I think that the difference in attitudes comes from the facts that life in more urban areas is sooooo terribly dangerous for dogs. If I lived in an area where there were cars driving by all the time, and garbage for the dogs to get into and get sick from, etc. etc. I would never even consider a walk offleash. In fact, we still have our house in town and I won't even open the windows more than about 6 inches because I'm afraid he'll bust a screen and get out.

I can most definitely understand the care that people living in more urban areas must take to keep their dogs safe. There's not a risk that a dog will be hurt offleash in those areas - there's a guarantee!

And there are definitely dogs who should never be off leash, even in the country. My stepdaughter's dog, Kamble, is a good example. When Kamble's around I won't let Max off leash because Kamble would run in the road or something and Max would run right after him.

I think each dog and each situation is different.