So far the case for continued access by dogs to public open space has been developed and four policy-making principles have been highlighted and explained. We now have a sound basis for assessing the options for dogs' access to public open space (as listed in Section 3) and for understanding the circumstances in which each option is most appropriately used. Section 6.1 highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each access option and then follows with management and design recommendations. Section 6.2 explains how to pull all the various strands together into a municipal wide strategy. Section 6.3 illustrates the arguments and recommendations with a hypothetical municipality which we call "Anytown".
The benefits of on-leash areas are misunderstood in Australia. The reasons for this are unclear. Perhaps it is because people think dogs can only be exercised off-leash or they think it is a dog's right to be able to run freely. Perhaps also, they are underrated because local authorities believe people won't comply with leash laws.
In fact on-leash areas provide an appropriate context for socialisation and some forms of training. They also expand the range and diversity of experience for the dog. Some animal behaviourists further believe that dogs don't need to be exercised off-leash, that they are perfectly happy to be on a lead and that they can be exercised just as well on the leash as they can off the leash. Councils should recognise the benefits of on-leash areas and educate their communities accordingly. In many areas the integration principle inevitably implies provision for on-leash access.
It would seem that dog owners may be more likely to keep their dogs leashed in areas where they keep walking; once they stop they may be tempted to unleash their dog. If this proposition is accepted a design measure that might encourage owners to keep their dog on a leash is the development of linear parks, i.e. along watercourses, roads, disused railway lines, electricity easements, firebreaks and between the rear of dwellings in new subdivisions
This is consistent with the current focus of open space planning in all Australian cities. Even existing parks can be provided with meandering paths that emphasise distance rather than the shortest line between two points.
If well designed,walking tracks provide interest and diversity for dogs and a sense of purpose for dog owners.