Leash Training Dog : Lesson For Leash Removal

Instruction for Taking your dog training off leash

Leash Training Dog: When Can You Safely Take off the Leash? 
A lot of dog owners are eager to give their four legged companions the freedom of going off leash, but it is vital not to rush that key step. Dogs ought to only be allowed off their leash after they have mastered all the basic obedience commands, such as walking at your heel, sitting and staying on command

Leash Training Dog: If It Can't Come When Called, It is Not Ready! 
Yet another skill that must be totally 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.

Leash Training Dog: Leash Removal Is Not Too Be Taken Lightly 
Removing any dog off the leash, particularly in a busy, crowded area, or one with a lot of traffic, is a big step and not one to be taken without due consideration. It is imperative to sufficiently test your dog in a safe environment before taking him off his leash. After all, the leash is the main device of control. You must be completely certain you can rely on your voice commands for control before taking off the leash.

Leash Training Dog: Leash Removal need Confirmation of the dog's obedience.  
After the dog has been taught to recognize the sit, stay and come when called commands, it is vital to challenge the dog with a variety of 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.

Go over this exercise until the dog will dependably stay put at your side. After this, you can try dropping the leash, and sooner or later removing the leash and repeating the distraction. It is imperative to vary the distractions, such as introducing other animals, other people, traffic, rolling balls, etc.

After your dog is able to stay put still in the face of distraction, start introducing the come when called training 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, at once give him lots of praise, and maybe a food reward. After the dog has been rewarded, without more ado allow him to go back to playing. Repeat this several times throughout the day, making sure each time to reward the dog and without delay allow him to go back to his fun.

After the dog has apparently 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 vital 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 permitting him to play with other dogs, or just to sniff around, then calling your dog. When he comes to you, right away reward and praise him, then let him continue 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.

Leash Training Dog: When Can You Safely Take off the Leash? 
Only after the dog has consistently shown the talent 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 vital, both for your well being and your dogs, 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.