There is no blanket low requiring dogs to be kept on lead in all public spaces. However, there are a series of orders that mean you have to leash your dog in certain places in your local area, for example children’s play areas, roads or parks.
Even your dog is properly trained to behave well and stay right by your side or under your voice control at all times when it is off the lead, it is common sense to put your dog back on lead when you walk and you see another dog on a lead.
For on-lead walkers can be a negatively life altering situation because their dogs can be on lead for a lot of reasons :
- They could be blind.
- They could be recovering from surgery.
- They could be deaf.
- They could be aggressive.
- They might be scared of being approached by strangers.
- They might be training.
- They could be a service dog.
- They may be a rescue.
- They might be terrified of dogs they don’t know.
- They could be elderly or physically vulnerable.
- They might simply prefer to walk on lead.
In the end, it doesn’t even matter why they are on a lead. Leads can also be a red flag that say “don’t come close”.
When you put your dog back on a lead is respect. You show the other owner that you care about their choice and consent. It doesn’t matter if your dog has 100% perfect recall. You respect the other person and their dog enough to be courteous and kind to uphold everyone’s safety by making absolutely sure everyone is on a lead (no matter how much you trust your dog).
As the old saying goes, “manners cost nothing”. Next time you see a dog on a lead, choose to be an amazing person. You’ll make the world a better place.
Have a great walk with your best friend!
