My 97 pound leashed lab was Attacked by 3 smaller dogs as we were walking. We do not have a leash law here but because I had my dog on leash I just pulled my dog and walked off. As my dog was growling at them I just told him no and kept walking. There is never a reason for not having them on leash. We took Muffy and Buddy camping last weekend and I forgot there leash so hubby got some cloths line and made one.

On leash or Off leash all 3 of mine are trained to stay at my side but I would never go without a leash!!!
A picture of our homemade leash.