With the weather turning for the better, Ottis and I keep running into people who are walking their dogs off-leash. Whether you are walking your dog in your neighbor, at the park or on a hike in the woods, walking your dog off-leash is dangerous and irresponsible. It’s mind boggling why people who seem to love their dogs would be so careless with their lives.

.

In honor of the rescued Doberman Pinscher puppy, Tonks, and the many dogs and cats Motley Zoo Animal Rescue has rescued with injuries sustained from being hit by cars, we have compiled a list of reasons why the leash should be your best friend, second only to your dog.

.

.

Love Your Leash: Top 10 Reasons

.

1) It’s the law. Unless you are in a designated off-leash park, it’s the law to keep your pooch on a leash. If protecting your dog’s life isn’t reason enough to use a leash, maybe a hefty ticket will.

.

2) Cars drive fast. Distracted, texting, zombie drivers love to speed through neighborhood streets. Just ask Tonks.

.

3) No dog has a 100% full-proof recall. Nope, not even your dog. Even the most reliable dogs have moments when they don’t listen. You never know when a car might speed around the corner or when a neighborhood cat might run across the street, enticing your dog into a game a chase. And if cats aren’t your dog’s thing, it could be another dog, a child, something nice and smelly… anything! Your dog’s recall only works until the time it doesn’t.

.

4) Dogs are no smarter than a toddler. You know your dog is BRILLIANT, but the reality is that even the best-trained dog has the intellect of a toddler. They act on impulse and instinct. Both dogs and toddlers are unpredictable, as are the dangers around you. Would you allow your toddler to walk a busy street without holding your hand? Would you allow your toddler free range to explore a park without your supervision? Nope. And the same should be true for your dog.

.

5) Emergency vet care is expensive. Many dogs (and cats) are abandoned at vet offices because their leash-allergic owners cannot afford the $2K PLUS cost to amputate shattered legs and repair broken hips, resulting from being hit by a car. If you can’t bring yourself to use a leash, you better start saving now!

.

6) YOUR dog might be friendly, but MINE ISN’T. Your dog might be the friendliest dog in the world, but that doesn’t mean every dog is friendly. When another dog is free roaming, dogs on leashes can feel threatened because they don’t have a way to flee. It’s similar to being backed into a corner. It’s asking for trouble. There are a lot of leash-reactive and dog-aggressive dogs in this world. If your dog chooses to greet the wrong dog, you’re going to have a dog fight on your hands. At best, you will find yourself with hefty vet bills. At worst, your mistaken can cost you your dog’s life. And since your dog was the off the leash, you may be held responsible for any injuries to the other dog.

.

7) YOUR dog might be friendly, but I’M NOT. I know, I know. Your dog is the most amazing dog in the world and everyone should adore him. But here’s a hint: I don’t like unknown dogs and I especially don’t like an unknown dog when he is free roaming. And neither does anyone else. There are many people who are afraid of dogs. Because of their fear and lack of knowledge about dogs, they may misinterpret your dog’s playful approach as a threat. That person may choose to defend himself or herself by physically injuring your dog or spraying him with pepper spray. The person could run from your dog and fall, injuring himself or herself. This is especially a risk for elderly people who may not be able to withstand your dog jumping on them. You will be found liable for any injuries, a cost that could be avoided by the simple use of a leash.

.

8) Small dogs = Prey. Whether its other dogs, eagles, raccoons, or coyotes, small dogs are enticing prey. I know someone who was walking with her little dog off leash, when an eagle grabbed the dog and dropped it from a scary height further down the road. The dog later died. Had the dog been on a short leash, his life could have been saved. A few years ago, a woman was walking her small dog off-leash in the Magnolia area when her dog ran up to a coyote in the bushes. The coyote killed her dog right in front of her. Along the same lines, if you have a big dog, he can accidentally injury or kill a little dog if he gives chase or plays too rough.

.

9) There are many natural dangers. Dogs that are off-leash have free access to get into trouble. They can quickly eat poisonous mushrooms, step in a beehive, fall into a hole or off a cliff, drink from polluted puddles, or eat dead animals. Recently, two little dogs died after eating a poisonous mushroom they found in a yard. By nature, accidents are accidents. And many accidents can be avoided by simple precautions, such as a leash.

.

10) Because you love your dog. It’s your responsibility and your responsibility alone to keep your dog safe and keep others safe from your dog. Take that responsibility seriously. Your kids might want to eat chocolate all day long, but you know what is better for them. It’s the same with your dog. Your dog might prefer to be off-leash on his walks, but now you know better.

.