Unraveling the Off-Leash Dilemma
This article explores the delicate balance between granting our canine companions the freedom they crave and upholding dog park policies and etiquette.
Picture this scenario in your mind, and consider what your position would be given a real-life situation:
Your loving golden retriever who is known to frolic through the neighborhood with a smile on its face, never threatening much more than a squirrel, isn't thrilled at the sight of a leash in hand. Though the sign at the public park near your home clearly states that a dog must be leashed at all times, it really is more of a suggestion than a hard rule.... Especially for a sweet fluffer who wouldn't hurt a fly, right?
Moving on, the first 30 minutes of your walk reminds you of why you got a dog in the first place. The sun is shining, the air is fresh, and your companion is running along the trail feeling the wind in its fur - true freedom. You're happy, your dog is happy, and you can both enjoy a peaceful morning without the constant strain and annoyance of a leash.
Fast-forward just 30 seconds, and a walker with a reactive dog comes around the corner on-leash. Your playful retriever bounds up to said dog, blissfully unaware of itself and the rapidly deteriorating situation. The other owner is almost pulled off their feet in the middle of their quiet morning walk, pulling their dog back as it snaps and attempts to bite your retriever, who, uh-oh, has no recall. We are left with two traumatized dogs and two stressed, angry, and potentially equally traumatized owners.
Rather than assigning blame, which online and IRL communities so adamantly do when it comes to our pets, let us discuss the issue and attempt to come to a common understanding.
Something I had not noticed before, is how restrictive many regulations are for places labeled as dog parks. For example, in the Fullerton, CA municipal code, the rules are lengthy. Aside from the obvious sections, such as the on-leash rule while entering and exiting the park and restricting off-leash activity to designated areas, it gets much more specific. Section J states: "Dogs showing aggression toward people or other animals shall be immediately removed from the park by the owner or handler. Dogs known to park staff to exhibit aggressive behavior are not permitted within the park."
This statement makes sense, but what about reactive dogs such as the one in our imaginary example who are provoked by a friendly but untrained dog? Both dogs are likely to be hurt in an unpredictable, threatening interaction. However, one or both owners are also most likely breaking a park regulation. This goes both ways. Section T states: "Handlers must keep close visual contact with their dogs and be aware of their actions at all times. Dog handlers must remain in a 'hands free' condition and capable at all times to use both hands to control their dog."
This is a great policy, but if many of us are honest with ourselves, we are not in this condition 100% of the time that our dogs are running ahead of us on a trail or in a park. Moreover, how often have you or anyone you know noticed a park ranger or other individual with authority actually enforcing these regulations? Realistically, the resources just don't exist in most municipalities to pay someone to supervise and enforce simple dog park policies.
Therefore, I believe it is up to each of us dog owners to mindfully follow posted regulations and simply make responsible judgment calls if we do choose to bend the rules a bit.
For example, if you really want to let your dog run off-leash at a public park that has no off-leash area, do so thoughtfully! Does your dog have consistent name recall? Has your dog ever provoked or agitated another dog? Is your dog fixed? Is there any other dog(s) especially on-leash in your vicinity? Is the park wide and open or does it contain narrow trails where you cannot see others coming around the corner? These are just a few simple questions to remind ourselves of if we do choose to take this risk in areas where our dogs are not technically allowed to be off-leash.
If your dog is able and eager to roam safely with other dogs, you may choose to seek out a well-maintained, highly-rated off-leash dog park near you. There are so many incredible dog parks that allow ample space for our diverse companions to run and socialize as they should. Linked below is an amazing, thorough list complete with descriptions and pet owner reviews of more than 50 off-leash dog parks across the United States. Take a look, be responsible, and have fun!
Taking your dog on your next travel adventure? Check out Roch's comprehensive dog-friendly city guides!
