Bulls-eye...

[AdiT]

I see people walking their dog in the local country park, but keeping it on the lead, despite all the space for them to run.

Now I accept that some dogs might have issues (I suspect it's mainly the owners with the issues) that need them to be on a lead... but then why take them to the big open space. Am I the only one that feels this is akin to taking your kids to the sweet shop just to look, or Alton Towers but only to watch?

All feels a bit "Bulls-eye" to me... Lets look at what you could've won!

[Simpo Two]

AdiT said:

but then why take them to the big open space.

To have a dump.

[Jasandjules]

Because they get all the smells etc and it is better than being stuck in a house all day.

[M888SXY]

Mine is a danger to herself off the lead, a danger to others such as road users and I would struggle to get her back if she she saw something in the distance, being a greyhound.

She is not used to being off the lead when out walking and never has been in the 5 years we've had her, and will not have been prior to that when she was out walking during her racing days.

Also, who, truly, is in command of their dog when it is off the lead?

[bexVN]

Dogs pick up all sorts of smells out on walks, far better smells for them in fields than on pavements.

9yrs of letting my whippet off lead and always been fine. I believe if they can you should let them run off lead but they must be social, friendly and very unlikely to run off. Any doubts they're safer on lead, sadly tooany owners don't care about others enough and let their dogs run riot.

I have had such enjoyment and pleasure seeing Jimmy enjoy his time off lead over the years but always put him on lead if I thought he could be a danger (mainly to himself, such as coastal cliff walks!!) or potential nuisance (bbq season!!)