Things You'll Need:
- Leash
- Small treats
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Step 1
Ensure that your dog can follow basic commands (such as sit, heel, stay, down and drop it) on leash with distractions and for a prescribed duration. If your dog has not reached this level of on-leash training, she is likely not ready for off-leash training.
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Step 2
Consider keeping the leash on your dog at first. Sometimes, letting the leash drag on the ground reminds your dog that he should listen to you, especially if all previous training has been on on-leash. It depends on your dog.
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Step 3
Take your dog to an open field with as few distractions as possible.
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Step 4
Either remove the leash or let go of it.
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Step 5
Call the dog to you now and then, and reward her when she comes with a small treat and verbal praise.
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Step 6
When she returns to you each time after one call, begin hiding from your dog (behind a tree, for example). Hide in a spot from which you can keep an eye on your dog, of course, but hide well enough that you're not readily visible to him.
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Step 7
Let your dog find you, and reward her with a small treat and verbal praise.
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Step 8
Begin hiding more quickly and for longer periods of time, training the dog to always keep you in his sights. Eventually you will not be able to hide: He will follow you to your hiding spot. Always reward his good behavior with small treats and verbal praise.
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Step 9
When she consistently stays close to you in the field with few distractions, introduce distractions such as other people and other dogs. Return to the field with few distractions if she's not focused enough. Continue the transition until, no matter how crazy it is at the dog park, you can turn around to leave and, without you calling her, your dog will follow you out.
