Unhook the leash…yes or no?

My pack and I have just relocated from Washington, DC to Temecula, CA. We live in a community where there are miles and miles of beautifully maintained walking trails in open natural spaces. We thoroughly enjoy walking the trails on the daily... until the weekend comes.

Weekends are busier on the trails, more populated- which is a wonderful thing! It means people are getting out for some fresh air, movement, sunshine, and Nature... and their dogs, too.

However, twice this weekend, we've had to cut our walks short (just after starting) and turn around due to people letting their dogs off leash (was the same folks) -- and their dogs uncontrollably zooming around all over the place. They saw us change direction and leave yesterday, as well as today, and still opted to unhook their dogs' leashes and allow them to run amuck.

Now, I'm a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, as well as a published author. I *love* to see dogs stretching their legs, out in Nature, exploring, and in their bliss.

*However*, this is simply not okay in commonly shared spaces.

These spaces are not one individual's personal property. Everyone contributes to their maintenance and upkeep, and has a right to use them in peace.

There are several reasons to keep your dogs on leash *in commonly shared and used spaces*, but here are just a few ...

- it's a policy violation not to (there are many reasons why this is the law),

- most don't have strong vocal control or influence over their dog/s - and his/her/their choices and behaviors,

- children, other people, and even other dogs sharing the same spaces may be afraid - possibly terrified- of dogs,

- a "friendly dog" does not mean a *socially skilled* dog (the two are very different),

- others are out walking their dogs (and horses),

- you're teaching your children (through example) that policies and laws don't matter, nor does the comfort level of others (what this does teach is disrespect, inconsideration, entitlement, and arrogance),

- your dog may run into a snake or other wild animal,

- if an intact male is off leash, he may scent a female in heat from miles away and take off (sex drive is a very powerful drive),

- if there's a level of prey drive in play, your dog may chase something and get lost or disoriented -- possibly even get hit by a car,

- it's a safety measure for all (including your dog),

- and, lastly, it's the considerate and respectful thing to do when sharing the same spaces with others.

If you want your dogs to have open spaces to run- and you don't have this on your personal property, check out Sniffspot (https://www.sniffspot.com/listings). Simply type in the zip code of your immediate area, or the area you'll be in. The great majority of these properties have several acres of completely fenced spaces, so it's a wonderful way for your dog to get his/her groove on.... without worry.... and without impeding on someone else's right to enjoy the same spaces in peace.

Please see the flow chart here for “Unhook the leash? Yes or No”.