Hey Lakeville Dog Parents (and Everyone Else) - Let's Talk About This New Leash Law

Okay, so you've probably heard the chatter about Lakeville's new leash law by now. Maybe you're rolling your eyes thinking "great, another rule to follow." Or maybe you're secretly relieved because you've had one too many encounters with off-leash dogs while you're just trying to enjoy a peaceful walk.

I get it. Both sides.

Look, I've been the dog owner whose "friendly" pup bounded up to someone who clearly wasn't having it... and I've also been the jogger who had to dodge an excited Golden Retriever at 6 AM when I'm barely awake, let alone ready for surprise dog encounters.

Here’s the ordinance.

The city isn't trying to ruin your dog's life - promise. They're just asking us to be more intentional about where and how our furry family members get to be... well, furry family members.

The basic rule? Dogs need to be leashed in public. I know, I know - your dog is "different" and "perfectly trained" (mine was too, until that squirrel incident we don't talk about).

But here's the thing they're being pretty reasonable about it. You can use up to a 25-foot leash, which is actually pretty generous. That's a lot of sniffing territory.

The part that might catch you off guard: When someone walks within 100 feet of you and your dog, you need to call your pup back and keep them close until that person gets about 100 feet away again.

Now... I'll be honest, this felt a bit much when I first read it. Like, am I supposed to carry a measuring tape? But when I really thought about it, it makes sense. Some people have had bad experiences with dogs. Some kids are scared. Some folks are just trying to get their steps in without worrying about whether that approaching dog is friendly or not.

Here's where it gets interesting - the city isn't just laying down the law and walking away. They're actually giving us MORE places where our dogs can run free.

Seven spots total where your dog can be off-leash:

Year-round parks:

Seasonal areas at the rinks (March through November, when it's not ice skating season):

And get this - they're actually investing in making these areas better. New signs so you know where you can let Rover loose, more trash cans (because we all know that feeling of frantically searching for somewhere to throw away that poop bag), and doggy bag dispensers right there when you need them.

In those off-leash areas, your dog needs to be under "voice control." Which sounds fancy but really just means they should come when you call them. You know... eventually. Within a reasonable amount of time. Before they cause an international incident.

If your dog is still working on the whole "coming when called" thing (looking at you, teenage dogs who suddenly develop selective hearing), these areas are perfect for practice. Just keep them leashed until they've got it figured out.

I've lived here long enough to see both sides of this. There's nothing quite like trying to have a picnic with your toddler when an overly enthusiastic dog decides your sandwich looks interesting. But there's also nothing like the joy on your dog's face when they get to really run.

This law is basically saying "hey, let's all be a little more considerate." Keep your dog close when other people are around, but here are some great places where they can be dogs.

It's like... designated party zones for dogs. Everyone knows what to expect where.

Change is hard. Especially when it involves our pets, who are basically family members with four legs and questionable decision-making skills.

But honestly? Most of us who are responsible dog owners were already doing most of this stuff anyway. We were keeping our dogs close around other people, cleaning up after them, making sure they weren't bothering anyone who didn't want to be bothered.

This just makes it official. And gives us some really great spaces where our dogs can be their full, unleashed selves.

Take a weekend and check out those off-leash areas with your pup. See which ones work for your dog's personality and your schedule. Some dogs love the chaos of a big open area with lots of other dogs... others prefer a quieter spot where they can sniff every single blade of grass in peace.

And hey, if your dog's recall needs work? No shame in that game. We've all been there. Use this as motivation to practice those commands. Your future self (and other park-goers) will thank you.

Look, nobody loves new rules. But this one's trying to make things better for everyone - dog people and non-dog people alike.

And honestly? Having clear rules means less awkward encounters where nobody's sure what's okay and what isn't. Now we all know exactly where dogs can run free and where they need to stick close to their humans.

That's not the worst thing that could happen to our community. Actually... it might just make things a little bit better for all of us.