As a long-time dog rescue volunteer, former professional dog walker, and a current parent to what I call a “special-needs” dog, there is nothing more stress inducing than encountering a dog that is being walked off leash outside of designated off-leash areas.
Picture this scenario—you are joyfully walking your beloved (and leashed) dog. You notice a dog walking without a leash with his human trailing behind.
They don’t seem to notice you at first— you walk cautiously because your own personal dog, who is dog aggressive, has noticed this dog and is starting to show signs of stress.
Soon after, your dog begins to react, the other dog has started running toward you and your pal, while the other dog’s parent is yelling, “He’s friendly; he just wants to play.”
The owners recall attempts are unsuccessful, and now your dog wants to attack this dog who has invaded her safe space.
How does that scenario make you feel? Do you have a pit in your stomach? Are your palms sweating? Is your heart racing? Terrifying thought, right?
This common scenario for dog owners can easily be avoided by obeying leash lays and being responsible, respectful community members.
According to Los Angeles County Animal Laws And Ordinances, no person who owns or has charge of a dog may allow the animal to run at large.
Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when out of their yards. Violation may result in a citation, court appearance and a fine of up to $250.
Culver City’s Municipal Code is almost identical. The exact language can be found in the Los Angeles County Municipal Code 10.32.010 and Culver City Municipal Code 9.01.360, respectively.
The code language is lengthy, but the takeaway is that it is against the law to permit your dog to unrestrained in public.
It is your duty as a responsible dog parent, and as a good neighbor, to keep your dog leashed when not in specific off-leash areas.
No matter how well trained your dog is, if there is something or someone they are really interested in, no amount of training, yelling, or other theatrics will help you recall your dog. The results could be life changing for you and your canine companion.
A few weeks ago, a friend’s dog was hit by a car while on a walk, without a leash. He saw another dog across the street that he wanted to meet. He darted out into the street and was hit. He survived, initially, only to die from his injuries a few days later.
My friend and her husband are devastated by this loss. Remember, no matter how much we treat our dogs like children, they are still animals with natural instincts and tendencies that we can never fully suppress.
A leash is the legal, and easiest way to meet our responsibility to keep our pets and our neighbors safe.
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Why should you keep your dog on a leash?
There are non-dog people. Yes, as shocking as it may be, there are people who just don’t like dogs. It is important to respect their boundaries and keep control of your dog.
To avoid conflict. Not all dogs are dog friendly. Sure, your dog may be wonderful with others, but your fellow man’s dog may be dog aggressive, and many times you won’t realize this until it is too late.
Even if your dog appears to be dog friendly, you cannot accurately predict your dog’s behavior 100 percent of the time. However, keeping your dog on a lead will keep these unfortunate occurrences at bay.
To keep your dog from getting hurt, or worse, killed. Remember, no matter how much we treat our dogs like children, they are still animals with natural instincts and tendencies that we can never fully suppress.
