loose dog

Question
Hello,  I was just out the other day walking my 2 dogs. Sandy, a 3 year old male doxie/pom mix and Abby, a 3 female doxie.  A loose lab mix dog ran towards us and I lost control of my dogs.  They were barking and not listening to me and I became afraid because this lab looked like he was going to attack them.  I just didn't know what to do.  The lab was not listening to his owner and it was chaos.  Can you please give me some tips to keep my dogs under control?  A lot of our neighbors are always letting their dogs run loose and I'd like to know what to do next time.

Thank you so much

Answer
Hi Dixie;
First, find out if you have a leash law in your town, and if there is, you could talk to these neighbors, or file a complaint.
If there is not a leash law, talk to your Humane society there to see about helping them get one passed.
These leash laws not only protect people, they also protect the dogs.
You need to take your dogs through an obedience course.
Petsmart and Petco stores and Man's Best Friend have weekend classes.
This will teach you how to keep your dog under control.
If you have a back yard your dogs can play in, then I would stop taking them for walks.
They need exercise, not necessarily a walk on a leash. Romping in the yard is just as good.
Mine romp in the house and in our back yard, so they just don't get taken for walks.
They are leash trained, because they have to go on a leash to their Vet's, but they have a nice sized yard to play in. They get enough exerscise.
An obedience class will teach your dogs how to walk on a leash and not be bothered by other dogs, unless the other dog bothers them. Sounds like that lab needs obedience training too.
Charlotte