DOGS: When leash meets politics

On the front page of the D Section, Saturday’s Press, Dec. 6, Jerry Hitchcock explains in some detail how to train your dog for the leash.

Why, I would ask Mr. Hitchcock, would anyone want to train a dog for something that a trained dog doesn’t need? Something of a paradox. A leash, after all, is nothing more than a physical restraint. It may represent control or give the appearance of control. But, in fact, a dog that is properly trained is willingly, even happily, under the control of its master or handler at all times — the kind of control no leash can come close to. She will come when called and come immediately. In mid-pursuit of a cat or a squirrel? Whatever, it doesn’t matter.

She will heel on command and will not so much as step into roadway except in the heel position. She will wait for permission to exit and enter doorways, etc.

Why would anyone even think of leashing a pet like that? Why? Well, because it’s the law, of course. Too bad.

But that’s something else. That’s politics.

DEL CAMERON

Coeur d’Alene