How to Train an Off-Leash Dog to Stay Close
Most dog owners dream of being able to take their dog to wide-open places such as fields and dog parks without having to keep the dog on a leash. Most dogs, when freed from the restraints of a leash, readily enjoy their freedom by running away from their owner, chasing squirrels or birds, and generally not paying attention to anything the owner may be saying while madly running after them.
If your dog is used to being on a leash and has experienced only on-leash training, her reaction to her freedom is only natural. The trick is to get your dog to stay close to you while off the leash just like she does (she has to) while on the leash. It is a gradual process, but the payoff is rewarding for both the dog and her owner.
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Instructions
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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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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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Take your dog to an open field with as few distractions as possible.
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Either remove the leash or let go of it.
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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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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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Let your dog find you, and reward her with a small treat and verbal praise.
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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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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.
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Tips & Warnings
Smelly treats are especially effective for this type of training because the dog can smell them from much farther away than you realize. The smell reminds the dog of your presence and the reward.
Do not physically punish a dog for "bad" behavior. Dogs just do what comes naturally; it is up to you to control it. Don't rush it; dog training takes time and patience.
Resources
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Comments
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I have a hunting dog that we've had for to years now , she has always been on the leash until she has picked up scent and when we catch up to her treeing a squirrel , we put the leash back on , and we just got a new puppy , 4 moth old blackmouth cur , and I've been usuing this method on both of them and it works great , we no longer have to put them on a leash , it also makes hunting alot less-stressful.
