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October 2025 www.OverTheHumpSaver.com PAGE 73

PAW’S

CORNER

By Sam Mazzotta

WHY YOUR DOG’S LEASH MATTERS

D EAR PAW’S CORNER: DEAR GARY: Those are great observa- And as you pointed out, poor leash
discipline is a huge safety issue.
tions. It’s not unusual to see owners
Your recent column
who let their dogs pull ahead or wan-
Owners must be able to control
about the dog being
allowed to walk onto a der onto lawns and into shrubbery.
neighbor’s lawn to pee My guess is that most feel their pets their dog. A sturdy, fixed leash is
recommended for walking dogs of all
and poop had me wondering. Why deserve a little freedom. sizes. A retractable leash is helpful at
was this dog not on a leash in the parks where dogs must be leashed
first place? Too often, I see people But dogs need structure and routine. but have space to safely explore. But
in my neighborhood who allow their Halfway leash discipline creates a I don’t recommend them for walking
dogs to run loose in the front yard, half-obedient dog. When you and or training purposes.
with no apparent barrier to them your dog are walking, you are walk-
running into traffic. Too often, I see ing. Not playing, not exploring. COMMENTS
poor leash discipline, with dogs I’m all for allowing dogs to run and Send your questions or pet tips
to ask@pawscorner.com.
pulling far away from owners on a explore -- but the time and place
retractable leash -- too far for them are important. Running free at a dog © 2025 King Features Synd., Inc.
to reel the dog back if they bound park or in a well-fenced yard is OK.
into an intersection. Can you at least Zig-zagging all over the sidewalk and
tell people how to walk their dogs into the street ... not so much.
properly? -- Gary in Atlanta, Georgia