Why Are Leash Laws Important for Dogs and Their Owners?

When most dog owners who favor free-running of their dogs think of the reasons for having leash laws, they automatically assume that they are for owners of aggressive dogs only. This is not only untrue, but very common and erroneous thinking. There are many valid reasons for leash laws that have absolutely nothing to do with aggression, although aggressive dogs are one of the main reasons for the law.

A few years ago, I was rollerblading on a residential street when a very large bulldog charged towards me. I could tell by the body language that the dog was friendly, however the playfully approaching dog wanted my attention. It jumped at me, knocking me down to lick my face. Some people would think this sort of behavior is cute, however, I was injured in the fall. The dog owner did nothing but to call the dog into the house. On my return trip, I stopped at the house, informed the woman of the leash laws, and showed her my hip - which was scraped and already bruising. The woman ended up in tears, invited me in for a glass of water, and apologized profusely. I have never seen that dog on the streets unleashed again.

Here are some a few other reasons that people should be aware of the community around them, and help keep our neighborhoods dog-friendly.

• Most (if not all) dogs that are hit by cars, are not on a leash. This obviously not fair to the dog, but more concerning, it is not fair to the person who unwittingly kills or injures a dog that was not on a leash. It is an upsetting situation for both the driver, and the dog owner, who should have leashed their dog, thereby preventing the entire situation. 
• Other dog owners at parks and in public places who have their dogs leashed, experience trouble with their dogs behavior only when other dogs are unleashed. Their dogs may react to protect their owners from an unleashed dog quickly approaching, causing an adverse (and unnecessarily caused) reaction. Some dogs become difficult to handle as they try to wriggle loose from their leash in order to "play" with other dogs that are unleashed, and their owners are forced to leave the environment to regain control.
• Many people go to parks to feed squirrels and ducks... Off-leash dogs enjoy chasing small animals, taking away from the experiences that are there for the people, not dogs. 
• Most (if not all) dogs that are hit by cars, are not on a leash.
• People walking, jogging, running, or biking should not have to swerve or jump out of the way of an unleashed dogs. It is dangerous for the person who is concentrating on their workout, and they often don't expect an unleashed dog to run in front of them.
• The more often the dogs in our communities are caught unleashed, the more laws and ordinances are set into place, restricting our privileges as dog owners. 

If you are a dog owner, and especially if you enjoy letting your dog run free, find an off-leash park, which is the proper area to let your dog enjoy his or her freedom. Unless you are visiting one of these areas, your dog should be on a leash, even if you feel your dog should be exempt from the laws.

I Go First - Method of Establishing the Pack Leader Role

These "firsts" that you will be showing your new pup will establish your role as the pack leader. Practice this "I'm first" behavior on a regular and consistant basis, and develop an excercise (such as the front door) that you can repeatedly practice. Spend at least 15 minutes at a time on the excercise, and then repeat it randomly throughout the day. But definitely remember to do things first. If he or she attempts to begin something first, before you, then correct the behavior and have him or her sit while you do the action first.

• When it is mealtime, YOU should eat first, feeding the dog second.


• Sleep time, if she sleeps with you, YOU should first find your comfortable spot on the bed, and then invite your dog to find his or her place after you.


• Entering or exiting doors, YOU should walk through first, then your dog can enter or exit through the door. If you are opening the front door, the dog should be made to sit several feet from the door and wait. This is perhaps the most important excercise, and should be repeated over and over, even if you're not planning on actually going through the door.


• When any treats or toys are given, make sure you have the dog either sit, lay down, or if your dog knows any tricks, have him or her do one before you give the treat or toy to your pup. Be sure to also eat (or at least pretent to eat) a snack first.


• Regular walks (daily) would be best, and use the opportunity when you leave the house to go through the door first. While walking, switch directions unexpectedly and say "Come". The dog will see you in front (because you have changed directions) and hear you say "Come." This will put your dog in a following position, and puts you in the "I'm first" position again. After a short distance, turn around and say "Come" again, repeatedly putting him or her in the following position, letting you be seen in the "I'm first" position. This will help to enforce your role as the pack leader.

Walk Your Dog - Don't Let Your Dog Walk You

When you walk your dog, it's extremely important that you walk with "purpose". In otherwords, don't just let your dog pull you along, taking you all of the places he'd like to go. You've got to let your dog know that you are in control, and the dog must submit the control to you. It sounds harder than it actually is, but you've got to do it. Otherwise, you'll end up in some really strange places!

Make sure that you have a sturdy leash and collar, especially strong if you have a large, pulling dog. Use the chain and leash with caution, you're never trying to hurt the dog, it is only a tool to let the dog know you're trying to get his attention.

Walk confidently, with your head up. Stop often, and have your dog sit down. Do not leave until you are ready, and your dog should be able wait in sitting potition until you are ready. Once you start walking again, if your dog strays in front of you, tug gently but quickly upwards on the leash. Not in a way that will hurt your dog, just a signal to your dog to stay focused on the walking process.

You are leading the way, and if that's not happening, try switching directions often, allowing the dog to see you "in front" as the leader of the pack would be. Walk a few yards in any direction, then switch and say "Come". Repeat this every few yards or so, establishing that you are the leader, not the dog. That's an important thing to establish, and once you've conquered walking with purpose, you'll find that you have much more control, and a happier dog.