Taking your dog training off leash
Many dog owners are anxious to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is important not to rush that important step. Dogs should only be allowed off their leash after they have become masters of all the basic obedience commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on command
Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can be taken off the leash is the come when called command. Even if the dog can heel, sit and stay perfectly, if he cannot be relied upon to come when called, he is not ready to be taken off the leash.
Taking any dog off the leash, especially in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken lightly. It is vital to adequately test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main instrument of control. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the leash.
After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is important to challenge the dog with various distractions. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe environment like a fenced in yard. Have a friend or neighbor stand just outside the fence while you hold you dog on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the outside of the fence, watch your dog's reactions closely. If he starts to pull at the leash, quickly tug him back.
Repeat this exercise until the dog will reliably remain at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is important to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.
After your dog is able to remain still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called lessons with distractions in place. Try inviting some of the neighbors, and their dogs, over to play. As the dogs are playing in the fenced in yard, try calling your dog. When the dog comes to you, immediately give him lots of praise, and perhaps a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, immediately allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and immediately allow him to go back to his fun.
After the dog has seemingly mastered coming when called in his own yard, try finding a local dog park or similar area where you can practice with your dog. It is important to make the area small, or to choose a fenced in area, in case you lose control of the dog. If you cannot find a fenced in area, choose an area well away from people and cars. Practice with your dog by allowing him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, immediately reward and praise him, then let him resume his previous activities. Doing this will teach the dog that coming to you is the best option and the one most likely to bring both rewards and continued good times.
Only after the dog has consistently demonstrated the ability to come when called, even when there are many distractions around, is it safe to allow him time off leash. Off leash time should never be unsupervised time. It is important, both for your well being and your dog's, that you know where he is and what he is doing at all times. It is easy for a dog to get into trouble quickly, so you should always keep an eye on him, whether he is chasing squirrels in the park, playing with other dogs, or just chasing a ball with the neighbor's kids.
About the author:
Chris Vergaelen has a large experience in training dogs. For more information, visit the site Dog training
Written By: Chris Vergaelen
 Financial Times | Super Bowl ads go to the dogs Delmarva Daily Times But a panel of consumers also was gathered Sunday, as in previous Ad Meters, to rate the ads electronically as they aired in the game, and gave a clear sign that dogs are still a Super Bowl advertiser's best friend. The panel's top pick was a Dorito's ... Doritos Super Bowl commercials 2012: Dog Park, Hot Wild Girls, Sling Baby Dogs takes title for best Super Bowl ads Doritos' cat murdering Great Dane wins Super Bowl ad contest |
Mushroom pickers lost hope, considered eating dog Boston.com "She's that good a dog, she'd have done it, too," Conne said. But help finally arrived Saturday when a volunteer helicopter pilot decided to look outside the search area and spotted the family -- Dan, his wife, Belinda, and their 25-year-old son, ... |
 MLive.com | Dogs in race shoes finish 1st in MSU profs' picks Lansing State Journal The winner: Shoe maker Skechers, its dogs-racing-in-sneakers ad already the target of protests, edging out a slight victory over a humorous ad for M&Ms candy. "I'm more impressed this year than the last couple years," said Pat Huddleston, ... Skechers Super Bowl Ad Ignites Twitter Mark Cuban Goes To The Dogs In Super Bowl Ad Super Bowl Commercials 2012: Skechers Spot Has Mark Cuban Cameo |
 HereComeTheDawgs.com | Olekaibe leads 'Dogs past Aggies The Collegian By Angel Moreno | February 06, 2012 | Sports, Top Sports Story Kevin Olekaibe put on a paramount 28-point performance as the 'Dogs beat defending Western Athletic Conference champion Utah State 60-54 in Saturday's Heroes Night at the Save Mart Center. 'Dogs End WAC Skid Women Stay Perfect in WAC |
 Reynolds Center | Handler, dog headed to Westminster Dog Show Lexington Dispatch Tamara Meeks holds her toy Manchester Terrier dog, Pati. They are getting ready to compete in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York next week. By David Bodenheimer Pati, a 2 1/2-year-old toy Manchester Terrier, has been a show dog for most ... Wildwood dog show preps pups for the big contest in NYC Hundreds of dogs compete for top honours Coonhounds and Ceskys and Xolos, Oh My! |