Of course this isn’t a law or even a code!!
It’s just a polite and respectful way to behave around other dog walkers who have to keep their dog on a lead for various reasons.
And a code that more and more dog trainers and behaviourists are trying to endorse to the general dog walking fraternity.
So please try and be considerate to other dog walkers, it might just be that their dog unlike yours is:
- Convalescing from a operation (lead exercise only).
- Partially sighted (needs guidance on a lead).
- A bitch in season.
- Poor recall. (on the lead for safety).
- Reactive towards approaching dogs.
If in doubt why their dog is on the lead?
Be polite and call yours back and pop it on it’s lead to pass.