Every Fourth of July, we observe American Independence Day. As we celebrate our country’s well-deserved freedom, many pet parents are also thinking about how their furkids deserve to be free too, enjoying the great outdoors off the leash. 

Going on-leash and off-leash have their own advantages and disadvantages. Before you decide on which is the right one for your furry buddy, let’s understand the pros and cons first. 

Off-leash  

Seeing your furkid freely exploring his surroundings to his heart’s content is fun to watch. You can search for parks or areas near you that allow dogs to roam around freely with a companion. Doing so allows your dog to use all his pent-up energy and makes him feel more relaxed as soon as you reach home.  

However, your dog will need lots of training first before you let him go off-leash. As our furries can be somewhat unpredictable, you as the pet parent must be responsible to keep your dog safe and well-behaved, especially towards other dogs and humans. 

On-leash

leash furbaby

Putting your furkid on a leash may somewhat restrict his freedom to roam and run around. But there’s a number of good reasons why you should. Here are some of them: 

– It’s the law. Each state in the US has its own dog leash law being implemented. As a responsible pet parent, you should be aware of them. Or if ever you’re planning to take your furkid with you somewhere else, know what the area’s requirements are for dogs. 

 You can protect your dog. Having a leash gives you a better sense of control over your furkid. You can easily protect him from traffic and unrestrained animals. It is also easier to stop him from sniffing or eating random things he sees on the road. 

– Leash training makes an obedient and well-behaved dog. It’s a great pleasure to walk with a well-trained and obedient dog. It gives you peace of mind that your furkid knows when and how to behave outdoors. 

Leash or no leash, your furkid’s happiness and safety is your primary concern as pet parent. You can ask your veterinarian about which is the right one for your dog. Just make sure that you learn and follow your state’s dog laws to avoid unnecessary troubles. 

 

Want more pet parenting tips like this? Here are some litter box training tips for cats. 

Keep your furkids properly nourished! Learn more about meat- and meal-based pet foodhigh protein diet, and overnutrition. Also, check Wishbone’s nutritious gourmet recipes for dogs and cats. 

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