Recently, a discussion started on the local Community News & Events Facebook page regarding the number of off-leash dogs in our town’s public areas. Comments in the discussion suggest this is becoming a more regular occurrence in our community, and with it, a growing problem for many.
While some dogs may be highly trained and well-suited for off-leash walks, they are certainly in the minority. It takes a great deal of time, effort, and dedication to train a dog to be completely trustworthy in an off-leash setting. But that’s not the problem, it is the interaction between off-leash and on-leash dogs that make for an unpredictable, and potentially dangerous situation.
According to the Municipal Bylaw for the Municipality of Meaford, off-leash dogs are considered to be at large. This means dogs must always be leashed, unless in a designated off-leash area. In Meaford, these areas are (a) the Beautiful Joe Off-leash Dog Park, (b) The dog beach at Memorial Park, or (c) a private residence. Dogs are not permitted to trespass onto private residences, even when on a leash. By law, dogs in public places, including public parks, must be leashed at all times.
Did you know? If an off-leash dog that is not your own trespasses on to your private property, it is legal to detain that dog and call for a bylaw officer to apprehend the animal. If you see a dog walking loose on the street, you are also permitted to call a bylaw officer to file a report.
What’s the big deal?
While it may not seem like a big deal to allow a well-mannered dog to walk without a leash, it can still pose a significant risk to not only your dog, but others as well. Firstly, there is the risk of a loose dog being struck by a vehicle. Dogs are animals, and even the most obedient dogs can be unpredictable at times. The slightest startle or distraction can be enough to trigger an impulsive, instinctive reaction that may have dire consequences. Seeing a squirrel dart across the road is all it takes for some dogs to forget years of training and compulsively react by giving chase.
Secondly, let’s talk about reactive dogs. Many dogs, while on leash, may react aggressively and unpredictably to certain things: sounds, skateboards and bicycles, people, wildlife, and other dogs. A reactive dog’s response to these stimuli can trigger a wide range of actions, from exaggerated barking and growling, to excessive pulling, to full-on offensive aggression.
Having a reactive dog is not always due to lack of training. Many rescue dogs come from neglected and abusive pasts, and may be reactive on leash because of their past experiences.
For other dogs, the feeling of being on leash makes them feel limited in their ability to protect themselves (or their handlers), thus they overreact as a compensatory measure. This vulnerability triggers their primitive protective instincts, making it very difficult for their owners to maintain control of the situation.
Combine all of this with being approached by an unknown, off-leash dog, and a dog’s stress levels can escalate quickly.
Thirdly, children are especially at risk for bites from off-leash dogs. Letting a dog, whether on- or off-leash, get close to unfamiliar children is taking a huge risk. Even the sweetest dogs have been known to bite children because of their erratic, quick movements, tendencies to grab fur, and loud, high-pitched sounds. Many children do not know how to behave around dogs, and may unknowingly provoke an aggressive reaction from a dog. It is never worth the risk.
Another consideration for dog owners is the act of crossing the street or approaching other dogs to ‘say hi’. While many dogs do well in these situations, this is one of the most common settings for dog bites. As two overly excited dogs drag their owners towards each other, their excitement builds with each step. By the time they meet nose-to-nose, their level of stimulation is running so high, they are unresponsive to cues and treats. This is where barking, growling, and other behaviours begin to amplify. Remember, excitement doesn’t always mean happy. Excitement is a state of mind, and can just as easily mean aggression as it does happiness. Excitement to play, excitement to bark, excitement to fight. This ‘tunnel vision’ makes for a very unpredictable situation and puts the safety of both dogs at risk.
For the safety of everyone, off-leash activities with your dog should be relegated to appropriately designated areas. In Meaford, we are fortunate to have these options available to us all year round.
Let’s all practise the act of consideration for those around us, and it all starts with responsible pet ownership.
Brandon Forder – also known as The Pet Expert – is vice-president of Canadian Pet Connection, a family-owned and -operated business located in Meaford. He has over twenty years’ experience specializing in pet nutrition, behaviour and lifestyle. Canadian Pet Connection is an industry leader committed to providing their clients with the highest levels of personal, attentive service. Learn more at www.CanadianPetConnection.ca.
