Paw’s Corner: Think your dog doesn’t need a leash? Think again!

DEAR PAW?S CORNER: On long hikes in the woods behind my house, I let my dog run off leash. Yesterday, a neighbor ran up yelling that I need to put ASkip on a leash, because it?s dangerous for my dog in bear country. I told him where to shove it. What do you think? Carl in Asheville, North Carolina DEAR CARL: This is a sensitive topic for some pet owners, but keeping your pet on leash can keep them safe -- as well as local wildlife, other hikers and their pets. If your dog is well-trained, instantly returns when calls and stays within visual range while you?re hiking, that might be a different matter. However, I have rarely met an owner in the U.S. who trains their dog so well. Your neighbor is right: You?re in black bear country, and while most bears prefer to leave when a big yappy dog bounds into their view, some may get aggressive. What?s even more likely is that your dog will run into another dog out in the woods, or another person. Loose dogs make many people nervous, and an interaction that you consider to be innocent or harmless could cause a lot of grief. Say their dog lunges at your dog, and their owner falls or gets between them. You could be looking at a lawsuit, even if there are no leash requirements in those particular woods. Make life easier for yourself and Skip and keep him on a leash. Reinforce his basic obedience training as well, just in case he escapes your grasp. Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.