Duchess behaves soooo much better off leash and more obedient actually but I would NEVER chance it. I use to take her to the dog park until I decided I hate ticks...but she would walk by me...go run with a dog...Id whistle for her to come back and she will...however if I wanted her to heel right at my side while walking the whole time she would. We live in a calm neighborhood but we live right on the corner so there is a somewhat busy 35 mile per hour street on our side. I just don't like the thought of "what if" and feel unless its a huge secluded area I would not like to take the chance.
To leash, or not to leash?
Okay, :lame: thread title. I know. But this topic came up in a another thread and I want some opinions.
I don't necessarily think a well-behaved dog needs to be leashed at all times. Obviously people need to use common sense. But when I walk Ramsey I usually don't leash her. I carry it with me at all times and always put it on her when other people/dogs approach. Ramsey never goes up to people or dogs, but I know it's an intimidating sight to see an unleashed dog (much less a Doberman :biggrin55 ) so I put it on her out of respect for others.
Does anyone see this as a problem? Let me know if you do - I can handle it!
:nana:
I don't necessarily think a well-behaved dog needs to be leashed at all times. Obviously people need to use common sense. But when I walk Ramsey I usually don't leash her. I carry it with me at all times and always put it on her when other people/dogs approach. Ramsey never goes up to people or dogs, but I know it's an intimidating sight to see an unleashed dog (much less a Doberman :biggrin55 ) so I put it on her out of respect for others.
Does anyone see this as a problem? Let me know if you do - I can handle it!
:nana:
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Well..I think it's foolhardy at best. This is an animal we're talking about, and no animal can ever be considered 100% reliable. Most of my dogs were eventually trained well enough that I *could* have stopped using a leash with them most of the time..it's not something I cared to do. All it takes is the right set of circumstances for that prey drive to kick in, for example, and you could have a disaster on your hands.Okay, :lame: thread title. I know. But this topic came up in a another thread and I want some opinions.
I don't necessarily think a well-behaved dog needs to be leashed at all times. Obviously people need to use common sense. But when I walk Ramsey I usually don't leash her. I carry it with me at all times and always put it on her when other people/dogs approach. Ramsey never goes up to people or dogs, but I know it's an intimidating sight to see an unleashed dog (much less a Doberman :biggrin55 ) so I put it on her out of respect for others.
Does anyone see this as a problem? Let me know if you do - I can handle it!
:nana:
There's no burden involved in having a well trained dog on a leash, as opposed to off of a leash. To be blunt, pushing the point of having a dog offleash all the time is trying to prove some macho point that doesn't really need to be proven.
Well first let me say that I live and walk her in a rural area. I don't walk her by any high-traffic roads.Well..I think it's foolhardy at best. This is an animal we're talking about, and no animal can ever be considered 100% reliable. Most of my dogs were eventually trained well enough that I *could* have stopped using a leash with them most of the time..it's not something I cared to do. All it takes is the right set of circumstances for that prey drive to kick in, for example, and you could have a disaster on your hands.
There's no burden involved in having a well trained dog on a leash, as opposed to off of a leash. To be blunt, pushing the point of having a dog offleash all the time is trying to prove some macho point that doesn't really need to be proven.
Secondly, it's quite an accusation to say that I'm trying to prove some "macho point". My only reasoning for letting her off the leash is to excercise her. You can see anyone approaching from a mile away and when we're alone, I let her run the fields.
I'm open to opinions on this, and your point is taken, but you need to relax. No need to make yourself look silly with accusations.
You said for people to let you know, that you could take it, and that's all anyone has done. I happen to agree 100% with Murreydobe and LapDog. If you want to let your dog free run in fields for exercise, then do it. But just having your dog walk next to you while not on a leash....what exactly is the POINT of that? (other than in controlled training sessions)
I'm pretty well relaxed here, so probably you should re-think your comments about looking silly with accusations. It's kind of a pot.kettle.black moment.Well first let me say that I live and walk her in a rural area. I don't walk her by any high-traffic roads.
Secondly, it's quite an accusation to say that I'm trying to prove some "macho point". My only reasoning for letting her off the leash is to excercise her. You can see anyone approaching from a mile away and when we're alone, I let her run the fields.
I'm open to opinions on this, and your point is taken, but you need to relax. No need to make yourself look silly with accusations.
You asked for my opinion-I gave it. Sorry if you don't like it, or feel you need to personalize it. Based on the information you provided in the original post, the one I responded to, which made no mention of running in fields in a rural environment..I stand by that opinion. Probably the error, if one was made, is yours in not making yourself more clear to begin with.
Even in a rural environment, you're taking a chance letting a dog run off leash. I'm not saying I've NEVER taken that chance myself-but I also know there are plenty of dogs who get separated from their owners in doing so. And there are other dangers involved besides cars-getting shot being a good one.
