One of the responsibilities of being a dog owner is making sure Fido is well-behaved and safe when they’re out and about in the world. That means you should leash your dog whenever you leave your home. We know, we know, your dog would never hurt anyone, attack anything, or get into trouble. But just in case, do everyone you’re about to encounter a favor and leash that pooch! Just because your fur baby is the sweetest canine ever and graduated at the top of their obedience class doesn’t mean that you can predict a dog’s behavior.
Tempting though it may be to let your dog run free, or trust that they’ll stick by your side without a leash, the fact is that dogs are animals, and when it comes to animals, there are no guarantees. Using a leash is the right thing to do, and you know what? Your dog doesn’t mind as much as you think they do. They’re just glad to be outside, moving their furry little bodies.
In case you need further convincing, we’re unpacking five reasons why you should always leash your dog. Need help choosing an appropriate leash? Check out our leash guide.
5 Reasons Why You Should Always Leash Your Dog
A Leash Keeps Your Dog (And Everyone Else) Safe
A dog off-leash is unpredictable, and that unpredictability poses a threat for both the pup and other people. Off-leash dogs might run in front of car, venture into dangerous areas, chase wildlife, get into a fight with another dog, or jump on unsuspecting people. Any one of these scenarios poses a physical danger to both your fur baby and other people.
It’s the Law (In Most Places)
The law in many cities and states requires dogs to be leashed in public areas. Violating these laws could add up to fines and/or legal trouble for you if you eschew them. If you’re determined to let your pup roam off-leash, look into dog parks or nature trails where leashing is not required by law.
A Leash Reinforces Proper Training
Dogs are more likely to obey commands while on a leash rather than off. (Please don’t use the general public as guinea pigs to test your theories otherwise.) Learning to walk on a leash is also an important skill for dogs to acquire, and the more you practice with your pooch, the better.
A Leash Protects Your Dog From Danger
There are so many instances of dogs gobbling up stuff they shouldn’t while on walks. By leashing your dog, you are helping to protect your pup from accidental ingestion of dangerous substances. You’re also controlling your pup’s speed, which reduces the chance of injury, as well as keeping them at a safe distance from other dogs, who could potentially attack your dog.
A Leash Helps Keeps Your Dog Clean
Let’s face it: if it’s dirty, muddy, stinky, or gross, your dog will probably want to submerge itself in it. By using a leash, you can curb any attempts to roll around in whatever-that-is (fish, it’s always dead fish) and save yourself the epic task of a dog bath later.
