I only walk my dog on the lead as he will run off to any dog he sees approaching. He is non aggresive but other dogs always "go" for him. The other reason is that he once chased a ball into the road and got hit by a car resulting in a very badly broken leg.

My concern is that I now work during the day and my Father walks my dog. He lets Bruce (my dog) off the lead against my wishes and then recounts how Bruce has run off to other dogs and not come back when called. His justification for this is that Bruce is happier being "free" off the lead.

The thought of my dog being hurt or my father getting into a confrontation makes me literally feel sick...

Am I over-reacting and being too concerned for Bruce or do you think I am right to want him on the lead at all times when out?

Any feedback or advice will be appreciated.
Thankyou,
Scott.

Scott

Does your dad walk him on the street without a lead or at the park?  If he is letting him off near roads, then you will have to be straight and tell your dad that you would rather he'd not walk him at all than put his life at risk.  It would be better for you to walk him in the evening than have all this worry when you're at work.  Perhaps your dad could just come in and feed him or let him out during the day.  How about taking Bruce to a training class where you could practice some obedience and try and train him not to run away when he sees other dogs.  Maybe, if you let him off at a park or playing field and took some treats and praised and treated him everytime you called him and he came back (just as you were going along, not when other dogs were in sight),he might become better at not running off.  I would always put my dog on a lead if I saw another dog coming toward me, whatever size or breed, as you never know what temperament they have and avoiding confrontation is always the best policy.  I hope your dad understands Scott.

Charly

He's your dog, so you should make the rules. If Bruce doesn't have a recall then it really is irresponsible for him to be let off the lead, not only could he get hurt himself, but he could also cause an accident if he runs into the road, which could result in people being hurt and hefty compensation claims. My family have only just started letting my dogs off lead when they take them out (which isn't often.) My mum is always terrified of them not coming back or getting hurt, and although they are good as gold (99 % of the time) she only lets them off in the field next to my house. However if i said not to they certainly would respect my wishes, becuase they are my dogs and i know them best. Could your father not use a long line or extending lead if it makes him happier?

I never let anyone walk my dog except me or my partner because he's too difficult and runs away if he sees other dogs.  Even if it means he can't be walked all day. Dogs that won't recall really need to be on the lead at all times.

If your dad can't be trusted to do as you ask then I would just walk the dog before you go to work and walk him as soon as you get home.  At least you know he will be safe.  The dog might be happier running free but he won't be happier if he gets into dangerous situations.  And its the best for your dad too, he'd never forgive himself if something happened to the dog most likely.

Hope you resolve the problem :)

CG

parents sigh!!!!
my parents walk the girls ON THE LEAD but arent allowed to walk flynn cos hes too much for them.
they know id go totally spare if anything happened to my dogs when they are in charge so have scared them to keeping them on the lead!
BTW they have plenty of free running when out with me

I can understand your dilemma, Scott.  You're grateful to your dad that he's taking Bruce out when you're at work but you're anxious that something awful will happen if Bruce is off lead.  Your dad sounds like a really nice man wanting Bruce to enjoy a free run but unfortunately he isn't seeing the downside. 

You need to get across to him how much you appreciate him walking Bruce but that you really are worried about what could happen once the lead is off.

It would be a real shame for both Bruce and your dad if the  present arrangement had to be stopped. Hope you can work something out.

Thankyou for all the kind and wise messages.  I think the situation has been resolved and he will be on the lead from now on.
It was good of you all to take time to reply...I was very upset last night, and was begining to think it was me being paranoid.
Phew.
Thanks again,
Scott.