I can handle it. I just don't think it's necessary to insinuate I'm making some "macho" statement. I guess I'm trying to see why it matters if it's in an evironment where nothing can come of it. It's not even a law where I live. As I said, she's put on the leash immediately if anyone is approaching or if we're near any roads.You said for people to let you know, that you could take it, and that's all anyone has done. I happen to agree 100% with Murreydobe and LapDog. If you want to let your dog free run in fields for exercise, then do it. But just having your dog walk next to you while not on a leash....what exactly is the POINT of that? (other than in controlled training sessions)
If you disagree with me, that's perfectly fine. I just don't think you need to come at me. That's all.
If it's not okay to allow a dog to run in a rural environment, when is it okay? In your opinion, under what circumstances can I? As I said, common sense should prevail. And I think I have plenty. You can find dangers in everything if you try.I'm pretty well relaxed here, so probably you should re-think your comments about looking silly with accusations. It's kind of a pot.kettle.black moment.
You asked for my opinion-I gave it. Sorry if you don't like it, or feel you need to personalize it. Based on the information you provided in the original post, the one I responded to, which made no mention of running in fields in a rural environment..I stand by that opinion. Probably the error, if one was made, is yours in not making yourself more clear to begin with.
Even in a rural environment, you're taking a chance letting a dog run off leash. I'm not saying I've NEVER taken that chance myself-but I also know there are plenty of dogs who get separated from their owners in doing so. And there are other dangers involved besides cars-getting shot being a good one.
In her four years of life, she's given me zero reason to doubt her. But I continue to take all the precautions I think are necessary.
Can we agree to disagree?
People can and do feel pretty strongly about safety issues. Walking dogs off-lead would definitely be considered a safety issue. You asked for opinions, and you got them. Peoples opinions on some subjects are just stronger than others. It sounds like it doesn't matter to you what anyone else thinks about this anyway, you are going to do what you are going to do. A friend of mine has a great saying that I try to keep in mind when I don't agree with somebody...your house, your rules...my house, my rules.
Taking your dog for a walk and not using a leash is entirely different from free running your dog. I walk my dogs a minimum of 2 miles every day, ON leash. But they also get a lot of off-leash play time and hard running in safe areas.If it's not okay to allow a dog to run in a rural environment, when is it okay?
I didn't say it *wasn't* okay to run a dog in a rural environment..in fact, I specifically said I'd done it myself at times. What I said was there *are* risks involved. As long as people are aware of those risks and willing to accept the consequences in a worst case scenario, then it's their choice.If it's not okay to allow a dog to run in a rural environment, when is it okay? In your opinion, under what circumstances can I? As I said, common sense should prevail. And I think I have plenty. You can find dangers in everything if you try.
In her four years of life, she's given me zero reason to doubt her. But I continue to take all the precautions I think are necessary.
Can we agree to disagree?
I have miles of uninhabited foothills right near my house. I also have a park that's completely fenced and rarely used during the week just as close. When I want to run my dogs, I take them to the park. In that situation, I think it's a more intelligent choice due to the lower risk factor.
I just asked for opinions. I think I'm a pretty open-minded person. I think I can consider everyone's opinions and still feel that I'm operating in a safe manor. I posed this question because I'm willing to consider that there are good reasons for not doing this.
Conversely, when we walk in town (which isn't very often) she is NEVER taken off the leash because we are always near other people or roads.
I may have left out some key information in my original post, but I also don't think I painted a picture of complete irresponsibility or lack of common sense.
I'm just joined this forum. I'm not looking to make enemies. I was just a little surprised by the reaction. I still don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Apparently some people feel differently. I can respect that.
Conversely, when we walk in town (which isn't very often) she is NEVER taken off the leash because we are always near other people or roads.
I may have left out some key information in my original post, but I also don't think I painted a picture of complete irresponsibility or lack of common sense.
I'm just joined this forum. I'm not looking to make enemies. I was just a little surprised by the reaction. I still don't think there's a right or wrong answer. Apparently some people feel differently. I can respect that.
Never say never, it is possible for anything to happen when your dog is off leash. A couple years ago we had our guy off leash in a in the middle of 320 acres of farmland. He was running around joyfully, when an SUV came through the trees pretty darn fast (on a goat path of a trail), and he got run over before we could even think of getting to him. He is fine today, but he almost died, thank god for our vet.
Also many years ago, when I lived in the country, my dog was attacked by two coyotes as he ran free range with me while I was riding my horse. Another girl I know had hers lost forever as he decided to chase some deer while off lead in the country. Another couple I know had their dog bring a bear back to them while he was off lead. He decided to antagonize the bear and promptly returned to his owners after the bear decided to turn tables on him. These are just some of the things that come to mind. Would I say never let your dog offlead in a wilderness setting? No, we still let red off leash in the country, and he goes off leash in the back country too, but we definately take the time to carefully weigh the risk/benefit factor before we do. AND we also realize that if anything happens while we do it, it is us to blame. Now we can honestly say we have him on leash just as much off leash when he is in the back country environment.
