Dogs off the leash
I was wondering how you guys decided it was safe to let your dog run free off the leash. I'm kind of nervous about "other dogs" or should I assume that owners keep "aggressive dogs" on a leash? I keep thinking it's a great way for them to release energy (running around the park). I know the law in most states states dogs should be on a leash and some states have an "unless they will come when called and are good dogs" law, but then again... these rules are out the window when I go to the doggie park. BTW, here is my weekly "I can't wait to get an OES" whine.  I talked to my fiance and he said some of his soldiers from colder states (minnesota) want an OES now after they saw a package I made him that was covered with OES pics. 
He got jealous and then asked me when we were getting ours. lol |
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| Hi,
At the dog park - all dogs are offleash and in an ideal world only very well behaved social dogs are there. Not always the case however, and sometimes people will bring a dog that is very aggressive. The rule of thumb is if your dog is causing trouble you put them on a leash and go home. Doesn't always happen so a few times I've been the one that had decided I'm going to leave. The last time it involved a pitbull that the owner kept claiming was over excited. Not picking on this breed as there a few pitts that visit and are very well behaved. I just wanted to be better safe than sorry. All the obedience classes I've been to (lots of different ones over the years with 7 different dogs) usually have a very long lead...more than 10 feet - (strong rope should do fine) and have the dog at the end and the owner as far as possible away to train to come when called. Ha! Now that works fine in an enclosed area where most obedience classes are held..these boys/girls love not listening especially when playing with friends at the doggie park. Reminds me of little kids...nooo I don't want to go home yet....all my friends are still allowed to play. I don't think you'll have a problem that your dog won't come to you the majority of the time. The area should always be completely enclosed however the first couple times as it is far too dangerous. A cat, squirrel or ? can make you Sheepie suddenly dart away and perhaps even out in the street. Again , better safe than sorry. I can see why all your hubby's friends would want a sheepie...always reminds me of that song..Just One Look...thats all it took...just one look. Groaners now I'm even singing on here! Hee hee> Marianne |
The long leash idea will probably be a good one. The ONE thing I hate about super duper long leashes is how it will easily wrap around anything (tree, person ...lol). Okay, I shouldn't blame the leash but the happy dog running free. 
I guess that's better though then getting bit by a dog that didn't want to play with my OES. |
| There are some retractable leashes you can use to keep your dog running (And you with it!) I've seen some 20 Ft long.
OES's have this weird medical condition where they become deaf as soon as the leash is off...  We're lucky to live in a gated community with a house that faces a private park, so our guys are always off leash. I've been trying to teach the guys to come when called, but it only works if there's not a lot of distractions, like 20 running kids in bikes 
Be careful when you go to the dog park, because not everyone is aware of all the problems their dogs may cause. Keep a very close eye on dog's body languaje to see if they are about to start a fight, and if you feel suspicious about a dog, trust your insticts, it's better to be safe than sorry. |
| You've gotten some excellent replies so I'm not sure there's much I can add
However, I protect my dogs like my children, they are never out of my site for even a moment. It took a long time before I felt confident enough to let them run free for a bit. OES usually bond very strongly with their owners and are not in most cases wanderers, although my first OES was constantly taking off out the front door and running as far and as fast as she could. It scared me to death everytime. I think she did it just for fun! The only way to get her to come back was by opening and closing the car door and yelling "Car Ride Mickey!" and she would come running fast as lightning and leap into the car. Dancer and Sky come when they are called, and never roam far from me anyway, even in the huge park. Still, if I see a person walking, or another dog nearby, or a vehicle anywhere NEAR the park or our property, I get those leashes in my hand quickly. I just don't want to take any chances. |
| I never let mine off leash unless they are in a fenced in area! It only takes a second for a tragedy - and I've been through that too many times to risk it again.
Even the best behaved dogs can take off - especially if something scares them and/or they see something that they chase off. Our OES, Dudley, was wonderful off leash. He would just lie around the yard and/or follow us. One day, he just took off like a bat out of hell - headed right for the main road - with a speeding tractor trailer truck coming up fast. I have never ran so fast in my life and at the bottom of our road right before the main road - I leaped and tackled him - stopping him from being killed. It was so scary! I don't know what he saw or smelled - but it was quick and he was gone! 
Our 10 month old OES puppy, Ozzy, was hit and killed by a passing car when Dudley, Ozzy and his brother Oliver all went running off into the road. Thankfully, all 3 weren't killed - because that was a real possibility. Please be safe - rather than sorry! Kristen |
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