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Similarly one may ask, is it okay to let an unfamiliar dog meet your dog?
Before you let your dogs meet, both owners needto agree to let the dogs engage. It's a perfectlyreasonable question to ask the other owner if theirdog is dog friendly. If you are both comfortable withallowing the two dogs to meet, youshould make sure everyone is calm (humans and dogs)and do so with a loose leash.
Correspondingly, should dogs be on leashes?
The law requires that dogs be kept on aleash at all times when on public property. While on privateproperty, dogs must be under control of their owners. Theuse of a leash will benefit you, your neighborhood, and yourpet. There are many good reasons to keep your dog on aleash.
Practice Off-Leash Walking in SafeAreas Before you take your dog on your firstoff-leash hike, practice in a safe location such asan empty dog park or another large, fenced-in area. Practiceoff-leash skills in a variety of situations, such aswhen distracted or with other dogs or peoplenearby.