I READ with interest a letter suggesting that we should keep all dogs on leads in all public places (‘Owners lead by example’, July 8). This is either tongue in cheek or a knee-jerk reaction. Of course your dog should be well-behaved and of course you should pick up your dog’s poo. I believe it’s called responsible dog ownership.

I don’t take my dog to public parks as a rule. I walk him along the River Stour in this heat where he can jump in and out of the river at his pleasure. We meet all kinds of people down there, fishermen, cyclists, walkers and dog owners. My experiences over the 50-odd years of dog ownership have been pretty good. If you have an aggressive or unsociable dog, my suggestion is to muzzle it and keep it on a lead.

They will still enjoy the walk. I had an aggressive Alsatian cross and this worked wonderfully for him. An extendable lead was not suitable – they broke or got tangled around things – so my husband made a trainer lead from some tow rope. Like the writer of the letter, my dogs have all made teenage years, the eldest being 17, so come on dog owners, take responsibility and clear up after your dog.

Watch it carefully in this heat; this is when they get tired and snappy just like we do. We don’t want this byelaw because a few spoil it for the rest. As for an alternative suggestion, have dog areas where they can be off-lead, then those who wish to avoid dogs can.

JILL LISSENBURGH, Wimborne Road, Kinson