Is it cruel to never let a dog off lead?

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. Being mindful around others is also important, it’s also good dog ownership to not let your pet off lead around other on lead dogs. Owners may have kept their dogs on a leash for a range of behaviour or training reasons, including being highly reactive, being scared or nervous around other dogs, health reasons or being post-surgery, the owner isn’t confident controlling their dog around others. 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. 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. Just because there is no one around and in you’re in a quiet environment doesn’t mean you should let your dog run free unmonitored. You should keep an eye for your dog in case they wander off into a new area and come across wildlife or other dog walkers. Not cleaning up after your dog can result in a fine and prosecution, not to mention its very poor dog owner etiquette.