Well, Simon has been walking around all smug and full of himself recently, and now, after reading this thread and the compliments from his TE friends, I can see why!

Simon's very well behaved on a leash, heels well, and sits instantly when commanded, but if a dog were to come charging up off leash, or on a long leash, and he's decided that dog is a threat, the consequences could be serious for everyone involved. I'm pretty sure I could break it up before anyone gets hurt, but I don't want that kind of risk or upset. So he gets his long walks very late at night when no one else is around.

I'd love to take him for walks in the many trails around here that allow dogs on leashes, but every time I've been on one of them (without him), I see several people with their dogs off leash, or not under adequate control.

I think it is a very small percentage of owners who truly have total control (voice and otherwise) over their own dogs, in any situation. And even if those owners have total control over their dog, they certainly won't have it over anyone else's dog, on or off leash. This, to me, is the justification for a leash law. In urban/sub-urban areas, I think all of us should should have our dogs on leash, because it is a prudent and courteous way to protect our pets, other people, and their pets.