Response to Hallie and Jenna on "Leashes."

Response #18

In Hallie's blog, she talks about how, before this class, she never really looked at leashes as disturbing or as a way for humans to yet again be superior and in control. She decided there is really no reason to use them since it restricts the animal's freedom and it is obvious the dog knows a leash is being used on him or her. It is hard to argue that dogs are persons when they are on leashes; when they are being pulled one way or another and being restricted to where they can go. This brings up the idea of children on leashes and how disturbing it is to see this taking place. Hallie then brought up the point that we are not as shocked or disturbed to see dogs on leashes as we are children even though dogs are placed somewhere between friend and child. People who leash dogs are trying to control them while people who leash children want to protect them. Jenna then responds to this by saying it is the law to have a dog on a leash but it isn't required for children to be. She points out that having leashes on dogs is hard to get around because it is required but no one deserves to be locked in or controlled in such a way.

Jenna then asked, "Why do we look at child leashes negatively? It is better than seeing a parent who lets their child run way ahead of them while talking to another adult, to me that is abuse. Children need boundaries to keep them safe, at all ages. What do you think?" I think we look at child leashes negatively because it's just so odd to see. It's rare so when we do see it, we are shocked and pin the mother or father as controlling, overprotective, and a bit cruel. Personally, I would never want to be put on a leash, even when I was a child. Seeing parents hold the hand of their children instead of keeping them on leashes is a much more caring gesture. It shows the parents are protecting the child but letting him or her walk on his or her own. When I picture a dog or child on a leash, I see the person holding the leash tugging on it and controlling where the dog or child goes. I understand it is a way to protect a child or animal but it is degrading, in my opinion, even for young children. It's a sign of superiority. Also, when a person calls another person a dog, this is an insult. So when we see children with leashes, we may see this as insulting as well. Even though many people see dogs as family or as persons, it seems as though calling someone a dog is not a nice name. So, we see putting leashes on children as negative.

I would be perfectly content holding the hand of my child or carrying him or her. I don't see the reason for having a leash on a child. To me, it's unnatural and kind of cruel. To the public, it is like treating a child as a dog and a lot of pet owners don't treat their dogs like persons. I understand the reason for leashes on dogs because they can be more dangerous than children. They are more unpredictable and quick. I would encourage not using a leash on a dog whenever a pet owner can but I do understand it is a law that should be followed or else poorly trained and aggressive dogs could really hurt someone or be hurt. I use a leash on my dog to protect him but I think there are other ways to protect children than to leash them.

My question to you is: Would you ever leash your child and do you leash your dog? Why is this? What are the differences between leashing a child and leashing a dog?