Training a dog to behave well off-leash is a goal many pet owners aspire to but achieving it can feel like a challenge. However, with the right approach and techniques, it’s more attainable than you might think. Award-winning dog trainer Lisa Burton from Listen Dog Training recently shared some invaluable tips on her Instagram that can help any dog owner lay the foundation for a well-behaved pooch during off-leash adventures. Here’s a breakdown of her four simple yet effective strategies:
- Start Training Early
Lisa Burton emphasizes the importance of beginning off-leash training while your dog is still a puppy. Puppies are naturally more dependent on their owners, making it the perfect time to establish good habits. “Young pups are naturally clingy, so get oodles of reinforcement in before adolescence hits,” Burton advises. This early training sets the stage for later behavior by teaching your puppy that staying close to you is both safe and rewarding. As your dog matures, the lessons learned during puppyhood will help mitigate the urge to stray too far during their more independent adolescent phase. - Reward Spontaneous Check-ins
The environment is full of enticing sights, sounds, and smells that can distract your dog. Burton points out that these natural distractions can actually reinforce your dog’s desire to explore. To counter this, she suggests rewarding your dog whenever they choose to check in with you of their own accord. This could be during a walk when they look back at you or come over for a pat. “Make sure every voluntary check-in with you is rewarding too!” Burton says. By reinforcing these check-ins, you teach your dog that maintaining a connection with you is more rewarding than chasing after every distraction. - Use a Longline for Controlled Freedom
Especially in the early stages of off-leash training, Burton recommends using a longline leash. This tool allows your puppy some freedom to explore while still giving you control to reel them in if they go too far. It’s a practical way to prevent your dog from learning that ignoring your calls or commands gives them more freedom. By using a longline, you can gradually teach your dog to stay close without feeling the need to restrict their every move. Burton suggests this as a way to strike a balance between teaching your dog to explore safely and ensuring they don’t develop bad habits. - Engage Actively With Your Dog Off-Lead
It’s easy to become distracted by our phones or other tasks when walking our dogs. However, Burton stresses the importance of staying engaged with your dog while they are off-leash. “Instigate random games of chase, surprise them with a toy, bowl a few treats,” she suggests. This engagement makes you more interesting than the distractions around them, and helps to reinforce the bond between you and your dog. It also keeps the walk fun and exciting for them, which will make them more likely to stay close to you.
By following these expert tips, you can enhance your dog’s off-leash behavior, making your outings together safer and more enjoyable. Remember, consistent training and reinforcement are key to success in any aspect of dog training. Engaging with your dog actively and reinforcing good behaviors will help cement the habits that allow them to thrive in an off-leash environment. Burton’s advice not only aids in developing a well-behaved dog but also fosters a stronger, more attentive relationship between you and your furry friend.
