It seems that every time I lace up my running shoes, I encounter at least one dog roaming freely. Just a while back, during a jog, I faced three different dogs without leashes. The first two were small, yappy terriers darting out from their yards as if they were on a mission to take my ankles down.
Honestly, I really don’t want to be in a position where I have to defend myself against someone’s pet. I’ve promised myself I’d never hurt a dog, but what if my instincts kicked in and I reacted? That thought alone is enough to give me anxiety. Thankfully, those little furballs lost their nerve before getting too close. But seriously, why can’t people just leash their dogs? Aside from the fact that they’re causing a ruckus, they can easily get hurt, too.
On that same run, I also saw a large pit bull mix walking beside its owner. I have a soft spot for pit bulls and don’t believe they’re inherently dangerous. However, it’s important to remember that they’re large, powerful animals. When I approached, the dog had its back to me, and I couldn’t predict how it might react to my presence. Although it seemed calm, it’s still an animal, which means unexpected behaviors can occur. I paused my app, switched off my music, and asked the owner if her dog was friendly enough for me to pass. We ended up chatting, and I even got to pet the dog — what a sweetheart! But I still left that encounter feeling a bit irritated.
The decision to walk a dog without a leash put me in a position to alter my route and take extra precautions. No one should have to change their plans just because someone else doesn’t want to use a leash. Just yesterday, while running, I heard a sound over my music that made my heart race — a big dog was barreling towards me. It turned out to be a goofy golden retriever just wanting to play, but for a split second, it was terrifying. My heart was already pounding from the run, and that moment of panic shot my adrenaline through the roof.
I also want to acknowledge that I don’t fear repercussions for speaking up about unleashed dogs, a privilege not everyone shares. For instance, in Central Park, a man named Daniel should never have had to confront a woman named Emily about her dog being off-leash. While her blatant racism was a huge issue, her sense of entitlement regarding her dog was equally concerning. She seemed to believe that the rules didn’t apply to her, showcasing a dangerous combination of privilege and disregard for others.
Emily assumed no one would mind her bending the rules. Daniel was right to ask her to leash her dog, but he shouldn’t have had to say anything at all. This is a crucial point for all dog owners to understand: our actions can seriously impact others’ lives.
As dog lovers, we can become so enamored with our pets that we forget not everyone shares that affection. I adore my dog to the point where I could be seen as overly obsessed. But I would never take my dog out without a leash in areas where it’s not permitted. It’s simply inconsiderate. Not everyone is comfortable around dogs, and even the friendliest pup can be intimidating to someone who doesn’t understand dog behavior. The happiest dog bounding towards someone can trigger anxiety or fear. Yes, I know that sometimes dogs are contained by invisible fences, but passersby are unaware of that and can feel threatened. Why would anyone want to make someone else uncomfortable just because they think their dog looks cute running around? It’s not charming; it’s rude. Use designated dog parks or off-leash areas. If those are unavailable, simply walk faster.
In the end, it doesn’t matter how well-behaved your dog is. Not everyone feels safe around dogs, especially when they’re off-leash. Others shouldn’t be forced to change their behavior or engage in conversations about your dog just because you can’t be bothered to use a leash. Being a responsible dog owner means ensuring you have the necessary equipment to keep your dog and everyone else secure. And that starts with a leash.
For more insights on responsible pet ownership and related topics, check out this article from our blog. If you’re considering expanding your family, resources like Healthline provide excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination. Additionally, if you’re looking for essential tools, Make a Mom is a great source for at-home insemination kits.
Summary
It’s essential for dog owners to leash their pets to ensure the safety and comfort of others. Unleashed dogs can create panic and anxiety for those who may not be comfortable around them. Responsible pet ownership requires consideration for others and understanding that not everyone shares the same love for dogs. Using a leash is a basic but vital way to respect everyone’s right to feel safe while out in public.