r/Glasgow Tools

>Your dog is your responsibility, and you're legally obliged to keep it under control.

Just to emphasise this point. In Scots Law it specifically mentions under control "by whatever means necessary". So for the majority of people that is via leash. For others, it could be a muzzle, long line, short line, retractable lead, walking to heel etc.

I personally have noticed a change in behaviour both in people and in dogs since Covid restrictions started. For me, I started to keep the dog on the leash a lot more as the local paths and shared ways become much busier as people enjoyed a daily outing. I did not mind that at all as it is about respect and seeing more people out being healthy is only a good thing. But a negative effect is that as we did not have people around for months at a time, and then only in the garden, is that our dog's behaviour around people and possessions and other dogs has changed. It is hard to judge how they will react in circumstances which only a few years ago he would be relaxed and calm. It's a real shame, and we can work on it, but in the meantime as a responsible dog owner, I concur with everything that you are saying.

>If you're lucky enough, and disciplined enough, to have a dog that will stick by your side and follow your commands when off the lead in a public place, good for you. If not, keep your dog on a bloody lead.