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I can certainly see how it could happen, but there's no way I would tether a dog to my waist like that in a fast moving situation such as boarding a train. I would want something in hand I can release in an instant if necessary.
I live in a very expensive neighborhood and town and for the life of me, I do not understand what is up with people not leashing their dogs. Especially bigger dogs.
I have been approached aggressively by big dogs off-leash because of my small dog and it makes me feel really unsafe walking him.
It's so irresponsible not to leash your dog.
What is so hard or difficult about putting your dog on a leash?
Some people think they're entitled....and that rules don't apply to them.
This is a topic that will never be settled and there is plenty of judgement to go around on both sides of the issue.
I 'own' a cattle dog (he really owns me but that's another story entirely). He has no cattle. He is a high energy dog who needs plenty of exercise. If I'd REALLY known what I was getting into, I would likely not have gotten this breed of dog. I have, however, grown to deeply love this critter, warts and all. (He stole my ham hock off the kitchen counter NYE when I was going to make a split pea soup. I'm still not talking to him.)
That said, each environment is as different as the owners and their dogs. If we are 'in town' the dog is on his leash. But we do live in a rural area, and if we go to one of the trails to walk with him, which we do often, if there is no one else there, no one in the parking lot, we let him off the leash....at least at the start of the walk....even though he is supposed to on the leash. Generally, we are in non-residential areas and not near any roads except the one into the parking area. He gets his mad few minutes to burn off his crazy and then back on the leash he goes. If we see or hear others coming, he goes back on the leash. He (finally) responds to recall.
It's a fine line to tread when you bring an animal into your home. They have needs just like we do. A little dog is different than a big dog; breeds are different with different needs, just like their humans. I'd guess that all of us who have dogs and love our dogs do the best we can to safeguard them. I would die if something happened to my beast and I won't put him in a position where he could be hurt. EDIT: I would also never intentionally/thoughtlessly put him in a position where he and another dog may fight and hurt each other.
I have 2 small dogs that are only 5lbs and now walk them on side streets because it’s too dangerous to walk them in parks on trails because of all the idiots with their off leash dogs. Riley, I had a big high energy dog about 10 years ago and I would take him on a trail during the week that was always empty so I could let him off leash to run out his energy.
Another dog attack on one of the local trails last night. The woman with the dog ran off and can't be found, so the victim is having to have rabies shots.
Entitlement tells them they can do what they want because why not? They live there/pay taxes/drove all this way/other people have their dogs off leash/I've always done it this way/nothing has ever happened before (I'm sure there are many more excuses)
Stupidity is when they truly have no clue that bad things can happen to their dog or other people while the dog is off leash
I bike, hike, run. I've been chased by off leash dogs for years. If it looks like a happy dog I will encourage the dog to run along with me just to be a pain to the owner. If it's growling, I'm praying. I now carry a stick and mace while hiking.
I once had someone yell out to me "Be careful he likes to chase moving things!" (then why exactly do you have your dog unleashed in a public area where there are moving things??).
If a dog likes to chase things and cannot be recalled well, it should not be off leash in a public area. End of discussion. What you do on your property is your business. You have a responsibility to your dog AND others when you're in a public area.
How about Where and When? These are the first questions that come to my mind.
Quote:
I have a very small dog. I live in a very expensive neighborhood ...
In close proximity to others at all hours and all can be randomly present?
Market Values aside, this is the sort of residential situation that leash laws were intended for.
Most objections (I hold many) are based in what works well in so many other common situations.
Ok... but I don't think the OP is walking her dog past a cattle ranch.
Suburban & urban dog owners need to keep their dogs on leashes for the safety of everyone!
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He is a high energy dog who needs plenty of exercise. If I'd REALLY known what I was getting into, I would likely not have gotten this breed of dog. I have, however, grown to deeply love this critter, warts and all. (He stole my ham hock off the kitchen counter NYE when I was going to make a split pea soup. I'm still not talking to him.) 