After yet another run-in with a member of that special, entitled breed–the dog owner who refuses to leash his dog–I thought I’d post a rant about why leash laws are nifty.
There’s a certain segment of the dog-owning populace who are totally incorrigible. But this is directed at the small percentage of irresponsible dog owners who maybe, just maybe, haven’t giving their bad behavior much thought.
Rule Number One for Dog Owners: It is rude to allow your dog to approach and interact with a person or their dog without the person’s express permission.
Repeated for emphasis: It is rude to allow your dog to approach and interact with a person or their dog without the person’s express permission. Period. Note there are no exceptions for bank holidays and “friendly dogs.” Unless you are 100-percent sure the other person wants your dog near them, put him on a leash.
And this is where the off-leash crowd pulls out the same tired arguments.
1. “It’s natural for dogs to run free and run up to other dogs.”
Ah, the “natural” defense. Technically, it’s natural for adolescent and teenage humans to be horny as March hares, but society generally frowns on them acting on those urges. Because unplanned teenage pregnancy isn’t something most folks would advocate.
Lots of canine behaviors–chasing cars, humping Grandma’s leg–are natural. “Natural” doesn’t mean “appropriate.”
Do you allow your children to run up to strangers and throw their arms around them? Do you routinely approach people in this manner? No, it’s not different for dogs. Many dogs, including otherwise friendly dogs, get snippy when approached by a pushy, rambunctious dog.
2. “Back in the good old days, there were no leash laws and friendly dogs wandered the neighborhood.”
Uh-huh. Must be back in the 50s; you know? When men where men and women stayed home and made babies and cleaned. And black folks rode in the back of the bus.
The wonderful old days never existed and they certainly weren’t some kind of nirvana. Not for women, minorities, or pets. In fact, before the advent of modern laws governing animal ownership, it was perfectly lawful to abuse animals.
The major flaw in this argument, is that it ignores the reality of growing population and the resulting conflicts induced by more people living closer together. Leash laws, like other laws, exist because a portion of the dog-owning populace don’t have the good sense to control their dogs.
Whining that your dog is the bestest-trained ever and that the law is unfair, is stupid. Bitching about law-abiding citizens who are less-than thrilled with your off-leash pooch is pointless. If the law bothers you so much, then direct your ire at the people who caused the law to exist: your fellow irresponsible off-leash buddies.
3. “But my dog is well-behaved; better-behaved than most leashed dogs. So the law doesn’t apply to me.”
More logic fail. How about this?
I can handle my liquor and I’m a good driver, therefore drunk driving laws don’t apply to me.
Given that most irresponsible dog owners are deluded about their dogs degree of training, it’s an apt analogy. Even if your dog would stay at your side, not matter the distraction, even if I walked by covered in steaks, the reality is that most dogs aren’t that well trained. Consequently, when people see you approach with Fluffy off-leash, they will assume that Fluffy is a problem. Getting your panties in a twist because you get dirty looks and rude comments about your off-leash dog, is an exercise in futility. If you want to get along with your fellow walkers, bikers, horseriders, etc., leash your dog.
4. “My dog needs the exercise.”
I’ve had many dogs over my lifetime. All were exercised on a leash and lived long, happy lives. Your dog won’t die–just die, gasp!–if put on a leash. If you’re concerned about exercise, take a longer walk. It’ll be good for both of you.
5. “Dogs need to socialize with other dogs.”
Remember how people made fun of Hillary Clinton’s “It takes a village” approach to child-rearing? Well, that same approach certainly doesn’t apply to dog training. If you want to socialize Fido, take him to a dog park. Or enroll him in doggie daycare. Or find a “play group” through your local humane society or breed group. It isn’t your neighbor’s responsibility to socialize your dog.
Dogs need time with their owners. While some enjoy the company of other dogs, what a dog really wants is time with his person(s).
6. “Leashes cause aggression. Without leashes, dogs would work things out on their own.”
Some dogs are more aggressive on leashes. But only if approached by a pushy off-leash dog. I.e., it’s still your fault. But even if this assertion were true–that off-leash, all dogs are angels–it ignores the fact that dogs don’t exist in a vacuum. Loose dogs would still harass people, livestock and other animals. They would still run in traffic; get attacked by coyotes; sprayed by skunks; and shit and pee everywhere. The paradise hearkened to up in lame reason #2 never existed. Sadly, once upon a time, problem dogs were simply shot.
7. “I still don’t see the problem. My dog is friendly.”
This isn’t about how friendly your dog may be. It’s about the people and pets that share the public spaces with you. You love your dog. The world doesn’t.
The dog you’re approaching may be vicious. It may be diseased or ill. It may be recovering from an illness; or physically handicapped and unable to deal with your “friendly” dog. The same may be true of the person handling the dog.
The person may be afraid of all dogs or your dog’s breed. You can’t control other people perceptions; but you can control your dog.
8. “You’re a dog hater.”
The argument of last resort from someone who knows they’re full of shit.
I’ve been owned by dogs all my life. My dogs are my family and I like them much better than people. But I don’t for one instant think they are people in fuzzy coats. They are dogs, not humans. An animal descended from wolves (who I also love), possessing some of the same instincts as wolves. And the teeth of a carnivore, meant for tearing flesh from bones. Friendly, big dogs can be a hazard because of their size alone.
Dogs do attack each other. Sometimes with fatal results. Well-behaved dogs sometimes do something unpredictable. My well-behaved dog is always leashed when out in public.
9. “I don’t care. I’m going to do what I want. Neener-neener-neener.”
People like you are why so many places have that ugly sign: “No dogs allowed.” Maybe, some day, when your balls drop, you’ll grow up and realize that.
But It’s a Dry Heat