Also many years ago, when I lived in the country, my dog was attacked by two coyotes as he ran free range with me while I was riding my horse. Another girl I know had hers lost forever as he decided to chase some deer while off lead in the country. Another couple I know had their dog bring a bear back to them while he was off lead. He decided to antagonize the bear and promptly returned to his owners after the bear decided to turn tables on him. These are just some of the things that come to mind. Would I say never let your dog offlead in a wilderness setting? No, we still let red off leash in the country, and he goes off leash in the back country too, but we definately take the time to carefully weigh the risk/benefit factor before we do. AND we also realize that if anything happens while we do it, it is us to blame. Now we can honestly say we have him on leash just as much off leash when he is in the back country environment.
Wow!Never say never, it is possible for anything to happen when your dog is off leash. A couple years ago we had our guy off leash in a in the middle of 320 acres of farmland. He was running around joyfully, when a couple guys in a SUV came through the trees pretty darn fast (on a goat path of a trail), and he got run over before we could even think of getting to him. He is fine today, but he almost died, thank god for our vet.
Also many years ago, when I lived in the country, my dog was attacked by two coyotes as he ran free range with me while I was riding my horse. Another girl I know had hers lost forever as he decided to chase some deer while off lead in the country. Another couple I know had their dog bring a bear back to them while he was off lead. He decided to antagonize the bear and promptly returned to his owners after the bear decided to turn tables on him. These are just some of the things that come to mind. Would I say never let your dog offlead in a wilderness setting? No, we still let red off leash in the country, and he goes off leash in the back country too, but we definately take the time to carefully weigh the risk/benefit factor before we do. AND we also realize that if anything happens while we do it, it is us to blame. Now we can honestly say we have him on leash just as much off leash when he is in the back country environment.
I totally agree that you're never completely safe from accidents. I try to keep the possibilities to a mininum and she's never out of my sight. But I guess I never considered Coyotes. There are a few in my area.
All those stories remind me of Diesel, a black female whippet that was attacked by a couger while on an off-lead walk on a wooded trail. What is absolutely AMAZING to me is that her owner (a little barbi sized woman) actually TOOK the barely still alive Diesel FROM the cougar, dragging her whippet out of the den while the cougar was IN it. Diesel actually made it and is still alive today, although terribly disfigured. My parent's neighbor's dog was killed by a couger, my uncles dog was attacked by a badger, I've known a few whippets to get bit by rattlesnakes (one died). Thankfully I've never had such exciting encounters. I see coyotes sometimes while I'm out walking, but even the mild-looking whippets can kill a coyote with no trouble, not that they would ever get the chance.
The accident witht he SUV also happened while he was in full view of us as well, as a matter of fact he was not very far away, we just couldn't get to him faster than the SUV did.
Same thing with the deer and the bear, all happened while the dog was in full view, they both had solid recalls, but something over ruled their minds on those incidents. There are the things we have learned you have to consider carefully. Just because it is 'the country' doesn't automatically make it safe, even if your pet is in full sight. Unfortunately it is an assumption I see too many people making now a days, and risking their pets well being (and possibly their own) over it.
Same thing with the deer and the bear, all happened while the dog was in full view, they both had solid recalls, but something over ruled their minds on those incidents. There are the things we have learned you have to consider carefully. Just because it is 'the country' doesn't automatically make it safe, even if your pet is in full sight. Unfortunately it is an assumption I see too many people making now a days, and risking their pets well being (and possibly their own) over it.
Well as I said, there are risks to everything. I'm not going to stop walking her in rural areas or woods. I've been walking my dogs in the same area for the better part of twenty years without incident and it seems to me, dog vs. animal encounters could happen whether they're leashed or not. In my area, other dogs are more of a concern of mine than are wild animals.The accident witht he SUV also happened while he was in full view of us as well, as a matter of fact he was not very far away, we just couldn't get to him faster than the SUV did.
Same thing with the deer and the bear, all happened while the dog was in full view, they both had solid recalls, but something over ruled their minds on those incidents. There are the things we have learned you have to consider carefully. Just because it is 'the country' doesn't automatically make it safe, even if your pet is in full sight. Unfortunately it is an assumption I see too many people making now a days, and risking their pets well being (and possibly their own) over it.
Just my .02
I do not think they should ever be off leash away from home no matter what the conditions are. GKar is one of the most well behaved and level headed dobermans you could ever want to have but he is still a doberman and I have learned in life that if something can happen it probably will. I do not take the chance of him getting hurt or hurting someone else.
I do not think they should ever be off leash away from home no matter what the conditions are. GKar is one of the most well behaved and level headed dobermans you could ever want to have but he is still a doberman and I have learned in life that if something can happen it probably will. I do not take the chance of him getting hurt or hurting someone else.
What does being a Doberman have to do with anything? Just curious.
Where and how do you run Gkar?
Honestly, if you *really* thought nothing could come of it, why did you ask? Makes no sense to me.I guess I'm trying to see why it matters if it's in an evironment where nothing can come of it.
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