Does a dog have to be on a leash? Legal obligations, common sense, and good walking practices.

Every dog owner knows this moment: morning, the sun filtering lazily through the leaves, and your dog wagging its tail impatiently at the door. Walking your pet isn't just a physiological need—it's a shared adventure, a time for connection, for observing the world, and for mutual understanding.

But can this freedom be complete? Does a dog really need to be on a leash at all times? Or are there situations in which allowing them some freedom is a greater expression of responsibility?

In this article, we explain what the law says, what rules apply in cities and the countryside, and when letting your dog off the leash can result in a ticket or... a beautiful memory.

Walking your dog is a daily routine for every parent – a time to relax, engage in shared activities, and strengthen your bond. However, before taking your pet for a walk, it's worth asking yourself: do we always need to keep our dog on a leash? Or are there situations when it can be free to roam?

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📜 What does Polish law say? Obligations arising from laws and codes

1. Animal Protection Act

📘 The full text of the Act is available here: Act of 21 August 1997 on the protection of animals (isap.sejm.gov.pl)

In Poland, there is no nationwide, unambiguous regulation requiring dogs to be kept on a leash at all times. However, pursuant to Article 10a, Section 3 of the Animal Protection Act , it is prohibited to let dogs loose without proper control and identification of the owner (e.g., a microchip, collar with identification tag).

That is: a dog can walk without a leash if it is under control and marked .

2. Code of Petty Offences – high fines

📌 See also the latest information on off-leash dog fines: Off-leash dog fine – how much and when can you get it? 2024

📕 Full text available here: Petty Offences Code – consolidated text (isap.sejm.gov.pl)

Article 77 §1 of the Code of Petty Offences clearly states that anyone who does not take ordinary or prescribed precautions when keeping an animal is subject to a fine of up to PLN 1,000, restriction of liberty or a reprimand .

Article 166, in turn, prohibits letting a dog run loose in the forest (unless it is a hunting dog during a hunt). Violation of this provision is punishable by a fine of up to PLN 5,000 .

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🌆 Local regulations – i.e. each municipality can introduce its own rules

1. City of Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw – leash only with control

Many large cities have regulations that govern dog walking. For example, in Warsaw, dogs can be walked off-leash if their owner has full control and the dog poses no threat.

But! In many neighborhoods or parks, local prohibitions may apply—where letting your dog off leash means breaking the law.

2. A peaceful village, a cheerful village? Only on the surface…

In rural areas, we often encounter a relaxed approach to this issue. Unfortunately, unsupervised dogs can pose a threat to wildlife and even humans. The lack of local regulations does not exempt us from complying with national laws, such as the Animal Protection Act and the Petty Offenses Code.

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🐕‍🦺 When does a dog need to be on a leash? Things worth knowing

The obligation to keep a dog on a leash applies to:

• urban and residential areas,
• parks and playgrounds (especially in the presence of children),
• public spaces with high traffic intensity (e.g. city center, bus stops),
• forests – in accordance with Article 166 of the Code of Petty Offences.

Exceptions where a dog may be off-leash:

• Designated dog runs and areas,
• private property – if there is no risk of the dog escaping,
• open space (e.g. field) outside the prohibited area , when the guardian has full control.

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🔍 Is off-leash control possible? What does this mean in practice?

The law does not define "full control" - but practice and court rulings indicate that this means: which was confirmed, among others, by the judgment of the Regional Administrative Court in Warsaw of 17 July 2019 (ref. VII SA/Wa 380/19), which found that a dog's lack of reaction to commands may indicate a lack of proper control.

• immediate response to commands (e.g. "come to me", "sit", "leave it"),
• no aggression or risky behavior ,
• constant eye contact with the caregiver .

If the dog does not meet these conditions, letting it off the leash may be considered a failure to exercise due care , which will result in a fine – even if no harm is caused.

