Lola is only 3 months old, but the blue merle mini Bernedoodle is already learning one of the biggest challenges for any new puppy: walking on a leash.
That training sparked a question many dog owners have likely wondered while strolling through Pittsburgh neighborhoods and parks: Is it legal to walk your dog off leash in public?
The short answer is no.
According to the City of Pittsburgh's animal care regulations, dogs "are not permitted to run unleashed on public streets, sidewalks, other public places or other people's property." The city also states that when walking a dog, it "must be on a leash or chain not more than 6 feet in length."
In other words, allowing a dog to roam freely on a public sidewalk, trail or neighborhood street could put
an owner in violation of city rules.
The leash requirement is designed to promote public safety and help prevent dogs from running into traffic, approaching strangers without permission or interacting with other animals in unpredictable ways.
However, there is an important exception.
Pittsburgh and the surrounding region offer designated off-leash areas where dogs can legally run free. These spaces are specifically intended for off-leash exercise and socialization. Among the city's most popular options are Frick Park Off-Leash Exercise Area, Riverview Dog Park, Highland Park Off-Leash Dog Park and Bernard Dog Run on the North Side.
Outside of those designated areas, dog owners should plan on keeping their pets leashed whenever they are in public spaces.
For Lola, that means plenty more practice before she's ready for longer walks around Pittsburgh.
And while she may someday enjoy a trip to one of the city's off-leash dog parks, for now she's sticking to the basics — one leash-training lesson at a time.
This article by Gabby Sartori was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it legal to walk your dog off leash in Pittsburgh?
