Discussion: Rat terriers in forest preserves

I know you cheesheads love your animals, but is it really legal to run dogs off-leash in forest preserves?

You should have come down for the 10k trail run at Herrick Lake this morning. A small field, beautiful course through the 'oak openings' and if you could have run a 45, a podium finish!

When there is no one around...hell yes, I do carry a small rope with me when I go in case I would happen to run into someone. Nothing like a dog free to run with out a collar around his/ her neck. I feel sorry for dogs that don't get to run free...at least fir a little bit.

I am still getting my base back.

Ratlum Mt is a good leash-free zone. Our dog always gets excited if we put a leash on her because it means we are going someplace else.

Both you guys live in open countryside...a great place to own a dog.

What gripes me are the thousands of dog owners who live in the congested city and also want to own dogs. And they fail to control their dogs, allowing them, even on those 'extendable' leashes to run all over the sidewalk, and nip at the legs of passing runners.

Used incorrectly, those 25' extendable leashes are as good as running free...and a good way for dog owners to get around leash laws.

I am not sure why anyone in a city that has to walk their dog 4 times a day with no yard would own a dog. But I am glad they do, just pity a poor dog that never gets to run free. I always run her with my rope in my hand just in case of course. If anyone happens to come towards us, I tell her to sit and put leash on and unhook when we are past them. I tend not to take her to crowded places.
That's just me.

Most dogs are treated like prisoners, ranging from minimum security to solitary confinement. A dog that gets to run free is super lucky. Still, I'm nervous when I meet an unleashed dog on my runs -most are fine, but have been bitten, right after the human says, don't worry, she's really friendly. well, maybe it was just a friendly play bite, who knows.

Well if the dog's bite breaks the skin and draws blood, you should get name and address of owner...or call cops. Tetanus is nothing to risk getting. And the dog doesn't necessarily have to show symptoms for the disease to be transmitted.

Have you had your tetanus booster shot within the last ten years?

Always carry a big stick when push comes to shove - just having one in hand can work wonders. Use it if the dog has earned it. In the old days when dogs were just let out the door (incl mine), I'd resort to pretending to pick up a stick when none were readily available & that usually gave cause for pause.

Yes i know dogs can be problems, but its usually the owners fault anyway.
My dog is more afraid of others then an aggressor. Like I said I dont take my dog if there are signs of lots of people, usually deserted trails that I know are not busy.
if not I have her on her rope leash and thats no fun for either of us.