The Ongoing Frustration of Off-Leash Dogs in Public Spaces

There’s an unspoken frustration that many responsible dog owners and trainers share, and it usually comes with hearing the words, “Don’t worry—he’s friendly!” as a dog charges toward them, off-leash, in a public space. While that may bring a smile to the off-leash dog's owner, it rarely feels harmless to the people (and dogs) on the receiving end.

Let’s be clear: Arizona has a leash law. Unless you're in a designated off-leash area, dogs are legally required to be leashed in public. These laws exist for good reason: safety, accountability, and mutual respect. Choosing to ignore them isn't just inconsiderate—it's illegal.

Not All Dogs Want to Say Hello

It’s easy to forget that not every dog wants social interaction, especially with unfamiliar dogs. Many dogs are in training, recovering from trauma, or simply uncomfortable in public settings. A seemingly friendly off-leash dog running up to them can spark fear, trigger defensive behavior, or cause serious setbacks in their progress.

We recently witnessed exactly that. One of our clients was out with her fearful dog practicing socialization exercises inside a pet-friendly store. The goal was to build confidence and reinforce calm behavior around people and animals. Unfortunately, another customer in the store chose to let his two dogs off leash “because they’re friendly.” They ran directly at our client’s dog, who immediately went into panic mode. What should have been a small victory in confidence-building turned into a setback that will take time and work to recover from. The emotional toll on the dog—and her handler—was completely avoidable.

Leashes Are Not Just Tools—They’re Boundaries

A leash doesn't just provide physical control; it’s a boundary that communicates safety to the dog and predictability to the environment. It tells others, “My dog is with me, and I respect your space.” Off-leash dogs remove that boundary without consent. That’s the problem.

There’s a time and place for off-leash freedom—but public sidewalks, stores, parking lots, parks without a designated dog run, or trailheads that prohibit it are not that place.

“But My Dog Is Trained Off-Leash...”

We hear this often. And even if that’s true, that argument still doesn’t override the law—or the responsibility we owe each other as part of a shared community. A perfectly trained dog can still be unpredictable in the wrong moment. Wildlife, loud noises, a reactive dog, or simply curiosity can cause even the most reliable dog to ignore recall commands. That’s not a risk others should be forced to take.

Additionally, when someone sees an off-leash dog behaving well, they may assume it’s okay to try it themselves without the same level of training, knowledge, or control. That creates a chain reaction of poor decisions and greater risk for everyone.

Let’s Be Better

It’s time to stop romanticizing off-leash freedom in the wrong settings. It’s not about whether your dog is “nice” or “just wants to say hi.” It’s about creating a respectful and safe public space for everyone—human and canine alike.

So, leash up. Respect leash laws. And remember that the world isn’t your private dog park.