Training Your Dog Off-Leash (Part 2)
After months and months of training your dog off-leash in a fenced area, in the park, with the drop line, and with the tab, you have now mastered your dog and his behavior. He is well trained, better than most dogs you have ever seen. Now, after a run or a hike and after some good obedience work in the park, you are now ready to take your dog to a familiar, quiet street. Start with a heel exercise while holding onto the leash tab. Drop the tab and heel him for half a block. Before you get near the corner, stop, have him sit, then praise him.
Pick up the tab and heel him home. Build his confidence with each session. You may never want to work your dog on busy city streets off leash, but by now when you run your dog in the park, you are sure he will come back when you call him. In addition, if you love the idea of taking a quiet stroll with your off-leash dog on a busy city street, you are well on your way toward that goal. You have to keep working with the tab on your dog's collar and your full attention on him. Soon, this kind of practice and pleasure will become second nature to both of you.
Below are some final points to keep in mind about training your dog off-leash.
1. Your dog does not have to be off leash every minute of an off-leash walk. If you meet a friend, see a great store window or find some other tempting distraction, snap the leash on your dog until you can once more give him your full attention.
2. Always keep a leash with you, even when you plan to keep it off the dog, just in case.
3. Once in a while, remind your dog that you are the leader of the pack. The best nonviolent way to do this is with the long “Down” (one-half hour). This is problem prevention at its finest.
4. Never expect great concentration from your dog when he is all pent up and needing exercise. Always give him a good run before off-leash street work.
5. Be sure you don't get lost on one aspect of dog ownership, training, showing, control. Remember that your dog has a wide range of needs.
6. Even as your dog gets older, give him reminders of you being the leader and reviews of his training. If he doesn't use it, he'll lose it.
7. Keep the love and high spirits in your relationship with your dog. When seeking fine control, don't forget to play some games and have some laughs.
8. When training and behavior starts to look messy, don't be afraid to go back to square one and tighten everything up again, on leash.
9. Don't forget the larger goals: good communication, mutual admiration and understanding, good times, and respect.
