Dogs Never Leashed

I’ve just read your October 18th editorial feature, Leash-Free Zones Work, regarding dogs on or off leashes. As far as I can remember, I’ve never seen a dog on a leash in Chiang Mai.

The dogs here are so well behaved. No one trains them, but they potter about in their own spaces and only bark or give chase to other dogs if their patches are invaded. They usually ignore people completely, unless there’s something threatening in a person’s manner.

I like befriending dogs, so I’ve learned which to approach and which to ignore as they ignore me. What I’ve observed most distinctly is that the dogs sense if you are afraid of them. If you show no fear, they stay relaxed too.

Lily Bond
Chiang Mai, Thailand

(October 20, 2006)


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