Dear Jess, Last week at Piedmont Park lawn a large off-leash dog ran towards my young daughter. The owner laughed and said “he’s friendly!” My daughter was terrified. Why do some dog owners think rules don’t apply to them?
Dear Jess, My sweet, friendly dog listens to me well and is much happier without his leash. I’m proud of him and let him be free most places as he doesn’t cause any trouble. My friend says this is not okay, your thoughts?
Two letters, two perspectives, one neighborhood. And both writers have a point.
The frustration in the first letter is completely understandable. “He’s friendly” is not a substitute for control, and Piedmont Park lawn is a leash-required space. At the same time, dogs genuinely need off-leash freedom for their mental health. The problem isn’t wanting that for your dog. The problem is that off-leash freedom requires both the right training and the right place.
Right place, right training: the only time off-leash is okay
Safe off-leash time requires that your dog comes reliably and is in a designated space. Sidewalks and the Piedmont Park lawn aren’t meant for loose dogs. When either piece is missing, it can unintentionally impact the neighbors sharing the space with you.
A dog off-leash on a neighborhood street, however well-behaved, is one squirrel away from traffic. When a loose dog approaches a leashed, anxious dog, the leashed dog can’t retreat, and that trapped feeling could trigger a fight. When a large dog barrels toward a small child, the owner’s confidence about their dog’s friendliness means nothing to the child who is afraid.
Off-leash time Is non-negotiable
Dogs need off-leash time to run, sniff, and explore. It burns mental energy that otherwise might show up as chewing, barking, and restlessness. Fenced dog parks are one option, though they aren’t the right fit for every dog (and if you do go keep your eyes on your dog and bring Spray Shield). Private rentals through SniffSpot or a playdate in a friend’s yard often work better.
The skill that earns real freedom
Safe off-leash freedom comes down to your dog coming when called reliably the first time you call, not the third, regardless of distraction. But coming when called is only half of it. Knowing where your dog is allowed to be off-leash is the other half.
If you’re not fully confident in either yet, keeping the leash on while you build that foundation is the right call, not a failure. A reliable recall takes a structured, step-by-step approach.
Jess Rollins offers private, in-home dog training (including off leash recall training) in the Piedmont area. Schedule a free discovery call or text 510-545-3889.