Ditch the Poop Bags dangling from your pet's leash!

Hello smart people who love their dogs.

Please, please oh please ditch the poop bags dangling from your pet's leash. Yes, it's convenient and the little hydrant bobbling about is oh so cute. And, your dog hates it.

In the old days a leash was just a leash. We used it to protect, control and train our pets. It was a six foot length of smooth, usually of leather or cotton, material that did one job.

Now, our leashes are fashion statements that proclaim our association with an alma mater and tote along poop bags, car keys, GPS and perhaps Chapstick. Let's think of this from your pet's point of view.

When you bend to pet, talk to or reward your dog Bang! the pooch is smacked in the head with the cute lil' hydrant. Soon, the dog learns the cue of you leaning down telegraphs a smack is coming, or, it's now time to duck the hydrant. Over time, and not much of that, the dog is wary of a bend or a pet.

Let's think of our pets who depend on us to make wise decisions based on their needs as animals. Poop bags do not belong on leashes.

That's why God made pockets.

Yours in being considerate to dogs

Sue Myles PhD