Thinking about other people before you act is the best way to avoid the tension that comes so easily when living packed shoulder to shoulder. Sure, you love watching your dog run free. Sorry, but if you live in the city, running free just isn't an option. First of all, a dog off leash is a dog in danger. You may think you have perfect voice control of your dog but they will all respond in unexpected ways sooner or later.
Few dogs can resist chasing a squirrel that crosses their path, for example.
Loud noises, such as a car backfiring, can trigger an otherwise calm pooch into bolting for cover. Even the sound of waves crashing along the shore can prompt a water-loving dog to a treacherous dip in the lake. The fact is, no matter how well you know your dog, you can't predict his or her actions when startled. And unless your dog is on a leash, he or she could run into a dangerous situation in a fraction of a second. Some people are deathly afraid of dogs.