Redditor Is Afraid To Let Her Dog Off Leash In Park Because It Has Bad Recall, Gets Accused Of Doing Disservice To The Dog

"Previously my dog has run away before for miles, and it's left me extremely anxious about trusting her."

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• April 25, 2023

Dogs are wonderful companions and bring joy and happiness to their owners. Whether it's playing fetch in the park or going for a walk in the neighborhood, dogs love to be active and explore their surroundings.

However, the decision of whether to allow a dog to be on or off-leash can be a complex one. On one hand, off-leash dogs are free to run and play, but on the other hand, they may be at risk of getting lost or causing harm to others.

OP has a dog, and her roommate has a cat. They often take their pets to the park near their house, but they often argue because OP refuses to let her dog run off-leash.

This is due to a previous incident where the dog ran away for miles, causing OP to be anxious about letting the dog roam freely. The roommate has been working with the dog and has encouraged OP to let the dog play off-leash in small doses.

However, OP is still concerned about the dog's recall, especially around other dogs. The roommate believes that OP is not giving the dog the opportunity to prove herself and that she deserves to run and play off-leash.

When OP finally spoke up about her concerns, the roommate accused them of overreacting and not doing what was best for the dog. OP felt emotional about the situation and took the dog home, leading the roommate to say that OP was doing a disservice to the dog.

OP is worried about her friendship with the roommate, but she also wants what's best for their dog. She is not sure how to come to an agreement on this issue.

OP asks:

OP has a dog, and her roommate has a cat. They often take their pets to the park near their house, but they often argue because OP refuses to let her dog run off-leash.

The roommate has been working with the dog and has encouraged OP to let the dog play off-leash in small doses.

However, OP is still concerned about the dog's recall, especially around other dogs.

The roommate believes that OP is not giving the dog the opportunity to prove herself and that she deserves to run and play off-leash.

The dog runs away and doesn't have great recall.

OP added:

This Redditor has a point:

Sometimes instincts take over

Recall is a skill that has to be practiced quite a bit in a safe area with all sorts of distractions.

OP is responsible for the dog

Some people prefer having their dogs on a leash because they know how they look to others

OP sometimes feel like a overprotective dog mom

The decision of whether to allow a dog to be on or off-leash is a personal one that should be based on several factors, including the dog's personality, behavior, and recall training. It is important to consider the potential risks and benefits of both on and off-leash options and to make informed decisions about your dog's safety and well-being.

Off-leash dogs should always be supervised and trained in recall, and owners should be aware of local laws and regulations regarding leash laws. By taking the time to consider the best options for your dog, you can ensure that your furry friend is able to enjoy the benefits of both on and off-leash activities while staying safe and happy.

Damjan