Probably not worth two cents but

Over the years the leash or run free issue seems to reemerge. In many municipalities it is a moot discussion because the local ordinances specify leashes.

Often your scenario can be handled face to face by the individuals involved simply discussing concerns, without more formal or official stuff.

In truth, dogs running off leash often cause a higher level of consternation in the general population than ones on a leash.

Fully appreciating the need for space for training, the issue in part is one of consideration for other people, even the ones who don't appear to be troubled by a dog off leash.

Why not just do as another suggested, and try to meet up with the leashed dog owner, and see if there is an issue. If there isn't an issue then carry on. If there is, don't let your dog off lead when the leashed dog is proximate.

Speaking with some experience, an honest discussion can go a long way to assuage a potential problem. Often the other party will be favorably impressed that you were mindful of their presence.

That noted, an awareness of ordinances is a good thing. Around here, the the police are only interested in enforcing the leash law if there is a complaint, or so it seems. So a chat with the fellow with the leashed dog might be a good idea.

If there is an enforceable leash law, you will be wrong if there is a complaint.

See, not worth two cents.

A or B the law is there to protect.

If we feel the law is wrong then it should be brought up to the home owners association, county park or what ever is the ruling body over that piece of land.

Maybe I'm in the wrong, but I'm not that concerned with the "law". It's a city ordinance, not at felony ...jaywalking is against the law as well
If it really comes down to it, I could put a very light 100 foot line on my dog, play the same game of fetch. This wouldn't change anything for this other owner comfort really, but I'd then be in compliance with the 'leash law".

I think common decency and common sense is the question here.

1.) I am very confident I pass the common sense part. My dog is very well behaved and will not go running up to anyone else. She has been well trained, knows the rules of our game of fetch in the park, has a reliable recall, and we have the emergency remote collar backup plan if anything completely unexpected happens.

2.) I was hoping to get some opinions on the question of common decency. Am I being respectful enough to another dog owner? Am I off base in my thinking that because his dog is the one with the issue being around other dogs (and kids), he should be the one to walk away if he's not comfortable with the situation?

Thanks again everyone for the input.

 Quote: Steve Tendler

2.) I was hoping to get some opinions on the question of common decency. Am I being respectful enough to another dog owner? Am I off base in my thinking that because his dog is the one with the issue being around other dogs (and kids), he should be the one to walk away if he's not comfortable with the situation?

Steve, you have described your dog and the level of training you have achieved. She sounds like a great dog, and you sound like a very capable and competent trainer/handler. But I'm afraid I have to say, no, I don't believe that, when it comes to access to a public park, the person with a less-well-trained dog or lesser training skills should defer to somebody with a better-trained dog. What a can of worms that could be. Who gets to decide? None of us on this board will disagree that yours is the better-trained dog in this situation, but what about some other dog with different issues? What about some other owners in some other park?

I mean no offense, but one could turn that around and say maybe you should be the one to defer, since the other owner is obeying the ordinance and you are not.

A few others have suggested this, and I think it's a good idea. Why not try to talk to the other owner (without having your dog with you). Obviously, right now, the two of you are finding yourselves using the park at the same time. Depending on your work schedules and when each of you is able to exercise your dog, etc., maybe you can come up with an agreement to try not to be there at the same time. The owner of the other dog may have to contend with other unleashed dogs being there, but at least there would be a polite understanding between the two of you that would meet the requirements of respect and common decency, IMO.

Great post Cheri. No offense at all. I posted to get opinions

It seems clear that the city ordinance is the deciding factor for many here.

Honest question -
What if I do put a long 100 foot line on her while we play fetch? Would that change the opinion of people saying I shouldn't continue playing fetch in our community park off-leash?

This wouldn't actually help with the real issue of the other dog owner's situation. he would still be dealing with his dog uncomfortable around another dog running (on the other side of the park). I would however then be in compliance with the city ordinance. My dog would be on a leash (albeit a long one).

Steve,

Simple. If there is a leash law or ordinance where you work your dog, you are supposed to have your dog on a leash.

The issue simply is direct control of your dog. If your dog is on a long line, it is under your direct control.

If your dog is under your direct control, the concern for the other dog handler is moot, unless you allow your dog to be proximate to the other dog and handler, or any other person for that matter.

It is simple, Steve. If there is an ordinance, you are obligated to comply. If you want to change the ordinance, you need to get a petition and signatures, and have at it. I predict it would be to no avail.

If you are concerned about the other person and his or her dog, talk to him or her and see if there is an issue. If there is, and there is an ordinance, you are obligated to abide by the provisions of the ordinance.

You are either legal or you are not. There is either an issue or there is not. Talk to the individual you are concerned about and see if there is an issue, and if so, what can be worked out.

Bluntly, if the other person has his dog on a leash, and there is an ordinance, then should a complaint be made, you have no defense. And in some jurisdictions, your dog could be scooped up. Almost always the dog pays for the actions of its master.

And that's the truth.

What Mike said!

Common sense and laws don't always equate.

As to the "very light 100ft line" that could also be a legal OOPS!

In many cities, here at least, the laws state that the dog must be on a 6' leash and many parks even state that "flexi leads" are not acceptable.

Bob makes a good point that some leash laws specify the length of the leash. This brings us back around again to the issue that I think is the most important to clarify first. Does this leash law apply in your community's park? Can you go to your HOA board to ask? If they don't know the answer, they need to find out, for the benefit of you and all of the members in your community.

If it turns out that the leash law does not apply, then you are good to go with continuing to exercise your dog the way you always have; however, the common sense and decency that you have previously mentioned would still apply, and I still believe a conversation with the owner of the other dog could go a long way in finding a solution that works for both of you.

One other thing, and I'm not suggesting that this would happen in your case, Steve. I have seen people in parks in my area think they are getting around leash laws by attaching a short leash to their dog and then sending it on its way to run and play. I don't believe most laws specify, because, again, it is a common sense thing, but these people will tell you, "The law just says dogs have to be leashed, not that anybody has to be holding the leash." IMO this is a callous and disrespectful flouting of the law or ordinance.

Where I'm at the signs in the parks near me say The Dogs Need To Be "Controlled" On A Six Foot Leash.

If they don't say that I think it would be a loosing argument in a courtroom to say the rule doesn't apply if my dog was dragging a leash.

JMHO

 Quote: Steve Tendler

If it really comes down to it, I could put a very light 100 foot line on my dog, play the same game of fetch. This wouldn't change anything for this other owner comfort really, but I'd then be in compliance with the 'leash law"...

Thanks again everyone for the input.

IF a Leash Law actually does Apply inside your gated community, then You will be covered IF there is ever any Complaint