Dogs need exercise off the lead every day: when you adopt a dog this is one of your main responsibilities. Exercise off the leash is essential for a dog's socialization and behavior. One of our neighbours has a Sheltie, who is left in the garden alone for hours. That is not proper exercise and it makes a dog anxious. Dogs are sociable animals and need to be writh their 'pack' as much as possible.
Although it is important to give our dogs time off the lead, it is important not to rush things. Dogs should only be allowed off their lead once they have learned the basic obedience commands, such as walking to heel, sitting and staying. Another skill that must be completely mastered before the dog can walk off the leash is recall training - to come back when called. Even if the dog can sit, stay and walk to heel, if you cannot be confident he will come when called, he is not ready to walk off the lead.
First you need to test your dog or puppy in a safe environment to be sure the training has worked. You must be absolutely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before removing the lead. After the dog has been trained to understand the sit, stay and recall commands, it is important to challenge the dog in a real-life situation. It is a good idea to start by introducing other people, other animals, or both, while the dog is in a safe, enclosed area. Your garden should be suitable for this.
Ask someone to stand on the other side of the fence while you hold the dog or puppy on the leash. As the friend or family member walks around the boundary you can see how your dog reacts. If he pulls on the lead, bring him close to you. Repeat this exercise until the dog stays beside you. Next you can try dropping the leash, and eventually removing it and repeating and varying the distraction. For example how does he behave when another dog is barking on the other side of the fence?
Once your dog can remain calm in spite of distractions, 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 together you can call your dog back to you. When the dog comes to you, praise him and give a food reward, then allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and send him back to have fun.
When your dog is obeying recall commands, try finding a local dog friendly 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 wellbeing 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.
