I admit it. I have been tempted many times to release the latch on Argo’s six-foot leash while on a hike through the woods, in an open field, or around a pond or creek. Yes, the temptation is there even if the trail is clearly marked with signs about keeping dogs on leashes. What’s the harm in letting the dog run a bit and have a little freedom?
Rewind to a few weeks ago.
Phil and I had spent the morning organizing the camper. Argo had been determined to be in the way—standing in front of us and licking our faces as we bent over to open drawers and such—since he would rather have been outside smelling stuff than deciding where to store the toaster for the weekend.
So Phil and I took Argo hiking after lunch on this golden fall afternoon. Argo was on his leash and under control. He was happily sniffing the ground and distractedly changing course as he would catch fresh scents. There were lots of people in the park and we encountered several other dogs, adults, and children along the trail.
Suddenly, and without provocation, two dogs, which were both off-leash and about 30-40 feet away, ran directly at Argo and attacked him viciously—growling, biting, and clawing. One of these dogs was a mixed breed (medium to large size, dark coat with some brown markings). The other dog appeared to be a pit bull. Phil and I tried to kick the other dogs off as we yelled at the other dogs’ owners to get their dogs under control. However, these dog owners stood watching the scene, unable to do anything to call their dogs off. Finally, Phil pulled the mixed breed dog’s harness from behind. The other dog returned to his owner who offered no apology whatsoever and did not put his dog on a leash after leaving the area.
The owner of the mixed breed dog was apologetic, even though she did give us the lame excuse of, “This dog has never done that before.” The truth is, no one really knows what his or her dog would do in a given situation. They don’t always behave with other dogs, adults, or children like they do with you, the owner.
Phil and I were angry and shaken from this unnecessary fray, but we were grateful that Argo was not injured seriously. Had he tried to run, it might have ignited a “chase instinct” in one or both of the attacking dogs and this story might have turned out differently.
Although we reported the incident to park personnel, there is not a lot they can do about this according to them. From now on, however, we’ll probably carry hiking sticks to defend ourselves with.
So what’s the harm of letting your dog off leash in a public area? You risk injury to your dog or to other dogs if the dog is off leash. Should there be an incident with a person and someone is injured, you might be liable especially if there are signs reminding you to keep your dog on a leash.
We’d all like to let our dogs run around and get some exercise, but the place for that is a dog park or private property. Period.
