I was talking to my friend on the phone. She was telling me her tale of woe. Their dog, a Mastiff cross, ran out in the road and was hit by a car. They took the dog to the vet and fortunately no permanent harm was done.
But...my friend said this was a discipline issue, so she'd take the dog to obedience class and that would take care of it.
I tried to explain to her that no, it wasn't discipline. Any dog left out of the house on its own might take off. It sees something interesting, or follows a scent. But whatever, you can't just let your dog out of the house with no supervision and expect that it won't run out in the road!
I told her that the dog should either be on a chain, or in a fenced area, but it shouldn't just be put out to run loose.
My friend says I am completely wrong.
I am waiting to hear that this perfectly nice dog has been killed on the road.
Does anyone have any advice how to influence her that this dog cannot run free and not get hurt or killed? I'm really in a knot here. I love my friend, and I love her dog, but really! If you let your dog out to run as it pleases, it will eventually go out on the road!
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Comments: 1
As you said, any number of things can cause a dog to take off. A dog may run off to follow another animal such as a cat or squirrel which darts across the street, to chase a bicycle, etc..
If this happens not only is the dog at risk, but motorists may be as well, if a dog runs in front of an oncoming car.
Another reason why I believe that a secure fenced yard is important is that not only does good fencing keep dogs in, but it also keeps other dogs out, avoiding a possible fight should a strange dog come into the yard.
Obedience classes can be excellent. It depends upon the instructor, and how much the owner of dog follows through with training. In terms of obedience training, I believe strongly that there is nothing more important than a dog learning to come when called. It can save your dog's life. You have to be more interesting than a squirrel, cat, etc.! Of course a recall has no chance of working if a dog is left unattended.
In my opinion, socialization and training are important, but they are not a replacement for a secure enclosure.