I just hate it when I am walking along in a public park and someone's dog bursts out and comes running up. It is always a large dog, usually a shepherd or other guard type dog. 15 minutes later here comes the owner. Dog was having so much fun and he's harmless! yeah. And then yak yak yak about how the dog is really having a great time pawing us, while we do our best to protect our small dog who is on the leash. Its always some kind of rough neck who would own that kind of dog in the first place -- so happy with their big over powering dog. What a fun meet up. Good times!

See - this is the thing, why is this any more dangerous than a dog park? I just want a giant wooded dog-park. where there are rules and everyone is on the same page. I guess this just doesn't and won't exist...

Anonymous wrote:I'm not going to name places but if you ask around dog parks and hit some of the off-beaten paths, there are a large number of places that meet what you are looking for.

I'm not naming them in fear of the anti-dog folks who would immediately call the state, county, federation, etc to get them policed.

OP, I'm a true dog lover but can't imagine taking your kids to some off-beaten paths and places where you could encounter other off-leash dogs (who may not be well-trained). Sounds like a big safety issue for all of you.

I get why there are leash laws! Read the original post again - I'm looking for a place where people can avoid me/my dog when she is off-leash and where I can be a little relaxed knowing other people and dog owners all understand that's a possibility at this park.

So far, it appears the answer is, formally no, and people don;t think anyone will change the rules anywhere to allow for this.

My neighbor told everyone down our street her dog was the kindest, sweetest, most lovable dog, never even barked. She repeatedly took the dog walking without a leash and knew there could be a fine of $350 imposed should she be caught. She swore up and down HER dog was like no other. He was almost human, kind of shy.

Then he bit a little girl playing in her own backyard after escaping his yard and crawling under the neighbor's fence.

It cost the dog lady $10,000, she nearly had her dog put down and she is no longer allowed to walk that dog without a leash. She also had to put signs on her fence stating Beware of Dog.

THIS is why there are leash laws.

Try the dog park in Glen Carlyn park - Arlington.

I'm curious as to your opinion, op, as to why these leash laws exist to begin with. Why do you think they exist?

Anonymous wrote:Sorry OP, looks like you aren't getting helpful feedback by the friendly pet forum folks. I'm sure they do exist, but not by the uptight DCUM crowd. Good luck!

We were attacked in such an area. Off leash would have been a tragedy. On leash was a dive into scrub by me and my very large lab -scratches, poison ivy. There are more aggressive breeds now commonplace in nice places.

I'm not going to name places but if you ask around dog parks and hit some of the off-beaten paths, there are a large number of places that meet what you are looking for.

I'm not naming them in fear of the anti-dog folks who would immediately call the state, county, federation, etc to get them policed.

OP, nothing like you propose currently exists. However, there are plenty of parks around -- mostly long, thin "stream valley" parks where there are trails and creeks, but no playgrounds or picnic areas -- where you can walk your dog off-leash, where others walk their dogs off-leash, and where no animals are killed, no people are attacked, and no dog riots break out. Use Google Earth to find some of these near your house, and obviously try to go at off-peak times. Fortunately, I have a flexible job and take my dog on hikes in these types of places midmorning during workdays. I've never -- not ever -- been yelled at for having her off-leash by the few people we've encountered. Btw, I wonder how many people who say "don't let your dog off-leash, it's against the law" drive over 55 mph on the beltway?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is why, if this is something that would benefit dog owners and non-dog owners alike - since there will definitely be people who thwart the law - why is this an awful idea?

It will not benefit non-dog owners. Currently, the vast majority of dogs are on leash in all parks. The few violators can be reported/fined/etc. Under your proposed idea, non-dog owners lose a park to safely walk in. There will still be the same number of people breaking the laws in existing parks.

It won't happen. Open space is too precious here for people to "give up" an existing hiking area.

hmm. Do people agree? Should I just put the idea to rest?

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is why, if this is something that would benefit dog owners and non-dog owners alike - since there will definitely be people who thwart the law - why is this an awful idea?

It will not benefit non-dog owners. Currently, the vast majority of dogs are on leash in all parks. The few violators can be reported/fined/etc. Under your proposed idea, non-dog owners lose a park to safely walk in. There will still be the same number of people breaking the laws in existing parks.

It won't happen. Open space is too precious here for people to "give up" an existing hiking area.

What I don't get is why, if this is something that would benefit dog owners and non-dog owners alike - since there will definitely be people who thwart the law - why is this an awful idea?

Yeah - thanks PP. But I live in DC and don't have $5M to spend soo...

What you're asking for, PP, is a giant 100 acre dog park like they have in the midwest where land is cheap. You aren't going to get that here.