In recent years, some dog trainers have taken to social media to showcase off-leash walking in high-traffic urban areas as a measure of their training success. These videos often depict dogs weaving through crowded high streets, seemingly unfazed by distractions or danger. While it might look impressive at first glance, this practice is reckless, irresponsible, and entirely unnecessary.
Safety First: A Leash Is a Lifeline
A leash is not just a tool; it is a lifeline. It provides an essential layer of safety for your dog, preventing them from running into the road, getting tangled up with pedestrians, or becoming startled by unexpected stimuli. Even an incredibly well-trained dog is still a dog – a living, thinking animal capable of making split-second decisions.
Think about the countless distractions on a busy high street:
• A dog lunging from a shop doorway
• A child suddenly running past or reaching to stroke the dog
• A pigeon taking flight just a little too close
• A dropped piece of food on the pavement
• The sound of a car horn or siren
Any of these could cause even the most “obedient” dog to react unpredictably. A leash provides a safety net, ensuring that your dog stays by your side, away from traffic, and out of harm’s way.
“My dog would never do that” is not a common sense response to the above.
Off-Leash Walking in Busy Areas Is Not a Flex
Some trainers who promote off-leash urban walking often use aversive methods – punishment-based techniques designed to suppress natural behaviours. These methods do not create a happy, engaged dog; they create an animal that has learned to avoid consequences at all costs. Videos of these dogs walking robotically beside their handler are not proof of skill but rather a testament to coercion.
More importantly, these videos set a dangerous precedent. They encourage the idea that a “well-trained” dog should be able to walk through a high street without a leash. This is an irresponsible standard that prioritises human ego over canine welfare. Just because a dog can do something does not mean they should.
Consideration for Others
Leashs are not just for your dog’s safety but for the safety and comfort of others. Not everyone wants to be approached by an off-leash dog, no matter how “well-behaved” they are. Other dogs may be nervous or reactive, and an off-leash dog can be incredibly stressful for them. A leash acts as a clear signal to others that your dog is under control, setting boundaries and ensuring a respectful space for everyone.
Responsible Dog Ownership Means Using a Leash
As dog owners, our first responsibility is to our dog’s safety and well-being. A leash is not a sign of poor training – it is a sign of responsible ownership. No amount of training can account for every unpredictable moment in a busy environment.
If you truly want to show off your training skills, do so in a safe and appropriate setting; one where your dog is not at risk, and where their well-being is prioritised over making a statement. Let’s normalise keeping dogs on a leash in high-traffic areas and push back against the dangerous trend of off-leash walking in busy urban spaces.
Because at the end of the day, no “training flex” is worth risking a dog’s life.