Why should my dog go off leash?
Freedom for your Off Leash Dog
Dogs love to explore the world around them. Being able to be off leash is also great mental and physical exercise that keeps them healthy and happy. It is important to note that Freedom is earned. It also comes at a cost, if you choose to let your dog off leash and they do not listen ,leash them up and continue on. They will learn that freedom is earned. Similar concepts for potty training.
You are Home Base for your Off Leash Dog
Although we are the center of their world we have to remember there are more exciting things out in the world such as squirrels and other dogs and people. Above all we need to teach our dogs that we are home base. It is important to realize that home base for off leash dogs should be fun, exciting and rewarding for our dogs.
How Communication works off leash for your dog
In the beginning of any training we always start with dogs on leash. So when we choose to go off leash with our dogs it is important we have solid hand and verbal cues to effectively communicate with our dogs. Any time I begin working with dogs I make sure we start on leash and move to off leash in a fenced area and finally on a long line in an open area. It is best you learn your dogs learning method and what drives them when training them for off leash or general training. This will help set you and your dog up to succeed.
How to Reinforce Off Leash Training
In general by incorporating off leash training into your everyday routine with your dog is key. For one thing this makes the learning process more routine as well as reinforces what they already know. Practice calling your dog to homebase (the owner) while you are doing the dishes or even making the bed. Making them come to you for no reason will help if there is an emergency situation.
It is important to realize that rewarding your dog can mean many things such as a high value treat, favorite toy or a simple “Good dog” and petting them. It is important to note not to create a dependency on treats as motivation for good behavior.
Off Leash Risks
No guarantee of 100% recall all the time
Safety risk – you determine where and when you allow your dog off leash. Respect your area’s leash rules and other people’s dogs. Not every dog is friendly or wants to be approached by an off leash dog.
Recall Rules for Off-Leash Success
- Don’t end the training session by calling your dog to you. Instead wait for them to come to you on their own
- Always follow a recall with one of your dog’s favorite things (food, frisbee or playing with a dog friend)
- High value recalls right away during off leash play – this sets you up for a successful training session
- Work on your Timing
- Do not repeatedly call your dog – if they won’t come, go get them. This is a hint that the dog may not be ready to be off leash in that environment yet and a long line is recommended to train there.
- Always act or behave (tone and body posture) as if your dog is the most wonderful thing in the whole world- no matter what they were doing prior to coming to you.
Tips and Tricks for Off Leash Training
Avoid Food Lures
Play Recall Games
Build a reliable recall (Recommended Tools)
What distracts your dog?
Practice recall building on distractions one at a time
Practice recall in various locations
Value = difficulty of recall
Dog doesn’t listen to recall- go back to the beginning and begin training again
Dog should know these basic cues : Heel/Come , Stay, Down, and Leave it (How to Basic Cues)
Safety Training
Leave it / Off
Distance Down/ Stay
Respect your dog’s limits
If you enjoyed this post, I’d be very grateful if you would help spread it by email to a friend, on social media or even word of mouth