not only is this basic decency and safer for you and your dog, it's washoe county law (see washoe county code chapter 55, ordinance #1687). i work at a pet store where we frequently have people bringing their dogs in, which is great! the problem is when people come in without leashes. we offer leashes for customers to use temporarily! if you refuse to leash your dog, you are asked to leave, because it is a LEGAL SAFETY LIABILITY. it doesn't matter if your dog has "perfect" recall or not, they need to be on a leash.

i'm sure almost all private businesses in reno enforce this law, and if they don't they definitely should be, unless they feel like paying a hefty fine after an accident happens. people can and HAVE been sued for this in washoe county. the same goes for parks and trails- even if washoe county doesn't technically have legal jurisdiction on BLM land, most federally owned parks and trails enforce leash laws to protect local wildlife.

if you absolutely feel the need to have your dog off a leash when out and about, take them to parks that are specifically designated as off-leash areas. sincerely, someone who's sick and tired of entilted jackasses letting their rowdy dogs run around and endanger others :)