Working towards “off leash.”

Reaching the point where you can trust your dog off leash is a momentous occasion.  Having the faith that your dog will “come when called” regardless of the distraction is a true display of the “leader-follower relationship” and the trust that has been built between you and your pet. My dog Mr. Moon comes when called every time because he trusts me.

Working towards off-leash actually begins with a long leash, 10-20 foot. I prefer working in a park or trail like setting where I can keep pace letting the dog run. Drop the leash and allow your dog to go the full distance. Call her back, put her in a “sit” and reward. If she doesn’t respond then you can guide her back using the leash. The quicker your dog responds the more freedom you allow, constantly calling her back with lots of positive reinforcement. When you’re comfortable with the response then graduate to a regular 4-6 foot leash. I use the short leash if by chance the dog should bolt it’s a lot easier to catch a leashed dog.

Your next step is to go completely off leash. The most important thing you want your dog to do is the “check in,” meaning frequent looks to find you, the leader. These are usually performed as a stop and a glance to make sure you are in eye site. This is when I believe the dog really sees you as pack leader and by instinct a dog doesn’t want to wander away from the protection of the pack. If at anytime you feel your dog is too distracted and not responding then put her back on the leash.

Zack Grey, founder of www.UrbanTails.net, is a professional dog trainer specializing in obedience and behavior. If you have a dog question, Ask Zack! Please email askzack@thepetgazette.com.