Keep your Dog Safe, Use a Leash
You should treat your dog as you would a toddler, you would not allow a toddler to play outside without any supervision and you shouldn’t allow your dog to do so either.
Most dog owners are unaware of the potential dangers lurking in their own home and backyard. For instance, did you know that if a dog consumes rotting garbage, he could go into shock and it could be fatal? Or if a dog wanders into the woods and ingests small prey that is carrying parasites, that he too can become infected with those same parasites? Antifreeze in your driveway and certain shrubs and plants are toxic to your pet as well. For these reasons alone you should always have your dog on a leash so you can protect him from these potential dangers and poisons.
By using a leash to walk your dog, you are also being a kind and considerate neighbor. Your neighbors would certainly not appreciate your dog digging holes in their yard, eating their plants and relieving ‘his business’ on their property. Not having a leash on your dog and allowing him to run free in your neighborhood, can put your dog at risk to potential dangers. Also consider that your dog running free means he could get hit by a car or end up on a lawn with fresh pesticides that can harm him and even be fatal.
Another important thing to consider is that in most states, you can also be held legally and monetarily responsible if your dog were to bite someone or attack another pet. Some cases of dog bites have even resulted in the owner being forced to have their dog put to sleep. Walking your dog on a leash can greatly reduce the risk of this occurring. In addition, if you live in an area that has a homeowners association, you can be fined for allowing your dog to roam the neighborhood without a leash. To take it one step further, many states and counties can also fine you for not having your dog on a leash.
In closing, being a dog owner is essentially like being a parent and it comes with big responsibilities. Your dog must be supervised at all times for his safety. He needs you to keep him away from any potential hazards and dangers, and above all, to keep him safe. Walking your dog on a leash is a sign of your love and can help spare you and your dog any potential harm or worse. After all, your dog is your best friend and all he wants is your attention! Having him walk side by side with you, is the attention he needs and craves from you – his owner and master. For the safety and love of your dog, always walk him on a leash – as they say, it’s always better safe then sorry!