Be A Good Neighbor: 10 Good Reasons To Leash Your Dog

Almost every community has a leash law. The law requires that dogs be kept on a leash at all times when on public property. While on private property, dogs must be under the control of their owners. The intent of this law is to protect the health and safety of the public and to protect your pet. The use of a leash will benefit you, your neighborhood, and your pet. There are many good reasons to keep your dog on a leash. 

1. It’s a great good neighbor policy, preventing your dog from trespassing on neighbor’s property during your walk. It also keeps your dog from jumping on people you encounter, ensuring that your dog has the chance of being properly introduced. 

2. Improved companionship. A well trained and leash-obedient dog is a pleasure to walk with. 

3. Walking your pet on a leash will prevent the spread of disease. It is less likely that your dog will be exposed to Parvo or Distemper. A leashed dog can be restrained from sniffing the droppings of other animals. 

4. A leash is commonly referred to as “Your Pet’s Lifeline,” protecting your pet from traffic and unrestrained animals. Accidents or animal bites are greatly reduced when responsible pet owners obey the leash law. 

5. An obedient and well behaved dog is a positive reflection of its owner. 

6. Re-locating your dog into another household is 100% easier if your dog is obedient and leash trained.  

7. It’s a great way to reward your dog. Your dog will immediately respond with a wagging tail the moment he or she sees you holding the leash. 

8. It’s a great identification tool, symbolizing that the dog has an owner, and enabling someone who sees the leash and identification tag attached to the dog’s collar to find you if you and your pet should become separated. 

9. It’s a great relief to wildlife, keeping your dog from chasing squirrels, deer and other wildlife. 

10. It’s the law! The law is in place to protect other members of the public and your pet from injury. 

Be a good neighbor. Be a good friend. Use a leash.

Ways to Prevent Fires in your Home

Accidental house fires remain a serious safety threat to homeowners, renters, and their families. Each year, roughly 3,400 people are killed in home fires or by burn injuries, making them the third-most-common cause of accidental deaths at home. Eight out of 10 fire-related deaths occur at home—the place that is the very embodiment of comfort and security. 

Here are some recommendations to prevent fires in your home:

Cover all unused electrical outlets.

Arrange electrical cords so they neither dangle loosely nor entangle with one another.

Matches, lighters, and all flammable materials should be kept out of the reach of children.

There should be an operational smoke detector installed on every level of your home and

in the hallways leading to the bedrooms. It is an extra precaution to have them installed in

each bedroom. They should be weekly and the batteries replaced every 12 months or less

Set the thermostats on water heaters to between 125 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Formulate an escape plan for every room in your home, with an alternate plan in case the

first option is blocked by fire. Practice these escapes until every member of your family

can perform them automatically

Also follow this important safety checklist to keep your home safe from fire:

Is your heating system in proper working order and inspected for dangerous leaks yearly?

Is there ample air circulation around appliances that are likely to overheat?

Any overloaded circuits, long extension cords runs, too many devices plugged unto one

outlet?

Fireplaces, chimney free of dangerous build ups that could catch on fire?

Protective grate in front of fireplace to prevent sparks, hot logs from rolling into room?

Kitchen oven hood and far clear of greasy build-up that could cause a fire?

Working fire extinguisher in kitchen, basement, garage, auto?

All family members sleep with bedroom door closed to prevent spread of fire, smoke?

All family members practice fire drill, know escape route, designated meeting pace to go

outside?