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🐾 How to Get to Off-Leash Walks? Trust and Daily Work

A walk without a leash doesn't begin with unclipping a carabiner – it begins with a relationship. It's the result of many weeks of shared training, understanding, and trust. A dog that walks loose must know that its owner is its guide. The owner, in turn, must be confident that their dog understands and respects the rules.

The first step is short exercise sessions in quiet, fenced areas, preferably using a long training lead. Teach your dog to recall, reward eye contact, and reinforce focus. The next step is to move the exercises to more challenging environments—with scents, other dogs, and distractions.

Positive reinforcement training teaches the dog that its owner is the point of reference in every situation. A shared routine, predictable commands, and consistent rewards are key to building confidence.

Don't be afraid to make mistakes – it's important that every walk is a learning opportunity. Observe your dog: their body language, reactions, moments of hesitation. Only then will you reach the point where the leash is no longer necessary – not because it was unnecessary, but because it has been replaced by trust and communication.

📖 True Story: The Dog and the River at Dawn

This excerpt from a conversation with an experienced German Shepherd owner illustrates that off-leash walking can be more than just a form of physical freedom – it can be a ritual of closeness and understanding.

💚 Emotional benefits of off-leash walks

Off-leash walking isn't just a form of physical activity—it's also an emotional journey for both parties. When a dog moves freely, its senses are fully activated, and its behavior becomes more natural and authentic.

• 🧠 The dog builds self-confidence – it explores the world at its own pace, makes independent decisions and learns to react appropriately to stimuli from the environment.
• ❤️ The dog-handler relationship deepens – the handler doesn't impose control, but rather offers cooperation. This interaction strengthens a bond based on trust and mutual respect.
• 🌼 The owner learns to trust and enjoy the moment – observing the dog, its joy, curiosity, and focus, the person feels peace and satisfaction. The walk becomes a shared ritual and a moment of mindful presence.
• 💞 Shared experiences shape emotions – the dog's joy in exploring the world translates into a positive mood for the owner. Such a walk is not an obligation, but a reward – for both of them.

✔️ Is your dog ready for a walk off-leash?

Do a simple self-diagnosis:

• Does he respond to the "come" command in various conditions? ✅
• Doesn't chase other animals or people? ✅
• Can he ignore other dogs on a walk? ✅
• Does it have a microchip or a recipient's data? ✅

➡ If you answered YES to all of your answers, congratulations! Your relationship has the potential for safe off-leash walks.

🧠 TOP 5 myths about walking your dog off-leash

• “Every dog must be on a leash – ALWAYS”
• "Only aggressive dogs are on a leash"
• "If my dog doesn't bite, I can let him run anywhere"
• "Nobody checks the regulations in the forest"
• "If my dog comes back when called, I don't have to worry about anything"

🌿 Walking without a leash – freedom and harmony

Nothing compares to a leisurely stroll through the fields, your dog carefree, running through the grass, its tail wagging in the breeze. A walk off-leash—when done responsibly—can be the most beautiful way to spend time with your dog: full of trust, connection, and freedom.

Watching your dog explore his surroundings, return when called, sit at your heel and happily share every moment is a true reward for the time you put into training and building a bond.

Such moments are possible when the owner trusts the dog, and the dog trusts the owner. This is when the leash becomes symbolic – because the physical connection replaces the bond of understanding.

An off-leash walk also gives your dog space to be himself – to roll in the grass, follow scents, and sniff the air to suit his own needs. This is his time to express his natural instincts, not just obey commands.

For the owner, it's a moment of silence, observation, and participation in the dog's world from the sidelines—without pressure, without rushing. Shared silence can be more powerful than a thousand commands.

It is in moments like these – when both feel safe, free and integrated – that true harmony is born between a person and their four-legged companion.

