My response to Foer's "My Life as a Dog"

https://www.timeout.com/new york

In the article My Life as a Dog Foer addresses an issue concerning dogs living the city life in New York.  Foer explains his opinions on the off leash rule in parks.  The off leash rule was set in place to ensure the safety of adults and children visiting the park. "In the years that dogs have been allowed to run free in city parks, dog bites have decreased 90 percent".  The happier the dog the less aggressive.   This limits dogs ability to run free, socialize and interact with other dogs.   New York is a city that is highly populated, constantly busy and has a lot of interaction throughout the day.  Approximately 1.4 million dogs call New York City home.   Throughout the last twenty years, the parks of New York permit from being off leash from 9 p.m to 9 a.m.  Another problem that arose is because these parks are limited and the land is worth far more in real state for rebuilding.  This limits their exercise time and amount spent outside for the dogs.  As it is very common to own an apartment or duplex in the city it makes it even harder to give a dog a good life due to having little to no yard.  Dog's require a lot of attention and proper care.  When owners adopt a dog their expectations are not always reality. It will take time and dedication to train your dog to behave properly.   Foer complains about George his dog being hyperactive. George is doing things such as chewing on things, chasing things and showing signs of being anxious.  With the leash rule prohibiting dogs to run free throughout the parks it is hard to find time to exercise your dog.  Dogs need exercise and proper care to be happy and live the life they deserve.  Dogs play an important role in peoples lives.  "In a recent study when asked to name the ten most important individuals in their lives 7 and 10 year olds included two pets on average." Children look up to dogs to be their friend and hero.  To treat dogs means to give them the life they deserve.  I think that there should not be a rule that prohibits the off leash rule.