When Should My Dog Be Off-leash?
Sometimes when I ask humans about their goals for their dogs, they respond, “I want eventually to trust Sammy off-leash.” Of course Sammy might be four months old and the goal is for the very distant future, but his human really wants “freedom” for the dog.
Getting your dog to go leashless is indeed something I can help with. But why?? Most dogs couldn’t care less that they are sporting a lead, so it seems to me more about our own egos and our control over the dog.
If I have a leash on my dog, she isn’t visiting random dogs who are fearful/reactive/ill. “My dog is friendly” is completely unfair to the dogs who don’t want some furry stranger running up to them, and THIS HAS TO STOP. If you can’t control your dog and keep her from visiting others, you are asking for her to get into a dog fight. A dog on leash is less likely to eat something dangerous/gross because you’re paying attention. A dog who is attached to you is less likely to leave poo on the ground because you’re paying attention. (Hopefully, you’re paying attention.) If your dog is on leash, you don’t have to worry about where she is the whole time–and ineffectively call her. If your dog is on leash, you are more bonded: you are a team. Oh, and there are leash laws for a reason.
I watched an off-leash sixty-pound shepherd mix in a park go running up to a three-year-old tiny girl and jump up on her. “He’s friendly,” threw out his unconcerned human riding a bike nearby. Ass. Now the little girl is traumatized at least about big black dogs. And so much worse could have happened.(I thought her dad was going to throttle the bike rider.)
Even though my dogs have instantaneous, completely reliable recalls, I have leashes on them all the time. Unless we are in a fenced area playing or working, my dog is on a leash. Where I live, dogs are welcome on the beach–so I have a thirty-foot waterproof leash and collar on my dog so I can be sure he doesn’t drown in the strong undertow or go anywhere near a dead fish or sea lion that’s on the sand. Not everyone is a dog person and a big sandy dog is not always welcome to come say hi. If I’m on a hike, I want my dog in my vision all the time in case there might be a rattlesnake or cactus he doesn’t see. Everyone should own a long line.
And walking around the suburban neighborhood? A five- or six-foot leash keeps your dog from suddenly running into the road to chase a squirrel. Please don’t tell me a shock or “vibration” collar is the answer because if this is about freedom for your dog, you might as well put handcuffs on him.
If you live in a very safe rural environment without bears or neighbors or foxtails, letting your dog run safely might be taught. Start with your recall: your dog needs to come no matter what. (I can help with that.) Then in a quiet outdoor environment add a thirty-foot long line, letting Sammy feel rather that he’s not on leash but letting you still control the action if need be, rewarding him every time when he comes or walks beside you. (No retractable leashes, just a flat leash.) Then try the long line in different environments. Try other obedience cues to see how much Sammy listens when there are distractions. If you pay Sammy reliably, those treats/toys build a strong reinforcement history that can’t be beat.
Thank you for teaching a boomerang recall. Thank you for keeping your dog safe.