The importance of keeping your dog on a leash

In Quebec, keeping your dog on a leash in public places is not just a matter of courtesy: it is a legal obligation . This rule aims to guarantee the safety of everyone, humans and animals, and to promote harmonious cohabitation. But too many owners continue to let their dog loose in public places. Cases that can represent a real danger.

Quebec law in brief

Law 12 8 stipulates that a dog must be kept on a leash, except in two specific cases: when it is in a dog exercise area or when it is participating in an authorized canine activity. The leash must have a maximum length of 1.85 meters, in order to maintain adequate control while providing some freedom to the animal.

For dogs weighing 20 kg or more, an additional measure applies: the leash must be attached to a harness or halter. This provision aims to better distribute the force exerted by the dog, reducing the risk of injury to the animal and ensuring better control for the owner.

A question of security for all

Keeping your dog on a leash is first and foremost a public safety measure. Even a well-trained dog can be destabilized by an unforeseen situation: a sudden noise, a child running towards it or another animal crossed on its path. A leash allows the owner to react quickly and prevent accidents such as bites, falls or conflicts.

Respect others and avoid conflicts

Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Some people may be afraid, have allergies, or simply prefer to keep their distance. Leashing your dog shows that you respect these people. It also limits the risk of unexpected interactions, such as a dog jumping on someone or approaching another animal without invitation.

Protecting your own dog

Public places present many dangers for an unleashed dog: road traffic, toxic substances, or interactions with wild or stray animals. A leash, especially when combined with a harness, helps keep your companion safe.

Insufficient recall quality

Too many dogs do not master recall well. There are no official statistics, but according to many dog trainers, the majority of dogs they meet do not always come back when their owners call them, especially if there is a lot of stimulation around.

According to Simonne Raffa, founder of De Main de Maître (now Évolution Canine) and canine behavior consultant: “I believe it is important to speak in terms of relative and absolute, that is to say that the majority of dogs have a recall command that they know, but that it is relative to certain contexts. The absolute is impossible to have in terms of behaviors. People are very insensitive to the natural tendency of our dogs to be poor generalizers and very good at making choices that are advantageous for themselves.”

This is why it is essential to keep your dog on a leash in public places: because no one can guarantee that their dog will definitely return in the event of an emergency or problem.

Respect the law and avoid sanctions

In Quebec, failure to comply with these rules can result in fines. More than just an obligation, these measures reflect a desire to ensure harmonious and safe cohabitation between citizens and their pets. By respecting the law, owners also participate in improving the image of dogs in public spaces.

An educational and preventive gesture

Keeping your dog on a leash is also an educational opportunity. Walking on a leash helps reinforce calm and obedient behaviors, while promoting communication between owner and pet. With a harness or halter, the dog learns to stay close without pulling, making outings more enjoyable for everyone.

IMPORTANT! Here’s what can happen when a dog is not leashed :

Even if your dog is very sociable, there is always the risk of an incident or bad encounter. Leashing your dog allows him to stay safe and ensures the safety of others. Be responsible.

Useful information:

• Do you need to work on recall with your dog? Don’t hesitate to consult a dog trainer certified by rqiec.com
• Valuable information as well as very comprehensive workshops on canine behavior are available on evolutioncanine.ca

You may also be interested in these articles:

Practical guide to improving your dog’s recall
How to Manage Leash Reactivity in My Dog
Most Common Mistakes New Pet Owners Make

Need help? Our animal behavior team offers dog classes!

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