It seems like nearly every time I set out for a jog these days, I’m faced with an unleashed dog. Just a couple of weeks ago, I encountered three dogs running free. Two were small, yappy terriers that charged at me from their yards like they were on a mission to take down my Achilles tendons.
Honestly, I do not want to find myself in a position where I have to defend myself against someone’s dog. I’ve promised myself I’d never harm a dog, but what if I panicked and kicked out of instinct? That thought is genuinely frightening. Thankfully, these little terrors backed off when they got close, but why can’t people just leash their dogs? Aside from the sheer terror they caused, they could be at serious risk of getting hit by a car.
The other off-leash dog I encountered was a large pit bull mix accompanying its owner. I have a deep affection for pit bulls; I don’t buy into the myth that they’re inherently dangerous. However, they are large, powerful animals, and this one had its back turned to me. I had no way of knowing whether my approach would startle it and provoke a defensive reaction. So, I slowed my pace, paused my running app, turned off my music, and asked the owner if her dog would be okay as I passed. We ended up having a pleasant conversation, and I even got to pet the dog — a total sweetheart — but I still left that situation frustrated.
This woman’s choice to walk her dog without a leash forced me to change my behavior and take precautions. No one should have to halt their activities and devise a plan because someone else can’t be bothered to leash their pet.
Just yesterday, while on a run, I suddenly heard a galloping sound over my music. I panicked and turned around, only to be confronted by a large dog barreling towards me. It took me a moment to realize it was a goofy golden retriever, beaming with joy and just wanting to befriend me. But that initial moment of fear sent my heart racing.
And while I’m venting, I want to acknowledge that I’m not afraid of retaliation for speaking up about unleashed dogs. My skin color affords me a level of safety that others do not have.
Take the incident involving Sam Parker and Leah Grant in Central Park. Sam should never have had to confront Leah about her off-leash dog. While Leah’s blatant racism was the core issue, her sense of entitlement about her dog was equally problematic. She assumed that the rules didn’t apply to her, believing she was above everyone else.
Leah believed it was fine to bend the rules a little, thinking no one would challenge her. Sam was correct in asking her to leash her dog, but he shouldn’t have had to. It’s essential for individuals to recognize that when they act entitled, they may not just be inconveniencing others — they could be putting someone’s safety at risk.
As dog owners, we often adore our pets so much that we can’t fathom anyone viewing our little bundles of joy as a potential threat. I completely relate; I adore my dog to a degree that might warrant a psychological evaluation. If you don’t like my dog, I’ll likely question your sanity. However, I would never walk my dog off-leash in public areas where it could disturb others. It’s simply inconsiderate, and not everyone is comfortable around dogs.
Not everyone understands dog body language. For someone who can’t interpret canine expressions, a happy dog bounding towards them could be a harrowing experience. Yes, your dog may be safely contained behind an invisible fence, but passersby have no way of knowing that, and your dog’s territorial behavior could cause someone distress. Why would anyone want to create that kind of anxiety for another person just because they think their adorable pup running off-leash is cute? It’s not cute; it’s downright rude. Utilize designated dog parks or off-leash areas. If those spaces are unavailable, just walk faster.
It doesn’t matter how friendly your dog is. Not everyone has the same affection for dogs, and many people feel vulnerable around them, especially when they are unleashed. It’s unfair to expect others to adjust their behavior or approach you about your dog simply because you can’t be bothered to use a leash. If you choose to be a dog owner, you must be a responsible one. This means ensuring you have the necessary equipment — like a leash — to keep your dog and everyone nearby safe.
In summary, leash your dog and respect others in public spaces. It’s a small effort with a huge impact on everyone’s comfort and safety.