Can you walk a dog without a leash?

Introduction

Walking a dog is an essential daily activity, both for the physical and mental health of our four-legged friends. But one question often arises among owners: can you walk a dog off-leash? From legislation to safety, canine behavior, and best practices, this article offers a comprehensive overview of when, how, and why you should (or shouldn't) consider off-leash walking.

What do the regulations say about walking off-leash?

A question of local legislation

In most countries, laws regarding off-leash dogs vary by region, city, and type of public space . Therefore, it is essential to check with your local municipality, wildlife department, or local government.

In general, here are the most common trends:

• Dogs must be kept on a leash in streets, undedicated public parks and busy places .

• Some natural spaces, forests or beaches allow freedom under conditions.

• Many cities implement designated off-leash areas (also called dog parks or off-leash areas ).

🔍 Tip: Before each walk, check the signs or the website of the city concerned.

Dogs subject to special restrictions

Even in authorized areas, certain dogs cannot legally be off-leash, including:

• Dogs classified as aggressive or dangerous .

• Dogs that have already shown risky behavior.

• Unidentified dogs (without chip or collar).