A runner’s plea to dog owners

#Middlebury #Dogs #Runners

DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I witnessed an incident on my morning run that illustrated the reason why dogs need to be on a leash at all times in residential areas. A runner ahead of me on the side of the road approached a dog owner and his Collie ambling along the sidewalk. The owner had unfastened the dog’s leash so that it could explore ahead.

The dog seemed calm, but as the runner drew near to them, it suddenly bristled, snarled and then leaped at the runner. Before the owner could grab the dog’s collar, the runner was bitten on her cheek and hand. The injuries were serious enough to require stitches.

There is no excuse for an owner to allow their dog off the leash except where it’s expressly permitted, such as dog parks. Even when an owner has trained their dog to respond to verbal commands, the command might not be given fast enough to stop the dog.

Runners are attractive targets to many dogs. As we run past, a dog may take our movements as a signal to chase.

I have two dogs myself. They’re both too old to run with me now, but in their younger days, I frequently took them with me – both on a leash. They’ve always responded quickly to verbal commands, but I do not rely on those alone to keep them from darting into traffic or annoying other runners.

Please tell your readers to keep the leashes on their dogs. It keeps others safe, it keeps the dogs safe, and it protects owners from legal issues. It’s also the law. – Rick in Dracut, Massachusetts

DEAR RICK: You told them, and I thank you. Readers, take heed and keep your dogs on a leash and under your control when outdoors.

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