Letting Your Dog Run Off-Leash

Generally speaking, your dog should be on leash unless in a designated off-leash area. Some cities set aside certain parks or natural areas for dogs to run free. Check with city offices to see if this is the case for your area.

Keep in mind that because there are so many dogs running free there is a potential for problems. Some things to remember include:

Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations. There is a high potential risk of your dog contracting diseases from other dogs at the park or from feces that have not been picked up.

Keep your puppy away. Puppies do not yet have fully developed immune systems. Puppies can also be overwhelmed by the sheer number of dogs in the park. Keep them safe by keeping them away from off-leash areas until they're at least 6 months old.

Aggressive dogs do not belong in off-leash areas. Whether the dog is people-aggressive or animal-aggressive, he or she is not a good candidate for off-leash areas. They present a danger to people and to other pets, even if you keep them on a leash. Kids or other dogs can still run up to your pet - a recipe for disaster.

Make sure your dog comes when called. "Off-leash" is not the same as "out-of-control". If your dog does not come when you call him, take him to a good obedience class or find a dog trainer.

Consider using a flexi-leash. If your dog does not come when called, you can purchase a retractable leash that will let him run several meters and yet allow you to retain control. A great compromise!

Use common sense. For example, if you have a big strong playful dog that has a tendency to jump up on people, temporarily put him on a leash when passing young children or elderly people. Play safe.