Train Fido

Off leash training serves more than one purpose and I think it is a necessity for any dog owner.  There is such a freedom for the handler, knowing your dog has reached such a high level of obedience.  But there are other reasons to train your dog off leash.

1)  Freedom for the dog - this is the first thing people think about when wanting to train their dog to walk off leash.  The joy of seeing their dog running and playing on there own.

2) Exercise for your dog.  Your dog can get more exercise if it is not restrained.  Most people cannot get up to "dog speed" unless they are rollerblading or riding a bike.

3) Easier for the handler - no more pulling on the leash, no more getting the leash wrapped around a tree or a person's legs

4) Safety - this is the most important one - it is safer for your dog to be under your control  on or off the leash - no more worrying about your dog bolting out the door and getting lost, or roaming the neighborhood and getting hit by a car.. Just the peace of mind knowing that your dog is safe, even if someone drops the leash or hold the front door open.



Now don't misunderstand.  There are many instances when you should not have the dog off a leash.  Many cities have leash laws that require you to have  a leash on your dog anytime you are outside with your dog in an unfenced area.  You should abide by all local laws.

There are also other areas that are too busy or crowded with too many chances of injury to your dog or others.  You should consider other people when you are outside off leash with your dog.  Many people have phobias about animals and could be traumatized by a dog running toward them off leash.


I have found it best to start training your dog at a young age is the easiest.  The puppies natural instinct is to follow your lead.  If you use this instinct when he is a baby, you are well on your way.  Just walk in a safe area and call the dog to you anytime he is starting to stray. Be sure to have a treat handy at the beginning to help entice him to you.  Repeating this process is all it takes with a puppy.


If your dog is older or your puppy starts wandering too far and not wanting to come back you can follow these steps.

Get a light line.  This is a extra long line - 12 to 30 feet that is strong, but lightweight.  Attach to your dog's collar.  Warning:  watch so you don't get tangled around anyone's legs and wear gloves to avoid rope burns because the dog will be able to gain more momentum with the longer lead and the rope burns are quite painful.  I learned the hard way with a German Shephard.

Walk the dog and call him back to you frequently.  When the dog comes eagerly, reward with pets or treats.  If the dog does not turn and come instantly, reel him in with the light line.  Praise and treat the dog when he is sitting or standing in front of you.

It is your preference how strict or precise you want to be.  Some people want the dog to sit directly in front of you each time the dog returns to you.  For general off leash, I just want the dog to come back to me and then we can continue on our walk.

Do not rush through this step.  Keep working with the light line until your dog comes to you every time without hesitation.   It is very important that your dog does not learn that he can disobey the come command.  The dog must come EVERY time you call.

When your dog is at this state it is time to take them to an enclosed area and test the waters.  A school yard when school is out or a large fenced tennis court are great places to test.

That is all there is too it - reward and reinforce often.  If the dog regresses, go back to the light line for a few weeks, then to the enclosed area for testing and try again.

For those of you with remote collars, the off leash work is much easier and twice as reliable - I will be developing the full remote "ecollar" training part of this blog as I go along further.  Check back often.
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