Posted on 12/06/2006 7:02:15 AM PST by Cagey
SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- A city ordinance in Sioux City, Iowa, says all pets must be on a leash -- but it doesn't say who has to be carrying the leash.
One Iowa dog, Jack, has been walking himself since he was a puppy.
The 11-year-old Labrador retriever holds his own leash in his mouth as he walks with his owner, Brad Ralph.
"So far, we haven't been cited," Ralph said. "I don't know how that would hold up in court, but he is technically on a leash."
Jack and Brad walk about three miles each day.
"I don't really do it to get attention you know," said Jack's owner, Brad Ralph. "It's just handy and he's a little bit of a show off and likes to prance around with his leash in his mouth."
Jack takes his responsibility very seriously. He doesn't like it when someone tries to take his leash away from him.
Video at source.
This is AWESOME!
I've seen lots of labs who seem to like to carry their own leashes (or frisbees) in their mouths. I guess it's just part of that retrieving instinct.
I've seen a number of dogs that will do this ... most (all?) of them labs. Wonder if it's something about the breed?
We had a Lab and she'd carry the leash exactly like Jack.
Sometimes you, or your dog, can beat city hall.
My girlfriend lets me do that sometimes when we go out.
smart dog!
Hmm. So they're retreiving themselves? "Recursive fetch, boy!"
I think being on a leash implies that there is a dog at one end and a human at the other. As to which one is leading, that depends.
Goldens and Labs do it almost instinctively. My Golden almost has a fit if you drop her leash on the ground. She will quickly pick it back up and look at me like I'm an idiot for dropping it on the ground. But, I don't think it would get around many leash laws.
I wonder what the purpose of the leash law is? Is it to keep dogs from jumping up on other people? I found, when walking my retired racing greyhound that lots of times people would just charge up to her and start patting her on the head, petting her...despite my protests that she was a newly adopted racer and her disposition was unknown. Most unnerving was the parents that would just allow their kids to run over to her and hug on her! I would end up struggling to pull my dog away and begging the parent to restrain their child!
Labs are always happy when carrying something.
My bulldog always carries her own leash when we go out
Not just labs
Our Golden not only carried her own leash she walked our other dog as well.
To keep the dogs under control, of course.
Labs are great! Mine used to pick up pine cones for me...I'd throw his ball towards the trees, and he would always come back with the ball and 1 or 2 pine cones. Then I'd just throw them in the bag, and toss the ball again. Since I had my 2 retrievers, I haven't gotten my newspaper in about 15 yrs, just open the door for him.
This is news? Ever since leash laws started, dogs have been "on leash" in this manner. 10 years ago, my dog was walked like this and I carried leash-law ordinance in my pocket to read aloud to anyone that complained....including the dog police.
My female Boxer can carry her own leash. When I get her ready for walks, she carries it around the house while she is waiting for me.
I guess I'm in the minority here, however. I won't let my dogs outside our enclosed yard without a leash. My dogs are well trained, but dogs nonetheless. I could never live with myself if one of them got distracted and took off after something and got hurt.
Also, kids tend to come running up to them alot (you have to admit, Boxers have very cute faces. With a leash, I can control her better if she gets spooked. I'm sorry to be such a stick in the mud, but I truly believe a dog is safer when being walked on a leash. Although, as a caveat, last time I walked my female she broke my wrist in two places when she took off and I wasn't paying attention. I never did let go of the leash though LOL. I'm still in the cast.
They're retrievers!
Such good dogs. Kinda goofy when they're puppies, though! LOL!
You need a special leash for greyhounds, don't you - given their sleek head and all?
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