05/08/2024
It's been a good amount of time since I posted. And I hate that this is going to be the post that I make because I'm sure there will be someone who might get offended or upset by it. But I have to say it.
When you are not in your own fenced-in backyard or at a dog park that is specified as an off-leash dog park, your dog needs to be on a leash. PERIOD.
I know you think your dog is a good dog. I know you feel bad when your dog is on a leash because you want them to be able to have some freedom. Here are the reasons that your dog needs to stay on the leash.
In Harris county, here in Houston, Texas, it is illegal for your dog to be off leash if it is not in your fenced-in yard or at an off-leash dog park or other designated off-leash area. And it doesn't matter if they're in the front yard. If the front yard is not gated or fenced in, your dog needs to be on a leash or a tie out. This law also specifically states that if your dog is more than 6 ft from you, even on leash, they are not considered to be "under your control" and you can be cited for it. Yes, that means that your extendable leash that you bought at the pet store is technically illegal in Harris county, unless you set it for less than 6 ft.
Now a lot of you are going to read this and say "I don't care what the law says, I have a good dog."
This law has not been created to inconvenience you or your dog. It was not created to distinguish between good dogs and "bad" dogs or good owners and bad owners. This law has been created to keep you and your dog safe. Let's talk about how this law does that.
Your dog is friendly. That does not mean all dogs are. So if your dog does not have immaculate recall skills and knows to stay by your side, it could run up to the wrong dog. And guess whose fault that is?
Your dog has a high prey drive. So maybe your dog stays near you when there are other people around. Maybe your dog stays near you and ignores other dogs. But what about that cat, or that squirrel? When your " well trained" dog runs into the street to go chase whatever he/ she decides they are going to chase and gets hit by a car, guess whose fault that is?
And everybody on here is a pet lover, obviously. But not everybody is. So when your friendly dog runs up to the wrong person and gets kicked, sprayed with mace, tased, something is thrown at them or even worse, because this is Texas, shot, guess whose fault that is?
If you truly love your dog, like you say you do, you will keep your dog on a leash. You will follow the law because THAT Is what a good dog mama/ papa/owner does.
And this post does not even begin to address the people that let their dog out to run the neighborhood because 'they always come back."😡
Sincerely,
Your friendly neighborhood pet sitter/dog walker that will always put your dog's safety and well-being first.