🛡️ A leash as a safety tool – not always necessary

Many owners see a leash as a chore. While it's often effective and practical, it's not always necessary—especially if the dog is well-trained and poses no threat. In reality, a leash:

• protects the dog against escape, accidents, poisoning,
• protects other people and animals from unwanted contact,
• gives a sense of security to passers-by, children and other dogs,
• allows for controlled training in a difficult environment.

A leash doesn't have to be a restrictive tool – it can become a means of communication and comfort. In the hands of a conscious caregiver, it becomes a help, not a compulsion.

It's worth investing in the right equipment: a good-quality, cushioned leash, a hip belt for added freedom, or a "guard" harness for added comfort. Learning to walk on a leash together builds trust and avoids frustration on both sides.

A well-guided walk on a leash satisfies a dog's needs just as well as running freely – as long as the dog has contact with scents, exploration, and time with its owner. Most importantly, the dog feels safe because it knows its owner is watching over everything.

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🎯 How to teach a dog to walk on a leash? A brief overview of training

Learning to walk on a leash is fundamental to every dog's education – regardless of breed, age, or temperament. Walking on a loose leash is not only a matter of comfort, but also safety and the enjoyment of daily outings.

The most important rules:

• Start in a quiet place without distractions – a garden, a stairwell, an empty park.
• Reward for eye contact and heeling – use favorite treats or praise.
• Don't force your dog to move – instead, stop, change direction, and build curiosity.
• Use a "guard" harness or a classic collar – avoid spiked collars, chains and chokes that can cause pain and fear.

The so-called "tree" method also produces good results – when the dog pulls, you stand still and wait for him to return and make contact. This signals that only a loose leash allows him to continue.

Remember to be patient – some dogs take weeks to understand the rules of the walk. The calmer and more consistent you are, the sooner your dog will see the leash not as a restriction but as a connection between you.

Regular walks combined with positive training mean that the leash is no longer a necessity – it becomes a tool for cooperation and communication .

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⚖️ Summary – Does a dog need to be walked on a leash? Not necessarily, but responsibly.

Walking your dog is not only a responsibility, but above all, a privilege stemming from closeness and connection. A leash doesn't have to be a restriction—it can be a symbol of understanding, and its absence can be a sign of trust and responsibility.

✅ There is no single rule that says "a dog must always be on a leash" - but there are specific situations where letting a dog off the leash may result in a ticket, an accident or civil liability. ✅ Having complete control over your dog means more than just "being well behaved"—it's about responsiveness, obedience, and the safety of your surroundings. If your dog is trained and poses no threat to its surroundings, it doesn't need to be on a leash all the time.

✅ A dog run, training and a good leash are investments in comfort and safety.

✅ A dog does not have to be on a leash everywhere – but the responsibility for its behavior always rests with the owner.

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❓ Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I always have to keep my dog on a leash in the city? Yes, in most public spaces – especially in cities – dogs must be kept on a leash unless local regulations allow exceptions provided they are fully supervised.

Can I let my dog off a leash in the forest? No. Pursuant to Article 166 of the Code of Petty Offences, letting a dog run loose in the forest is prohibited and may result in a fine of up to PLN 5,000.

Does a small, calm dog also need to be on a leash? Yes. The size of a dog does not exempt you from taking precautions. Even a gentle dog can scare a child or wander into the road.

What does it mean to have my dog 'under control'? The dog must respond immediately to commands, not stray from its handler, and not pose a threat. Failure to do so may result in a fine.

Can a dog run off-leash on private property? Yes, if the area is fenced and there is no risk of the dog escaping or harming anyone.

🔗 See also

• 🏙️ Best dogs for apartments – breed ranking
• 💬 How Do Dogs Show Affection? Signals You Should Know
• 🐕 Is your dog pulling on the leash? Find out how to fix it.
• 🚗 How to safely transport a dog in a car?
• 🐾 How to teach your dog to stay home alone
• 🛏️ Can a dog sleep in bed with its owner? Facts, myths, and behavioral advice.

See more at: Petto.com.pl