I have to disagree here. I think dogs SHOULD ALWAYS BE UNDER CONTROL, but that doesn't necessarily mean leashed. I live in a very rural area. My dogs are unleashed about 90% of the time. BUT they are ALWAYS under voice control. They are never just let to run free without me. I have worked VERY hard to get them to this point. If I'm on the street or on a trail that's used frequently by bikes, horses, kids, etc. then they are leashed. I never let them run up to people or other dogs. If I see someone with or without a dog coming toward me I call ahead to see if they want me to grab my dogs. If they say yes, then I do without any complaints or hard feelings.

Some of the trails that we go on would be dangerous for the dogs and myself if I had to keep them leashed.

Because of a few (or even many) bad owners I don't think the rest of us should have to leash our dogs at all times.