you will not be able to pull your dog out of harm's way or control the situation. A leash is also about protecting your dog from other dogs.
They are animals after all, kwim?

Answer 6

Your dog does deserve the respect of not having to stay on a leash. Unfortunately it's the law and you can get a major fine. Is it really fair to the all the other "good" dogs out there that are walked on a leash b/c their owners follow the rules?

Answer 7

Check your local leash laws. You could get a citation. I agree that the chances of your dog attacking are slim to none, but outsiders don't know that. You probably should have your dog on a leash for HIS safety, in case another dog goes after him. If you insist on off leash, I would try to stay in unpopulated areas.

Answer 8

Dogs are run by instinct and can sense fear. Having your dog on a leash in public places not only protects you, but your dog. It also gives others a sense of security, cause they don't know your dog like you do. Plus, in some cities they have leash laws.

Answer 9

Unless they is some type law/ordinance that says she has to be on a leash, I would tell they to mind their own business

Answer 10

unfortunately, not all people know your dog, and therefore don't know how friendly she is. I would keep her on a leash just for her own protection....keep her safe from bb guns!