By: Katie Hiett

Anyone who has ever been confronted by a stray or loose dog knows how unsettling it can be. There are many questions that run through your mind in a split second. Is that dog friendly? Will he leave me alone or chase after me? Will he approach my dog? Do I turn and walk away or cross the street? I have been teaching dogs and their owners for over 10 years in the Cypress area, and I consistently have residents who are concerned to walk around their own neighborhood in fear of loose dogs.

Leashing your dog is a helpful way to make your community a better place to live. Simple, yes, but it can have a lasting impact with the people that share the common space around you. But it is not a practice that all people feel comfortable doing. Here are 5 reasons to keep your pet on a leash around the neighborhood:

• For the safety and well-being of others. Believe it or not, some people do not feel comfortable around dogs. If they are taking a bike ride, playing at the park or using the trails, it can be startling to have a loose dog approach them. It may elicit a negative response from the person who believes they are being ‘attacked’. Children can especially become fearful of strange dogs, and can injure themselves trying to escape. I have seen friendly dogs get kicked, hit in the head with sticks and sprayed with mace for running up to and/or jumping on a stranger to say hello. Not only does it traumatize the person involved, but it can have lasting negative impacts on a dog who was just excited to see another person.
• Not all dogs are friendly. Many times, people feel that if their dog is friendly, that everyone must have a friendly dog. Keep in mind that reactive and fearful dogs must have walks too! Not all dogs feel comfortable with other dogs they meet, and can react defensively when approached by a strange dog. We can keep our dogs safe by making sure they only approach other dogs that are happy to interact and play. It will also help your neighbor, who may be trying to make their dog feel more comfortable around other dogs by keeping a distance.
• For better training results. A dog, who is allowed to run free on walks or in the park, must have training. They must come when they are called, stop when they are told, and leave things when they are instructed. By allowing a dog to wander freely without these steps in place, he soon learns to ignore his owner. This contradicts any training program that has been put into place. Dogs, who are receiving off leash training, should do so in a safe environment until they consistently respond to all commands off-leash. Even then, no dog is 100% reliable in all situations. Care must be taken when allowing a dog to run off-leash to play.
• Quality of life. I have heard the excuse many times from people that feel their dogs will not receive a fulfilling walk if they are not allowed to explore and run free. It is very true that dogs need to explore. It promotes great mental stimulation and is highly encouraged. Fortunately, dogs can receive this stimulation on a 6 foot leash! By stopping periodically to allow a dog to ‘check out’ a smell, you are allowing them to exercise their nose and mind. It also becomes a perfect reward for good behavior (i.e. no pulling) on leash! Why waste such a valuable training opportunity?
• It’s the law. Plain and simple. Harris County leash law mandates that “All dogs and cats must be kept under restraint while in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, Texas. The custodian of a dog or cat is not authorized to have, harbor or keep any unlicensed dog or cat, nor to allow any dog or cat to become a stray” (see entire ordinance at www.houstontx.gov/barc).

This is not to say that your dog can never run free again! There are many places around Houston that allow dogs to play and interact in a safe environment. Dog parks are a great place for dogs to unleash their energy (keep in mind that all dog parks have rules, but most are not regulated. It is up to the community to keep them clean and safe). Visit www.houstondogpark.org for more details, and to help them lobby for a dog park in Cypress! Doggie Daycare is also an excellent way to allow dogs to safely interact with qualified staff that has temperament tested all the dogs in their program. Not only will your dog have fun, but they will be tired when you pick them up after work! By letting your dog run free in safe areas, and leashing them around the community, you will ensure their protection while allowing them to have a fulfilled life! For any questions about this article, or information on how to implement leash walking into your daily routine, please contact Katie Hiett at annabellesacademy@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.annabellesacademy.shutterfly.com.