Keep your dog leashed on a sidewalk,street
Ran into a young couple out for a run with their dog completely unleashed. They approached a crosswalk intersection with the dog running alongside them, and my child was nearby.
My child has become quite afraid of dogs after a couple of recent incidents where dogs came close to biting, so I politely asked the woman if they could please leash their dog.
Her response was, “We’re just running.”
I understand they were running and the dog was simply running alongside them, but I found that response pretty arrogant, and oblivious. Being out for a run doesn’t make the leash requirement disappear, and more importantly, you don’t know why someone might be uncomfortable having an unleashed dog approach them, especially a child.
You’re in a public area that isn’t designated off-leash, the leash requirement applies and there are leash bylaws for a reason.
At the end of the day, it’s a pretty simple rule - if you’re not in a designated off-leash area, leash your dog. Being out for a run doesn’t change that. A little consideration for other people goes a long way.