Free Range Dogs

For some owners, this seems like the simplest part of raising a dog. Open door, release the hound. And not always in a designated dog area, or fenced yard either. Dogs running at large in the neighbourhood are a problem for everybody it seems, except the owner of the dog running loose. Being a responsible owner also includes being a good neighbour, and making sure that your dog is too.

Free-range dogs represent a lot of trouble. They scare children and other adults who are unable to tell if the dog is friendly or aggressive, they fight with other dogs who may be secured in their own yards, but that does not prevent the loose dog from entering. Free-range dogs terrorize cats and other small wildlife (although cats should not free range any more than dogs).

Owners under the misconception that "everybody likes my dog, they know he/she is friendly" seem to be the biggest offenders. Or the excuse that "it is cruel to keep a dog tied up, he should be free". Owners who simply do not care are the most frustrating of them all. If you do not care about what happens to your dog, why do you have one in the first place?

What Your Dog can Catch if He Runs Loose Parasites run rampant in the outside world. While a safely contained pet may still contract internal and external parasites, his chances are much less than a dog who runs free in the neighbourhood or wilderness.

Infectious Diseases While a properly vaccinated dog has some immunity from infectious diseases, there is still a possibility of contracting a fatal disease. Free-range are at the highest risk, mainly from other dogs, but also from resident wildlife. Dogs who roam at will are also rarely up to date on vaccinations.

Aggravated People If your dog runs loose, it is almost garuanteed that he has irritated another person, be it homeowner, pedestrian, or driver. Some of the worst cases of animal abuse stem from people who have reached the ends of their tempers regarding roaming dogs.

If you are one the owners who think that it is cruel to confine your dog, I do hope that after reading these pages, you'll rethink that line of compassion, and keep your pet safely on a leash, in a fence, or in the house.

Free Range Dogs
Part 1: The Perils of Letting Your Dog Roam Loose in the Neighbourhood. Part 2: http://dogs.about.com/library/weekly/aa090102b.htmParasites Your Dog can Catch if He Runs Loose Part 3: Infectious Diseases Part 4: Aggravated People