To Leash or Not to Leash; That is the Question.

"I don't know what happened. Our dog always stayed at our side until he saw that squirrel." 

"We were walking down the street, like we always do, and suddenly he went after another dog." 

"She never needed to be on a leash before she got hit by the car."

What do all these statements have in common? 

Walking unleashed dogs. Leashes have several purposes, beside being a requirement by city ordinances and stores that allow "leashed" pets. Leashes create a bond of trust between owner and dog. If you can't control a dog on a leash, you are not going to be able to control him off one.

Dogs are dogs and the best, well-trained dog will forget all his "formal" education if the right stimuli comes along.  They live in the moment and that will have them put themselves in harm's way.

When walking your dog YOU are in control.  He "feels" you through that leash.  He feels your anxiousness, your calmness, your tension.  The leash, to him, is like an umbilical cord. You can have him walk at an easy pace, you can give him a little extra line to just-be-a-dog and explore and you can pull him out of harm's way should another dog charge him.

This small piece of equipment doesn't even have to cost a lot of money. But the most expensive leash is useless if it's not used.

Keep your animal safe-walk your dog on a leash.