Why You Shouldn’t Let Your Dog Roam Free

While this may sound commonsense to many, yet many dog owners (including my mom) never heed this advice. Back in their mind, they knew with absolute certainly their dogs will come running home when dinner bell rings. Yes, Fido came back yesterday and today, but will he do likewise when tomorrow comes?

I understand some people allow their dogs roam freely because it is a convenient way to let them get some exercise. To me, these people are irresponsible dog owners and inconsiderate citizens to general public. If my mom is alive and read this post, this would be her hundredth times hearing it from me. Don’t get me wrong, I love my mom dearly. It just that she had this bad habit I could never get it through her until…

Allow me to go on a tangent here.

Mini was an all-white 2 years old Pomeranian, weighted about 4lbs. It is very rare to see such small Pomeranians come by let alone white coat. Though I only met Mini once, I knew instantly she was extremely loyal to my mom (very true to its breed temperament) yet she possessed an inquisitive behavior seen in many terrier breeds.

Just an hour before dinner, mom let Mini out. It wasn’t unusual to let our former dogs run freely in our fenced garden. But when I saw Mini went through a tiny pet door (I never knew we had one, my dad got it built for Mini upon my mom’s request), I went berserk.

“Ma, Mini just ran out of the house!”

Calmly, mom replied, “Don’t worry, she’ll be back before dinner begins. She’s a smart girl.”

“And what’s with that pet door at the gate?” Getting agitated, I asked. “You can’t let her roam free, it’s too dangerous.”, “What if she…”

Mom interrupted. “Née, you worry too much.”

True enough, Mini came back few minutes before dinner. But that didn’t stop me from “preaching” to my mom about the possible danger if she continues this irresponsible behavior.

Eight months later, Dad called to tell me that Mini was stolen. Mom was devastated and couldn’t bring herself to talk to me. Dad suggested on getting another dog to compensate her lost.

“No, Pa! Not until Ma changed her reckless habit.”

“I will. I’ll get Ruby (my parents’ maid) to walk the dog.” Mom finally spoke up using the second extented phone.

One thing my mom and I had in common was that we can’t live our life “happily” without dogs.

“How about a Doberman?” I digressed, “Too big to go through that pet door. Loyal and affectionate. Also it’s good for Ruby since she’s trying to shed off those extra kilos!”

The lesson didn’t end here but long story short. Macho, the Doberman, was stoned by some hooligan kids when he was on a supervised roam in the park. When Macho turned to chase them, one of the kids fell. In return, the kid accused Macho for biting his knee—minor scratches result from his fall.

When big dog do attack kids, they generally don’t head for the knees.

Didn’t want to make matter worse, my parents paid for the young boy’s non-emergency medical fee.

These are just two of the sixteen possible scenarios when you let your dog roam free.

What Might Happen If You Let Your Dog Roam Free?

As victim, your dog might be:

1. Hit by a car, motorcycle, or bicycle. Many are hit-and-run cases.
2. Hurt by skateboarder, rollerblader, or scooter bike.
3. Attacked by other dogs or animals. Dog fights, skunk sting, porcupine quills, or snake bites.
4. Drowned in a nearby river or beach. Most dogs can swim if they have to; sometimes it’s the flowing current or vertical sides of enclosed drains make it difficult for them to climb ashore.
5. Trapped in manhole, quicksand, or in a construction site.
6. Chased and abused by hooligans kids. Dog may unwittingly venture a little further into a rowdy neighborhood.
7. Consumed indigestible items or something toxic. Most dogs by nature are scavengers even though they are well-fed at home. Plus their quest of investigating unfamiliar territories—the possible danger is bottomless. Garbage is one of those places where many harmful things are found.
8. Brought into a shelter, rescue, or SPCA by some nice folks assuming your dog is a stray. This happens when pet dogs don’t have any identification (tag, microchip or tattoo) on them.
9. Stolen or captured by dog-nappers. When it is stolen by regular people, they usually keep the dog for themselves. However for dog-nappers (usually go for purebreds), they do it for profit.
10. Mated by accident. If she isn’t neutered and in heat.

As villain, your dog might:

1. Use your neighbor’s garden or property as a toilet.
2. Urinate at car tires on the streets.
3. Chase the neighbor’s cat.
4. Chase moving vehicles, joggers, or children.
5. Attack preys like squirrels, hares, or birds.
6. Create puppies. If he isn’t neutered.

Do not choose the easy route to exercise your dog. Letting your dog run loose is not safe for him and others. If you don’t have a fenced yard, then walk your dog on-leash. If he doesn’t walk well on-leash, train him. Construct a dog run in your yard if necessary. Just don’t let him roam free.