WITH the weather improving and the days getting longer the local trails are getting busier with bikers, joggers, hikers and of course dog owners.
Everyone wants to get out and enjoy the great outdoors. There are a plethora of hiking and walking trails on the North Shore and, unless designated otherwise, the majority of those trails are multi-use trails which means everyone has the "right" to use them. Unless designated otherwise, dogs are required to be walked on leash along those trails.
Having said that, the majority of dog owners don't leash their dogs while walking the leash-required trails. And why would they? For the most part the trails are fairly quiet, but you do risk getting a fine as well as getting involved in altercations with other trail users as a result of walking your dog off leash.
I make no bones about the fact that I think dog owners need to be more respectful of other trail users and the local leash laws. Yet I am the first one to admit that I allow my dogs off leash in areas where leashes are required. I do so because I understand that for their optimum physical health, dogs need to be able to set their own pace and vary their speed while walking.
And for their mental health, they need to experience the freedom of investigating their surroundings free of the restrictions a leash can impose.
Having said that, I am also extremely aware of my dogs' impact on other trail users, which is why I always leash them - without fail - when I am being approached by anyone on a trail, whether or not they have a dog. If the trail is busy with other users then all three of my dogs remain on leash.
To some dog owners it may seem unfathomable that anyone could not appreciate the enthusiasm of a dog, especially one running free along a trail. But a biker who has to swerve or suddenly brake when a dog unpredictably darts out from the trees and runs in front of them may not appreciate it. A hiker or tourist who is enjoying the beauty of our forests and trails and is barked at or jumped on by an unleashed dog may not appreciate the attention, and may even react fearfully towards the dog. The jogger who is just trying to get a bit of exercise in a healthy environment, surrounded by the scent of cedar and spruce instead of car exhaust, and is chased by an unleashed dog may not appreciate it.
Leash laws are set in place for a reason. They are meant to minimize altercations between dogs and other trail users so that everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of our local parks and trails.
Dog owners have just as much right to use the local trails as anyone else, but if you choose to let your dog off leash in areas not designated as such, you must also choose to be totally responsible for your dog's behaviour, the resulting consequences of your choice, and you must also take into consideration that not everyone enjoys dogs.
I do believe that the majority of dog owners are very responsible and when stuff goes awry, it is more often than not an accident, a momentary lapse in judgment or awareness. But there are a few bad apples out there that spoil it for the rest of us.
If you choose to walk your dog off leash then practise good trail etiquette. Call your dog back and leash it when approached by other trail users. If your dog does not come when called, hire a trainer and teach it a reliable recall. If your dog pulls when leashed, hire a trainer to teach it to walk nicely so you can both enjoy a leashed walk.
But above all, consider your actions and the actions of your dog when you choose to allow it off leash in areas not designated as such and think about how those actions are going to affect other people.
Joan is the owner of K9 Kinship Ltd. and has been working with dogs for over 15 years in obedience, tracking and behavioural rehabilitation. Contact her at k9kinship.com.
