Range Maggot Bob wrote:
Well good for you. When I'm out in the desert or wherever, if there's no one around, our dogs run free. Our dogs are trained, and I am always in full control of them. 90% of people don't train their dogs, and I'm guessing you're one of them. And I understand that. If your dog is never going off-leash, I guess they don't need anything but potty training. My dogs- no matter where they are at- respond immediately to any command. But we do bird hunt with them, and discipline is neccessary. I know most people with pets aren't that disciplined.
Our current dog is a spectacular companion and cost way too much to risk her getting hurt somehow someway off-lease. We don't need some bird of prey swooping down on her or a rattler nipping her when we're out in the middle of nowhere in the desert. Vet bills for some time now have begun to cost real money.
She stays on a lease ALL THE TIME whenever outside our house or outside our RV when camping - and that includes going potty in the house backyard or on camping trips. Ooooh - and we always pick up after her on potty walks - even in campground dog-run areas.
Folks that let their dog(s) run off-lease really bug us and sometimes their dog(s) come around and bug us too. IMHO, dogs off-leash belong ONLY out bird or rabbit or fox hunting - everywhere else they belong on a lease so they never bother other folks or otherwise get into trouble. Not everyone "appreciates" our/your dog(s).
By the way - State/Federal parks and recreation areas that allow dogs only on a lease probably have that rule because in years past folks who let their ("trained") dogs run free have caused problems for others. As usual, responsible folks wind up paying the price for irresponsible folks.
