letting dogs run free  

In a rural area, I don't see anything wrong with letting dogs run free. But in a residential, more city-like area, they need to be kept on leashes. We live in a small town, and since we have a privacy fence and big yard, we let our dog run back there. The only time I usually take her for a walk is when I go to meet the school bus in the afternoon.

I'll also let her walk with me to the mailbox, or to take the garbage out. She's a really good dog, and doesn't run off. But, past the point of my driveway, yes, I will put her on a leash. Even though we live on a dead-end street, we still get some traffic, and my cat has already been killed by a car on our street. I don't want the same thing happening to my dog.

I'm all for letting dogs roam free and enjoy themselves and others to enjoy them, but not aggressive dogs.

I don't think dogs should be allowed to run free. For one reason, people can be cruel and may cause harm to your animal, especially if your dog is in their garabge or something like that. I also don't agree with keeping your dogs outside tied up. I have 5 dogs and they are never chained. They are in the house most of the time and when they do go out they have a fenced in yard to run around in.

I agree with brendalee. I live in a city, and I have an escape artist dog who lets herself out of the backyard, goes for a walk around the block and then scratches to let herself in.

Everytime she goes missing I worry even though she always comes back, and has never been injured.

Dogs don't think the way that humans do. They weren't taught to look both ways before crossing the street and thus I see more dead dogs on the sides of city streets than I should ever have to see.

There are also a lot of really cruel, dumb, mean-spirited people in the world that aren't interested in playing with or petting your dog when he's out on his own. I know of several stories where stray dogs (and cats) have been picked up, tortured and killed and never return home. My pets are my kids, I'm not going to take that chance.

My parents have 2 Golden Retrievers on their farm, but the dogs only ever wander across the road to the field to go chase birds or when someone is going dirtbiking, 4-wheeling or horseback riding and they come along from the run. They're still not allowed to linger on the road, and picked that up pretty quick, but it's also a very quiet road and all the neighbours know to drive slow since dogs, kids, horses and cattle can be on the road at any given time.

Absolutly not!
There are dogs in my area that people allow to roam free. On 6 different occasions they have come onto my property. Attacked my dog for no reason. My dog is on his lead chain, the dogs come up and begin to attack and kill him. Other times they have tried to attack myself and my toddler. Although thease animals have been put down every time it happens, there are MORE dogs who do this.

There are just as many friendly dogs who wander into my yard and play with my dog. Some i know, others i dont. But i wont trust them, Would you trust them after one tried to attack your 3 year old son?

They get into trash, eat it, strew it around the yard, I chase them off, call animal control... but there isnt much else i can do. Many times thease animals are starving because their owners dont care enough to take care of them. They come here looking for food.
Get out and enjoy the world? Most dogs would starve to death rather quickly.

Dogs should be free to roam in a safe place. Care should be taken in such a way it does not bite anyone while roaming free. Generally it depands on the nature of the dog.

It depends on the breed of dog and where they are living. We have 2 huskies and they are never off lead. They have a mind of their own and would take off running and never come back. We live in a semi-rural area. There are sheep and cattle and horses that they would just love to meet and greet. That can never happen, their prey instinct is way too strong.
I think the dogs should be walked on leads. If they are trained and will return on command, then they could be off lead but be mindful of those around them. They should stay out of other people's property.
I would be afraid that the dogs would get run over. The way some people drive they couldn't stop in time to avoid hitting an animal. Beside the dogs shouldn't be able to chase birds, or other dogs or even kids.
I think on lead is best. If you are out in an open field with no livestock, then that would be different. Just make sure they listen to you.