Learning how to train your dog off leash comes with its fair share of challenges.
- What if your dog won’t listen?
- What if they refuse to come when called, and you spend hours chasing them around the local dog park?
- Or worse still, what if they run away?
These are all valid questions. And also real concerns when it comes to effectively training your dog.
And I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone in being just a little bit apprehensive about letting your dog off leash for the first time.
But here’s the thing…
While it’s not always going to be smooth sailing (after all, dogs can be mischievous at times). There IS a way to train your dog off leash without all the headaches and frustrations that most owners become victim to.
Ready to learn how? …Then let’s go!
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How To Train Your Dog Off Leash – Getting Started
While we’d all like to think of our dogs as geniuses that can learn simple commands in an instant. The truth is that teaching your dog anything new is almost always going to be riddled with a few minor bumps in the road.
And while there are ways to generally speed up the training process. You need to remember that it’s not going to happen overnight.
So with this in mind, let’s take a look at how to set your dog up for success when it comes to effectively training them off leash.
Start Slow
If you even want to see your dog again, it’s probably a bad idea to head down to the local dog park and give them free roam of the area.
Basically, you need to start slow.
So slow, in fact, that when it comes time for the ultimate test of letting your dog off-leash in the big wide world, it’s almost impossible for them not to come running each and every time you call.
To accomplish this, I’d recommend starting somewhere relatively small and familiar, like the backyard, as this will ensure that your dog is learning in both a safe and secure environment.
Better still, it’ll provide a distraction-free atmosphere where your dog doesn’t feel the need to chase every innocent passerby that happens to come within range.
Maintain Control
Next up, it’s important to maintain at least some degree of control over your dog, so they don’t wander off too far.
This is particularly true if your dog has a sneaky habit of playing hide and seek.
A great way to accomplish this is simply by using a long lead.
Now, if you don’t have a long lead, you can usually pick one up pretty cheap a places like Amazon that range up to 50 feet plus.
But this should give your dog enough freedom to explore a little while at the same time, still maintaining full control of where they can and can’t go.
Teach Basic Commands
Teaching your dog basic commands is always going to work to your advantage when done right.
Even seemingly non-essentials commands like sitting or lying down will give you the upper hand when it comes to learning new things.
Although it might seem like an impossible task teaching your dog multiple commands. You need to understand that they all actually follow the same basic principles of creating positive associations with that specific command.
In fact, if you really want to get command training down and help your dog learn new things quickly. I’d highly recommend taking a look at Brain Training For Dogs by Adrienne Farricelli to get your dog fully up to speed.
Not only will your dog learn faster, but it’ll also help develop their brains making creating a well-behaved, obedient dog in the process.
Counterconditioning
Moving on, I think it’s important to highlight the benefits of counterconditioning.
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with this training technique. It’s basically the idea of replacing any negative association your dog may have with new ‘positive associations.’
I know we touched on this a minute ago, but I still feel it’s important to stress the importance of getting this right for long-term success.
Think of it like this…
Imagine your dog goes running off in the local dog park, and you can’t find them.
You’re worried sick, but then ‘wouldn’t you know it’ they pop their head out from behind a tree and come running towards you with excitement.
Now, the thing most owners would get wrong here is that they’d probably punish or shout at their dog for running away.
And while this might seem like the way to get them to comply. The truth is that by doing this, you’re unknowingly creating negative associations that will make your dog less inclined to come when you call next time around.
It might sound counterproductive. But instead, you should praise your dog each and every time they come running in your direction to build more positive associations.
Treats work well here also, as your dogs will be much more likely to heed your call if they know there’s a delicious snack at the end of it.
And while it can often take several attempts for your dog to start getting the message that running towards you equals good things. If you keep practicing, they’ll eventually get the idea.
Emotional Control Is Key
This is one of the most (if not the most) important aspects of recall training your dog.
Now, if you happened to watch the video above, you should already be fully aware of the 5 step-by-step calming exercises needed to help teach your dog emotional control.
But even if you did, it’s still important to restate the fact nonetheless.
In short, teaching your dog how to be calm and in control of their emotions is the key to making them highly responsive to you.
