Train your dog to walk off-lead

Walking a dog is a pleasant and healthy activity for both the animal and the pet owner. Training a dog to walk off-lead can make this an even more enjoyable activity by allowing the pet more freedom and exercise. There are a few important steps needed to teach a dog to be off-lead and ensure its safety. 

Before beginning training without a lead, it is vital that the dog be familiar with a few basic commands. It should be trained to come when called to help prevent it from running off and injuring itself or bystanders. A dog should also be used to wearing a lead as well as either a collar or harness. 

Once the dog is ready, one can begin training it to walk properly on a lead. Using an adjustable lead will make the training process much simpler. When beginning training, the lead should be on its shortest setting to provide the pet owner with maximum control. The command “heel” should be used frequently throughout the training process. Most dogs will soon learn to walk along without lunging or pulling. At this stage, the dog should be exposed to an array of potentially distracting or frightening objects and situations. Exposure to people, other dogs, cars, equipment and other such things will teach the animal not to be afraid and that the rules apply in all environments. 

As the dog’s “walking manners” improve, the lead can gradually be lengthened. If at any time the animal returns to its previous bad habits, the lead should be shortened to the previous setting. The commands “heel” and “come” should also be reviewed. 

When the pet is walking without any problems on the longest setting, it is time to practice without the lead. Take it to a safe, enclosed area to practice, such as a dog park or enclosed yard. Remove the lead and allow the dog to explore. At first only allow the exploration to continue for a short time before calling the dog back. Praise and reward the dog when it returns. If it does not return, do not hit the dog when it’s caught, as this will just encourage it to run. One can gradually allow the dog to roam further and for longer periods of time as it learns. 

Scotch LeSamoyed