Want your dog to be off lead but not sure if they’re ready?
You know getting it right is critical, but how do you know if you’ve got it right? Here are the three things your dog needs to be able to do. Used this as a checklist to know if your dog is ready for safe and reliable off-lead freedom:
1 – They recall 99% of the time, even around distractions. Recall is essential to make sure your dog is safe and not going to be a nuisance to other people, dogs, or wildlife. Not having near-perfect recall is dangerous to your dog and others.
2 – Off-lead heel. This is an essential skills for being able to safely and calmly pass others on walks. If you see an on-lead dog especially, the protocol should always be to recall and have your dog walk to heel. You never know the reason the other dog is on lead and if they owners are working through any training or behaviour issues, it will mean a lot to them that you give them space to pass while keeping your dog under control.
3 – Neutrality to distractions. As discussed, it is imperative your dog will engage with you in all environments and listen to your commands around distractions so building a neutrality to distractions is an important part of preparing for safe off-lead freedom.
