[nagdu] Free running (was: Pickup The Poop)

[Debby Phillips]

Hi Lisa, some people do let their dogs free run, some do not.  
Some allow their dogs to go to what we call dog parks, specific 
areas where dogs are allowed to run free, some do not.  Most 
areas in the U.S.  at least, have definite leash laws, (though 
they are not always obeyed).  People are supposed to keep their 
dogs on leash at all times when outside their yards).  I do allow 
mine to free run sometime.  But this is in very specific areas 
and circumstances.  First of all, we have a fenced yard, so at 
times my dog could run free there, once I know that he or she is 
relieving on a fairly consistent schedule.  It's very hard to 
have one dog who is allowed free run, (my retired guide) and 
another one who isn't.  Plus I think it's great for dogs to just 
be able to run and play for short periods of time.  At Seeing Eye 
when I was there getting Neena, there was a play area.  In the 
beginning, we had to be supervised there, but once our 
instructors were sure that the dogs would return to us off leash, 
we were allowed to go there by ourselves for fifteen minute 
periods, because they did not want the dogs to be there longer 
because others wanted to use the area, we were only allowed to 
have one dog in there at a time, and because they did not want 
the dogs to relieve there.  Neena loved playing there.  I would 
stand in a part of the area and throw her kong and she'd run and 
get it, I'd call her to me and she'd give it back-not always 
willingly.  (Smile).  This is great practice for off-leash 
recall, making it a game for the dog to give me what they have in 
their mouth, (important since dogs will often snatch stuff that's 
not good for them).

Other dogs I have had were given freedom as long as my husband or 
another sighted person was there and could tell me what my dog 
was doing.  And then only for brief times, as I did not want my 
dog to feel like running and playing was more fun and exciting 
than working.  Just my thoughts.    Debby