It is a bylaw to be walking a dog on public access without a leash. If you take a few steps into the ditch though, I don’t think they can do anything. I have always had dogs and although people do become irritated when they see an animal walking without a leash they must understand that some animals are capable of being trained to heal, left, right, stop, okay, sit, stay, shake a paw, high five, and fetch a beer. Nevermind is also a great one word comand that I have found efficient when a dog has distraction issues with other animals and people. I Had a dog once that would not leve my side and although she was trained on a leash, once she was a few years old she wasn’t. On the otherhand, she was trained with other very well behaved dogs and in a larger city so the stop comand was understood to her as being for her safety at crosswalks etc.
Also as far I understand the field across from the old high school on second avenue has been allocated as a safe place to play fetch or whatever with your dog/s off the leash. All animals have their own personalities so be cautious introducing them (Even more when on the leash).
I beleive that a dog is more protective when on a leash because the leash is more of a possesion or control device for the dog. I do walk my dog on a leash and occassionally a muzzle (I’ve had STUPID people see my dog and stick there hands in her face), but I enjoy running my Husky cross down Cokato/Morrisey or putting on the snow shoes and trudging up through the provincial park. Living in West Fernie has it’s benefits as well, and I think my dog has actually been happier being able to socialize with and run in a pack with the other dogs enjoying the same freedom. She comes home when called and avoids the roads (most of the time- So slow down you speed demons).
canatedian
