Pete the Vet: I let my dog off the lead in a park near our house — is this okay?

The Irish Examiner's resident animal expert answers reader questions — plus, how to get in touch with pet peeves of your own

Pete the Vet: There are different methods of restraining pets, each with their own pros and cons. The classic collar – for dogs and cats – is most commonly used. The most appropriate use for a collar is to carry identification: Indeed, under Irish law, all dogs must wear a collar at all times. A collar must have the name and the address of its owner (usually on an ID tag). If your dog doesn’t have this identification, a dog warden can issue an on-the-spot fine.

I have a very friendly golden retriever who loves people and dogs. We leave her off the lead when we are in a large park near our house. There is rarely any trouble: she plays and interacts well with people and dogs she meets.

But a small terrier, who is on a lead, has been snapping at her. The owner gave me an earful recently saying my dog should not be off the lead. Last week, she picked her dog up when she saw us coming and acted very cross and nervous. My dog instinctively went to sniff her dog in her arms, and she freaked out, shouting at my girl to get away. I apologised and explained that my dog is not aggressive and would not hurt her or her dog in any way. She said it was against the law to let my dog off the leash.