Everyone loves the idea of allow their dog to run free to discover the world, chase squirrels, catch a ball, etc.  But sometimes, Los Angeles Animal Services says, it’s best to exercise on a leash.
Here are five great reasons to leash your dog for your safety and your dog’s:
- First and foremost, it’s the law. Section 53.06 Los Angeles Municipal Code requires that all dogs be on leash in public. Unleashed could earn you a fine.
- Protects dogs and people. A leash keeps your dog safe by your side and prevents him or her from running into a busy street where your pup may be hit or cause a car accident or both.
- Prevents possible dog fights or dog bites. Your dog could quickly become the cause or the victim of a dog fight. Dog leash laws protect both the dog and the dog owner from unexpected accidents.
- Keeps dogs from getting lost and potentially ending up at the shelter. Even the best behaved and well-trained dogs can catch you off guard and decide on a whim that they want to explore. This is a frightening experience and you never know if your dog will be seriously hurt, end up impounded in a shelter for his or her own protection or get into some unwelcome mischief.
- It’s courteous to your neighbors and postal carriers. Neighbors do not like being the neighborhood “potty” for dogs. Loose dogs may result in the USPS refusing to deliver mail if your neighborhood is known for dogs at large that bite postal carriers. Be a good neighbor and set an example by leashing your dog. If someone sees your well-behaved dog off leash, they’ll think it’s okay to let their dogs off leash too.
Most dogs take to their collars and leashes almost immediately. By leashing your dog, you will be a responsible dog owner, your neighbors and mail carrier will like you and most importantly your furry family member will be safer.
