“walking his Labrador Retriever off-leash”
Nothing to see here. Move along......
“........ because sit happens”
Off-Leash Fascination in Rural Areas
As a trainer I am often asked by handlers why their dogs won’t listen to them when they are off leash. The usual comments I hear are that their dog will ‘bolt’ when off leash or never come to them or just generally show no interest in the owners - preferring to do what dogs usually do and that is wander off, ignore the repeated calling of their name or chase after small animals and other prey (or skateboarders, or cars - you name it, they do it!).
Having originated in the ‘big city’ (Toronto) prior to moving to our paradise in the country, I was clearly unaccustomed to being repeatedly asked why this occurs with their dogs. No one in their right mind would allow their dogs off leash in a city (other than in leash free parks which I am firmly opposed to or in their fenced backyards). As soon, however, as city folk move to the country, they believe their dogs have a god given right to roam freely and be off leash without any regard to their safety. Furthermore, it is expected that their dogs will obey and listen to their every command - as if by magic - just because they are off leash!
I have decided to offer this write-up to both clients and other interested parties because I truly need to set the record straight and explain why this is so patently unfair and, indeed, an exercise in futility (not to mention a dangerous one for the dog itself).
http://www.spiritridge.net/Off%20leash%20fascination.htm
Thx!
Why on earth are you opposed to leash free doggie parks?
We have a very nice one in our little town, and I think it’s the high point of the day for my two dogs. We actually don’t have a yard for them, so they are taken on a long walk in the morning, and have their afternoon workout running with their “friends” in the leash free doggie park.
Boy the disdain you have for your customers makes you EXACTLY the type of dog trainer I’d want.
Things like this happen for one simple reason. Most people are basically idiots when it comes to what was formerly known as "common sense". They just don't think very well.
What we need now is a leash law for Cats.