Please leash your dog in public spaces

For the safety of everyone, please leash your dog in public parks. Even if your dog is friendly, not all dogs are, and it can be scary for other park-goers and pets when an unleashed dog approaches. A public park isn’t your backyard. Let’s keep it safe for everyone by respecting each other’s space. :blush:

My dog used to be a calm walker until an off-leash dog pounced on her. Now I’ve had to spend $500 on training just to help her with her reactivity. Really wish people would follow the rules.

I was bitten by a neighbor’s dog recently. After I calmed down, I asked them to use a leash, but the next day, the boyfriend took the dog out off-leash again. I leash my dogs every time, even just going to the car. Why can’t everyone do the same?

@True
Report the bite! If not for yourself, do it for others who could be in danger, especially kids. Some people only change after consequences.

Perry said:
@True
Report the bite! If not for yourself, do it for others who could be in danger, especially kids. Some people only change after consequences.

It’s tricky. The woman is responsible, but her boyfriend isn’t. After it bit me, she was furious when he let the dog off-leash again. She’s trying to keep control, so I’ll give it time but will report if it happens again.

@True
Understandable, but if she can’t keep him in line, the neighborhood’s safety comes first. Hopefully, she takes stronger action soon.

Amen! My reactive dog freaks out when off-leash dogs run up to us, especially those ‘friendly’ dogs. I end up scratched and struggling just to keep him calm. Please, folks, just keep your dogs leashed.

@Channing
You’re a wonderful pet parent, and it’s great you’re doing everything you can to keep your dog feeling safe. Reactive dogs need extra love and attention, and it’s clear you’re providing that. Hang in there! :paw_prints:

I even had people without a leash on them! My toddler was playing nearby, and I was so nervous. How do people think that’s okay?

Flint said:
I even had people without a leash on them! My toddler was playing nearby, and I was so nervous. How do people think that’s okay?

Totally agree. A lot of folks don’t get that it’s not just about dogs; even people with kids don’t want to be approached by random dogs.

Off-leash in public spaces can be such a hazard. I’d love a designated off-leash dog park, but until then, just keep dogs leashed!

Blair said:
Off-leash in public spaces can be such a hazard. I’d love a designated off-leash dog park, but until then, just keep dogs leashed!

Totally. Off-leash parks would solve a lot of this, but people need to respect public spaces.

Even kids running around are a risk. It’s on the parents to teach kids not to approach strange dogs, but people still need to keep dogs on leashes in shared spaces.

Foster said:
Even kids running around are a risk. It’s on the parents to teach kids not to approach strange dogs, but people still need to keep dogs on leashes in shared spaces.

Exactly! Both sides can help make things safer by respecting boundaries. It’s about shared responsibility.