Monday, August 31, 2009

Dog Leashes, It's the Owners Responsibility

By Joanne Gallagher

Dog Owners should know the value of a dog leash. A dog leash is a great way to protect your pet from the dangers the outside world can hold.

Regardless of what breed of dog you own, an unsupervised pet can get in trouble. Most pet owners treat their pets like children, and just like a young child should not be outside without boundaries, neither should a dog.

Various distractions occur in the outdoors that encourages a dog to leave the yard. The noise of automobiles and motorcycles can cause a dog to bark, and in many cases they will run after the vehicle causing a distraction to the driver as well as potential harm to your dog.

Other distractions are wildlife. Birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer can make any well trained dog forget their manners and take off. By the time you look outside to check on your dog, they might be too far away to hear you. When they return many times they have rolled in something, smell quite bad and can acquire ticks as well. On trash pickup days, on the dog's way home, they might stop and dig in a garbage can or two

Letting your dog wander the neighborhood can irritate your neighbors, especially if your dog decides to poop on their lawn or dig on their property. Young children can also be afraid if they are on bikes or running and yelling and a dog decides to bark or chase them. The dog might be playing, but young children might not realize this and can get hurt in their attempt to run away from the dog

Even if your dog is not typically aggressive, when a stranger approaches to read a dog tag or a young child attempts to give it a hug the dog may get defensive and attempt to nip or bite. This is a shocking situation for both parties: the injured, the owner and the confused dog. Even though accidents happen, the dog owner is responsible.

The best option for a dog to run leash free is a fenced yard. Dog owners who have no yard or just don't have a fence, try a Dog Park. Dog Parks are an ideal location for dogs to play, exercise and socialize with other dogs. Many cities have Dog Parks now days. To find a Dog Park in your area, get in touch with your municipality or ask your local veterinarian.

Taking care of your dog is a huge responsibility, but it is your responsibility. Dogs must be monitored at all times. Putting your dog on a leash is an easy solution to keep your dog and those around him safe.

Dog Leashes come in many styles to best suit the dog and the dog owner. There are 4 foot leashes that are great for city dogs; hands free dog leashes are great for exercising along with your dog, couplers for walking multiple dogs; retractable leashes offer flexibility; and the basic 6 foot leash typically is offered in one inch and 5/8 widths to accommodate most dogs.

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