Interesting Reads
by chrisOn or Off the Leash?
By Gillian Ridgeway.
Watching dogs interact is an activity that I find particularly pleasant.
The picture changes dramatically, however, when we see dogs romping, or even just strolling, along a sidewalk, totally unrestrained. While, as I mentioned, I love to see dogs enjoy themselves in a park-like setting, seeing dogs off-lead near roads makes me shake my head in amazement.
Keep in mind that the best, most clever dog that you’ve ever met… “Lassie”… has about the same comprehension as a 3-year old child. While dogs have often been thought to age in years approximating seven to our one, this is a better guideline for judging physical aging.
Three-year old children do comprehend a lot of what is going on around them. They seem to do a great job of putting on their pyjamas and can count up to twenty. Consider this: would you let your 3-year old child walk unattended along a busy street?
Most of us would prefer to hold the child’s hand, just in case he or she darts out at an inappropriate time.
Now, let’s take a look at the liberties we allow our dogs. It is not uncommon to see dogs strolling along beside their owners, off-lead, on a side street or even on a busy downtown street. They seem to be perfectly in control and it is obvious that their owners have given them plenty of training.
In fact, to the average passerby, they seem to make quite an impressive team.
As impressive as it may appear, it is never a good idea. If you truly care for your dog, attaching his lead in these situations is the kindest thing you can do.
People may find it interesting that many professional dog trainers have their dogs on a lead while out on the street. Sure, these dogs have formal obedience training; often do tricks and agility, and some even work in television and film. But trainers are quite aware of the statistics.
One of the highest causes of death in dogs is hit-by-car. Simple.
Use a leash and cut down on this statistic. Never let your ego get in the way of your dog’s safety.
While on the topic of leashed walks, be careful when you’re using a retractable lead. These leads are very popular, and for good reason. They allow your dog more freedom, more chance to explore the route to the park, and all without a tangled mess. Be aware of how far from the road you are, and how far the lead will pull out. All it takes is a cat (or a floating leaf!) across the road to distract your dog. He darts forward and the leash allows him access to the roadway.
(Did you know that the retractable lead is illegal? You may use them only in a specific ‘Dog Exercise Area’ The Rangers tell me a normal lead must not exceed 2 meters in length! It’s in The Dog Act! …Ed)
The best idea is to find a park that is about a 15-minute walk from your home. Use this walk as an opportunity to train your dog. Have him heel beside you and sit when he comes to each curb.
When you get to the park, he can run and play with his friends. (If he does not always come back when you call him, you can attach him to a long line. If you have a retractable lead with you, this is the ideal place to use it. Or better yet, you can enrol him in a dog class that will teach him a reliable recall.) You can then heel him back home on his lead. This will incorporate physical exercise and mental stimulation.
So, enjoy the time with your dog. Go to the park, toss a ball… and be safe!
Gillian Ridgeway, AHT, is director of Who’s Walking Who Dog Obedience Centre in Toronto and Ajax. She is a member of Dog Writers Association of America