Dogs are curious explorers that love running with freedom. They can chase a squirrel, possibly meet a new friend, or steal a treat from a cute stranger. Besides being free and fun, running around provides dogs with physical and mental exercise that keeps them happy and healthy. The trick is to support our dog’s freedom while keeping them safe. So how do we train them to behave when we cut what we call a leash?
However, some dogs love to run free more than any other; all dogs should respond when off-leash. So even if the dog is more like your shadow than the one loving adventure of their own, there will always be occasions when the dog might be outdoors off-leash. Something can startle your dog or get their attention, so here are a few tips on training the dog to behave when off-leash.
How Do I reinforce The Training?
Including off-leash training into normal daily activities will reinforce the learning and make the command more routine for the dog when moving unfettered. In addition, it will help prepare the dog for more adventures. For example, call the dog to you as you do the laundry or make the bed for extra practice. Get a walk in the backyard then, summon him frequently for no specific reason. The dog will learn to heed the call as a part of the routine.
His response may get increased if he receives a reward for his immediate attention. The reward could be as simple as a friendly pat on his head while saying, “good dog!” Or you may offer a tasty treat or a beloved toy. Just be careful not to build a dependence on treats as his motivation for nice behavior.
