Quote Originally Posted by roadie gal View Post
I have to disagree here. I think dogs SHOULD ALWAYS BE UNDER CONTROL, but that doesn't necessarily mean leashed.
Yes, totally agree. Some people (I'm one of them) own working dogs that have been trained off-leash on purpose. Whenever we are in a town where it's allowed I walk the dog off-lead, and he never caused any problems anywhere.

Quote Originally Posted by roadie gal View Post
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.
Of course in most cities the law assumes that dogs are not well-trained (and that is unfortunately true of many), and so we all have to walk our dogs on a lead. But the real issue is not the leash: some dogs on a leash are more dangerous than a well-trained dog walking free. The key is control and proper training. The leash is one of the tools available to control a dog, like voice, electric collar, etc... the main problem is that many owners have no idea how to control their dogs, with a leash or without.

Hope you and your dog are feeling better maillotpois, enjoy your wine and relax!