dog and leashes (Chicago, Lincoln: apartments, house, neighborhood)

[Wild Style]

I wanted to know if it is common in Chicago for pet owners to walk their dogs with out a leash?

It is extremely common here in South Florida and it can be dangerous as a result at times. I am looking to leave here and return to NYC or move to Chicago (if i can't get a job in NYC). The extreme cold I can learn to live with but retarded pet owners I can not.

[Avengerfire]

It happens everywhere.

[Drover]

I don't see it often. Too much traffic, too many squirrels to chase, too many other dogs out and about, etc. The one place I do see it is on the beaches during off-season months when dogs are allowed on beaches. They're technically supposed to be on leashes but that seems to be the one place where off-leash is accepted and nobody cares.

[Lookout Kid]

I see it quite often in parks, such as near the Lakefront or other areas with large green lawns. I understand that a huge Labrador needs to run around, but maybe the owner should have been wiser about their urban dog choice! Big dogs don't belong in city apartments!

[jessiegirl_98]

I actually see it a lot walking on Belmont. As a dog owner, it is my pet peeve to see people doing that on busy streets! Anyway, there is a leash law unless you are in the dog park.

[Chicago60614]

^ yeah. Most people I see always have their dogs on leashes unless they're in the park or something. It's just too busy with busses/cars/people/bikes, etc.

I'm always surprised when I see a dog not on a leash walking down Lincoln or something. It just looks like an accident waiting to happen.

[via chicago]

I've seen it, but usually the dogs have been extremely well trained, and not in busy areas. In fact one time I was stunned at how well behaved and docile 2 gorgeous golden retrievers were acting, and I spoke to the owner and he mentioned they were former show dogs. Literally the friendliest and most gentle dogs I've ever seen.. But in any case, it does tend to make me a little uneasy because you just never know what a dog might do, and what its temperament is.

[Chiguy1957]

My next-door neighbors are notorious offenders when it comes to letting their dogs run free out in the postage-stamp sized patches of grass we call our front "yards". This is a congested city neighborhood, and these are large dogs: two labs, a shepherd mix, and some other mutt. I frequently hear them out there yelling when the dogs decide to bolt off, or run up on some pedestrian, as they do every single time they are out.

I've tactfully suggested that the dogs should be leashed, but they have the same attitude about their dogs as some parents do about their kids. (My dog/kid wouldn't do that.)

I love dogs, and I know they do too, but they really need to buy a clue when it comes to keeping big dogs in a city apartment. I wonder how their house smells.....

[Wild Style]

My son was almost attacked by a dog (not on a leash) last week. I would have torn that thing apart with my hands had it done anything. People need to be more responsible.

[deegers]

I know lots of people who are leash walkers. But, there are some that are truly experienced trainers with dogs off leash or idiots. Don't allow the idiots to rule your choosing. Or you won't go anywhere, LOL.