WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO WALK DOMESTIC DOGS ON LEASH!

As a caretaker of stray / community animals and a domestic pet parent, I'll share views from both sides of the fence and this is something I keep reiterating to everyone who walk their dogs without a leash , I understand the leash-free time dogs need from an exercise standpoint however that should be encouraged in designated, fenced and permitted places

1.All animals carry 'Animal Instincts ". That's how they're wired psychologically. While off a leash in a public area that also has access to other humans and animals, there is always a possibility of something distracting the animal and he/she taking off in that direction which in turn could expose the animal to face traffic & other animals, untrained.

2.Dogs are territorial. Strays view the streets as their home & they may view a new entrant as an intruder which could lead to your domestic pet and a group of strays breaking into a fight.

3.This will result in societal chaos, an injured domestic pet and a label on strays for being aggressive while they were merely protecting their territory

4.Your dog could pick up the scent of other animals from a human walking past you and end up snapping.

5.Your dog could approach an animal - unfriendly human just to sniff, they could react out of fear which might set your dog off and by the end of the episode, we have a labelled dog, a fuming pet parent and an animal-hating human.

6.You will lack control over what your dog might end up chewing or sniffing which may result in physical issues

7.If unsterilized, you dog could end up mating with another streetie / colony animal.

8.The dog may encounter a feeder, find food, approach it purely based on " Dog instincts " Which will tick the strays off & their "survival instincts" Will Kick in.

9.Your dog could end up snapping at you when you try to correct behavior as necessary when off the leash. That would simply be the dogs’ reflexes but would cause interim trauma in both your minds.

10.Hence, always please pick a place that is designated for leash free time. Dog spas. Dog resorts / hotels. Dog parks. Most importantly assess the psychological make up of your dog, understand how he/she would like the privacy to be addressed and then device a plan whether or not to encourage leash free interaction.