Is it better to walk dog off leash?

Letting your dog off leash is a great way for them to expel excess energy, give them a sense of freedom, and allow them to explore their surroundings. However, even in quiet and seemingly safe environments, it’s not always a good idea to do so. You should only ever let your dog off leash in open areas away from roads and busy public places. It’s good etiquette to remain respectful of other people and letting your dog off lead shouldn’t concern or bother others. Dog owners should never take their dog off lead on farmland or around livestock. Even areas where you can’t see specific signage requesting dog’s stay on leads, it’s not recommended that you let your dog off leash in certain public areas, including ponds where there are ducks and swans present, around wildlife, and children’s play areas. Basic training is important in establishing a base of good behaviour with your dog. You should never let your dog off lead in public if it’s not well trained and you’re unable to bring it under control with commands.

Not all owners are able to let their dog off the lead. There are many reasons why this might be the case: Their dog is worried about people or other dogs, Their dog has a strong prey drive, Their dog may not have a reliable recall, Their dog must be kept on a lead in public for legal reasons. If you cannot let your dog off the lead for any reason, you may feel disappointed or frustrated. But, with the right approach, on lead walks can be just as fun for both you and your dog. Walks should be an enjoyable and positive experience for you both. So where possible, try to avoid situations that you know may cause them to become overly stressed or worried. For example, if you dog becomes difficult to control or anxious when there are other dogs about, avoid going to a busy park at peak times. You can enhance this experience by incorporating scent games on your walks. Try scattering a few treats in a grassy verge, or ask them to find a toy you’ve thrown a short distance. It’s important that dogs get to sniff on walks. If it’s safe to do so, allow your dog to explore and sniff wherever they would like. This is a very mentally stimulating walk for your dog. Though it may be at a much slower pace, it can help satisfy your dog and provide huge benefits to their mental well-being.

Running off-leash can be incredibly beneficial for dogs, contributing to their physical health, mental stimulation, socialization, and overall happiness. Off-leash freedom allows dogs to explore and engage in activities that stimulate their senses and fulfill their natural instincts. An off-leash run is an excellent way to provide your dog with the physical exercise it needs. Running off-leash allows dogs to set their own pace, explore their surroundings, and burn off energy in a way that regular walks or leashed runs often can't provide. This can help prevent obesity, heart disease, and other health problems. Off-leash exercise allows dogs to engage in more natural movements, dogs can run, jump, zigzag, and play till their heart's content. This unrestricted movement promotes muscle development and cardiovascular health more effectively than a standard leashed walk. The freedom to move without constraints can be a significant boost to your pet's happiness. It’s crucial to remember that releasing the leash needs to be done responsibly and in designated areas, with respect to leash laws.