So before moving on, make sure you use each and every one of them to your advantage before letting your dog off leash.
Letting Your Dog Off Leash For The First Time
Once you’ve established your dog is comfortable in their own backyard. It’s time to step things up a gear and take things a little further afield.
I know this can be daunting at first. But the number one rule here is to remain calm and confident.
Remember, you’re the pack leader here, and dogs are very good at picking up on anything that seems out of place.
So if you’re nervous or on edge, they’ll sense it. And there’s a chance it could negatively impact your first real recall training session.
Anyway, got those nerves under control?
Then let’s take a look at what you need to consider before letting your dog off leash for the first time.
Location
No dog deserves to be left alone in an unfamiliar place, but accidents do occasionally happen.
So pick out a spot that’s both familiar and quiet, so your dog is less likely to get distracted.
Busy places are generally a big no-no here as there are too many things going on around them to keep their attention for any length of time.
If you’re struggling for ideas (or nowhere immediately springs to mind), consider taking your dog out at unsociable hours where there’s likely to be fewer people around.
Even the sight of an evening jogger or another dog can be enough to stray your dog’s focus, so just keep this in mind when considering all the options.
Take Your Dog’s Fears Into Account
In addition to location, it’s also a wise decision to avoid any unwanted fears or phobia your dog might have.
For instance, if you’re dog is prone to freaking at loud noises like a car backfiring, then avoid taking your dog anywhere near a busy street.
Keep Safety In Mind
Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when training your dog off-leash.
So before you even contemplate giving them free roam to run around and frolic, analyze the following…
- Is there any way your dog can escape from the particular area you’ve set out to train them? (for instance, unlocked gates at the local park)
- Will you be able to see your dog at all times?
- Does your dog behave around other dogs and people?
- Is there property around that your dog could potentially destroy?
Really think about all of the options here as well. Ultimately you know your dog better than anyone else, so it’s your responsibility to make an informed decision before heading out for a recall session.
Related Post: Why Does My Dog Run Away From Me? – The Answer May Surprise You
What To Do If Things Go Wrong
Even the best-laid plans can sometimes go wrong, so it’s first important to take essential measures to make sure your dog doesn’t go running off into the sunset the moment you set them free.
Remember that the world is a big place filled with busy streets and lots of people. And every dog is prone to be distracted from time to time.
So with this in mind, consider the following before training begins…
Have A Bag Of Treats To Hand
To be honest, this is a given because if you don’t have a way to motivate your dog to come running when you call (i.e. a bag of tasty treats). You’re not going to get very far the first time around.
Here’s a tip… Bring more than you need. Even if you don’t use all of the treats, it’s always better to be overprepared and have a few left over.
Remember, treats are your bargaining chip here (especially in the early days of recall training your dog). So have plenty to hand at all times.
Another quick tip: If all else fails, having their favorite chew toy or squeaky toy can be a great alternative if all else fails.
Just hold it in plain sight when your dog looks over, and there’ll be every chance your dog will come running.
Don’t chase
Regardless of what you might think, chasing your dog is the last thing you want to do if your dog doesn’t respond to your call.
In fact, it’ll more than likely make the situation worse by hyping your dog up and indicating to them that it’s time for fun and games.
It may sound counterproductive, but you want to be doing the opposite here and get your dog to chase you.
And one of the easiest ways to do this is to simply turn your back on them and start walking away.
Make sure your dog can see you do this, and remember not to stray too far.
But if your dog sees you making a break for the exit, either panic will set in, or curiosity will often get the better of them. And they’ll happily come running to see what all the fuss is about.
Related Post: Dog Won’t Come Inside? – Here’s How To Recall Train ANY Dog!
Wrapping Things Up
At the end of the day, training your dog to do anything comes with its set of challenges. And learning how to get comfortable with your dog off the leash is no different.
Again, remember to start slow and only let your dog off leash when you feel 100% confident they’re ready.
The important thing to remember here is time, patience, and consistency. And if you can learn to execute all three, you’ll be in a much better position to deal with any problems that lie ahead.
