Most nights, I take my husky out for a late-night walk. It’s our quiet time — fewer people, fewer distractions, and a chance for both of us to unwind. And like many responsible pet parents, I keep him leashed at all times. Not because he’s “difficult,” but because that leash is a promise: a commitment to keeping him safe, and keeping everyone around us safe too.

A few days ago, that promise was tested.

A Scary Moment on a Regular Walk

We had barely walked a few minutes when I noticed a Doberman up ahead. He was leashed, so I didn’t think too much of it. But something felt off — the walker seemed distracted, not fully in control.

Before I could process it, the Doberman slipped out of his loosely fastened collar and charged straight at my husky.

The walker froze.

My heart didn’t.

I found myself stepping between them, kicking the dog away to create distance, using my hands and legs to hold it back. But the Doberman was fast — he did manage to grab onto my husky’s neck. Luckily, husky fur is deep and dense, and the bite didn’t break skin. No visible blood. No major injury.

But it could have been so much worse.

For a moment, I stood there thinking…

How many of these incidents happen simply because we don’t fasten a leash properly or fail to read our dog’s behaviour?

Leashes Are Not Accessories — They’re Safety Tools

A collar or harness that isn’t securely fastened is as good as no collar at all.
A leash held loosely or without attention is as risky as letting a dog roam free.

If you’re unsure whether your current leash is sturdy or secure enough, you can check out the Tales of Fur high-quality, durable leashes here:

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Whether your dog is friendly, reactive, or unpredictable around strangers, keeping them securely leashed is the first line of defence — for them and for others.

Behaviour Awareness Can Prevent Incidents

Here’s a truth many hesitate to say out loud:

My husky is aggressive too.

Not all the time, and not towards everyone — but he can be. And because I know that, I stay alert. I read his body language, watch his ears, tail, stance. I anticipate his reactions. I don’t take it personally — I take responsibility.

Every dog has triggers. Every dog has instincts. Ignoring that reality only increases the risk of an incident.

Being a responsible pet parent isn’t about having a “perfectly behaved dog.”
It’s about having the awareness and discipline to manage them safely in public.

A strong, reliable leash makes that job significantly easier — especially during unexpected moments.

The Lesson I Want Every Pet Parent to Hear

That night could have ended in blood, trauma, or a tragic fight between two animals who were only acting out of instinct.

All because someone didn’t fasten a leash properly.

So here’s what I hope you take away from my experience:

• Check your dog’s collar/harness every single walk. Tight enough to prevent slipping, comfortable enough to not hurt.
• Stay alert. Walking a dog—especially a strong or reactive breed—is an active responsibility, not a passive one.
• Know your dog’s behaviour. Awareness prevents accidents more than strength or size ever will.
• Respect shared spaces. Public areas demand control, patience, and predictability.
• Use strong, secure walking gear. If your leash frays, snaps, or slips, it puts your dog at risk. A safe option many pet parents choose is here:

https://bit.ly/Talesoffurleashes

Our dogs depend on us to protect them — even from other dogs.
And sometimes, from themselves.