Running Free ... Is it always the best?

(Note: It's a year later. I never did post this blog last year. And, now, I have additional information. The area in question is used as an off-leash park by the locals near Bah-Harbor. Question answered ...)


Yesterday on our hike back from Jordan Pond (Acadia National Park) we cut through a piece of privately owned land that is open to people hiking and horses. (Both Willow and Spirit were on lead.). There are no signs prohibiting dogs and a prominent sign encouraging people to pick up dog poop.

At one point we took Spirit and Willow off lead to romp in a couple of big fields. They had a blast...

Running was fun. Rolling in horse poop was even better...

We did this when no other dogs (or horses) were around. When other dogs were sighted, we called the dogs and had them on lead next to us. So, here's where the black and white part of my value system has a hard time.

Throughout this whole walk we encountered may 20-25 dogs. Not one of whom was on leash. So, I'm guessing this whole area is used as a defacto off-leash park. By and large the dogs were well socialized and very appropriate in their greetings. However, it gave me a moments (or, more like 30 minutes) pause. Some people asked if their dogs could meet mine; most did not ask. Two people asked and, when I said, "no," they absolutely could not call theirs dogs away from mine. One dogs alarm barked in Spirit's face. (She was sitting next to me.)

So, I am torn. I love letting my dog's off leash and do it fairly regularly. However, I only have a 98% recall. So, is it worth the risk? (I say 98% because I know that at a certain distance to dog/distance to me ratio, my dogs would go to the other dog first.)

And, I felt really judged when people looked at me when I asked that their dogs not come over. No, my dogs aren't aggressive; no, they aren't dangerous. I would just like to keep them safe.

Last night I spent time judging (and even posted on Facebook) about those folks with off-leash dogs. But, I am the same in some ways at some time.

So, where does that leave me? (Aside from judging because I felt judged.)

I'm thinking (right now) that I probably won't hike that way again as I don't want to put my dogs in a potentially bad situation. (And, I don't want to hike them off leash.). But, I do want them to be able to enjoy their off-leash time in the woods and fields, when safe.

Seems to be another case of just make the best decision that I can in the moment given the circumstances.

Anyone else have a thought?

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