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Writer's pictureHolistic Hounds

Does my dog NEED to be off lead?

Updated: Oct 23

As a nation of dog lovers, we love nothing more than seeing our dogs running around, playing and exploring the world around us! There is something truly special with having your dog off lead, running and playing and getting to really be a dog. However, with a huge focus on letting our dogs off the lead, even if they lack a recall or the training to be safe off the lead or perhaps are not quite ready yet, do our dogs really NEED to be off lead in order to be fulfilled?



This is at a baseline a very difficult and controversial topic as many people have different beliefs and standpoints for off lead training, what is acceptable and what their dogs should or shouldn't be able to do. So we're going to preface this by saying that this blog is from our personal opinions, standpoints and beliefs as a training company and dog owners and lovers ourselves. You can absolutely disagree if you feel differently and that is totally fine but this is what we believe is the best for our dogs and the dogs we work with and why.


So, with that out of the way, let's discuss!


We as a company, believe all dogs deserve off lead freedom in some way or another!

Being off lead is more than just getting to run around and play whilst out and about. Dogs who get off lead freedom get an opportunity to express themselves in a more authentic way. This includes sniffing all the sniffs, running around, playing, meeting new people and dogs and being curious and exploring. This is especially important for high energy dogs and those with high prey drive who need to be able to express themselves and fulfill their natural drives. This can also be different per dog, some dogs don't have as much drive to fulfill but that doesn't mean they also don't need time off the lead just that they may not need as much time in order to feel happy and fulfilled.


However, believing all dogs deserve off lead time doesn't mean they shouldn't be trained to be off lead safely. This also has to account for other people and dogs out in public as well as livestock and wild animals, we need to remember our dogs are predators by nature and just because they live in a family home doesn't mean they won't take the opportunity to chase and harm other animals if it was presented.


So what training do we need to do in order to have our dogs off lead safely?


1. Recall training

Of course, at the very minimum your dog needs basic recall training which means they come back to you when you ask them to. As an extension of this, you should be working towards your dog recalling off of distractions like other people, dogs and animals too, anything you'd be likely to see out and about that your dog may find exciting or want to ignore the recall cue, you should be working on in a controlled environment wherever you can. Now you aren't looking for 100% recall because in most cases, this really isn't possible. Dogs are sentient beings with thoughts and feelings of their own and are likely to make mistakes just like we are as humans. However that doesn't mean you can't work towards as close to a perfect recall as possible with your dog to ensure they are safe whilst out and about.


2. Neutrality around other dogs and people

One thing a lot of people tend to forget about is teaching our dogs neutrality around other dogs and people. It's great to have dogs that our friendly and teaching neutrality isn't about taking away a dogs friendliness, it's about teaching them calmness, respect and boundaries around other dogs and people. Not all people love dogs and some other dogs are not super comfortable meeting random dogs either so it's important to make sure our dogs don't just run up to strangers and get themselves into trouble. That's not to say your dog can't ever say hello to anyone whilst out on walks, but it is important to ask people and dogs owners if it's okay before your dog goes to say hello for both their sake and your own dogs.


3. Respect around livestock and wildlife

There will be some places you go to where there are livestock or wildlife and your dog needs to learn to be respectful of the other animals you come across out and about. We always recommend if you come across livestock or other wild animals to IMMEDIATELY put your dog on a lead. Even with an incredibly good recall, it is not worth the potential danger your dog could be in or cause to other animals if they choose unexpectedly to chase. It is an offence to allow your dog to chase or worry livestock such as sheep, cows and horses and farmers are legally able to prosecute you as well as harm your dog in order to protect their livestock if they come across a dog off lead chasing or causing worry to their livestock. So although having your dog on the lead is always a must, it is also important to ensure your dog ignores livestock to reduce the chances of them wanting to harm them and mitigate the back lash if human error occurs like the lead being dropped or a dog slipping out of their lead/collar/harness. In terms of wildlife, well the realism is wildlife is everywhere and it's unreasonable to never let your dog off the lead in case other animals are around. Again, it's important to teach your dog not to chase wildlife, recall off of them and if there is a place with a lot of wildlife around or signage stating your dog needs to be on the lead, keep them on the lead.


We all want our dogs to be safe as well as enjoy themselves whilst out on their walks which is why we work hard with our dogs and our clients in order to ensure our dogs can have freedom and enjoy themselves wherever they go! If you are struggling with recall training, please do get in touch with our team and we'll be happy to help!



1 comentario


Invitado
01 ago

Excellent article that I can relate to, particularly about coming to terms with your dog not having 100% recall - Adrian & Milo

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