Why you should leash your dogs when outside
Published on: Monday, August 24, 2020
By: Shirley Khong
Text Size:
We require leashes for many valid reasons and safety for dog and human is the main concern – safety not only for you and your dog but also for other dogs and humans out and about.
There are laws about not allowing dogs to run and roam around unleashed and yet many dog owners have decided that this crucial law does not apply to them.
There are so many incidents caused by a dog being off-leash every single day that we read on social media platforms through no fault of the dog. What would a dog know about rules and regulations? It is the owner’s responsibility after all.
Responsible owners walk their dogs on leash to prevent confrontations with other dogs and humans as they are able to control their leashed dog.
Here are just a few things that can happen when a dog is left to roam about unleashed:
- it can be hit by a car and cause an accident. It can result in a serious and costly injury to your dog or even death.
- it can jump on an elderly person and cause the person to fall over.
- it can harass or chase a cat, attack and kill it. It can also attack wildlife and you cannot blame the dog as it’s in their nature.
- it can frighten children who do not know how to react to a dog. A screaming or running/jumping child would only excite a dog more.
- it can get in tussles or fights with other dogs over food or anything. This could result in a hefty vet bill (again, if the dog is brought to the vet) and if the owner is not an avid dog lover, the owner will grumble and blame the dog. But who let the dog out in the first place?
l it will rummage in the bins or the many food stuff thrown on the ground by irresponsible humans and when a mess is made, who gets the blame? The dog!
Yes, dear dog owner, we understand that dogs do enjoy and probably need a good run now and again, and it’s just easier for you to open your gate and let your dog out to pee and poop, run and roam around your neighbourhood as you’re too lazy to walk them. However, this is not safe or responsible.
People will complain to DBKK and who gets punished? The dog!
So what can you do to help your dog? Here are some solutions:
1) Train your dog to walk on a leash. Put a leash on his collar and let your dog walk around inside your compound with it so it gets used to the leash.
2) Once your dog is comfortable with the leash, take it for a walk. Start with 10 minutes and lengthen the time till it is comfortable walking 20-30mins with the leash.
3) Smelling and sniffing for a dog is incredibly important, so allow your dog time to sniff and smell. Take your dog round on neighbourhood sniffing walks where you allow your dog to sniff and smell whatever he wants to sniff and smell. Most dogs will also take this opportunity to pee and poop. You will find your dog peeing at many places. It is marking the territory so he knows his way!
4) Leashes keep dogs safe and from being chased by other dogs and you can control your dog at the same time also.
5) You as well as your family will be living a healthier lifestyle by walking your dog daily!
And finally, in case you are not clear about the message: Leash your dog!
ADVERTISEMENT
