As a black woman and a proud dog mom to a Golden Retriever and a Poodle Mix, I have a strong passion for off the leash dog training.
When I first brought home my 7-week old Poodle Mix, I knew that I wanted to train her in a way that would give her the freedom to be her true self while also ensuring her safety.
That’s why I decided to train her 100% off the leash from the very beginning.
Fast forward six years later, and my Poodle Mix still has amazing recall.
She comes running back to me every time I call her, even in the most distracting of environments.
This is a testament to the effectiveness of off the leash training and the bond it has helped build between my dog and me.
This post is all about off the leash dog training.
It’s important to note that while I am not a professional dog trainer, I have studied dogs for 20 years.
Over the years, I have gone through different dog training programs, worked at PetSmart and the local SPCA, and have personally trained my own dogs for the past 11 years; and helped teach basic commands during my time working for Rover.
I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in various training techniques and methods and have seen first-hand the benefits of off-leash training.
My goal is to share my personal experience and knowledge with others who are interested in this type of training and to help them understand the benefits it can have for their dogs and their relationships with them.
Off the leash dog training has many benefits.
Off the leash dog training allows dogs to be in their natural state and to express their personalities fully.
When a leash does not restrict dogs, they are able to move around freely and engage in activities they enjoy.
This can lead to a happier and more well-rounded dog.
Off the leash training also promotes trust between the dog and the trainer.
When a dog is trusted to return to their trainer, it helps build a stronger bond between them.
This is especially important for dogs who have a tendency to wander or who may be prone to running away.
I’ll never forget the phrase: “dogs of a homeless person are the most behaved, and usually more behaved than your own.”
And you’ll notice, they are hardly ever on a leash.
Rehabilitating My Adopted Fighting Dog
I should also mention my first dog, a 5-year-old Pit Bull/ Boxer mix, who I rescued was actually my first dog.
When I first got him, he was a terrible walker (as in, he dragged me down a grass hill at the park) and was previously used for dog fighting before I adopted him.
He would pull on the collar, and it was a constant battle to keep him under control.
I knew that I needed to take a different approach if I wanted to have a better relationship with him.
So I decided to try off the leash training.
I only tried this when I was in control of the situation, which was almost always late at night.
For example, I started by letting him potty behind my apartment patio, where the dog waste station was nearby.
He would potty, walk with me a few steps to the waste station, and return to my apartment.
I progressed this to taking out my trash late at night, and he remained at my side on our walk to the trash dump in the parking lot.
It was a long and difficult process, but after a year of consistent training, my Pit Bull/ Boxer mix was finally able to walk off the leash.
Admittedly, I didn’t do this often (primarily because of his past), but the fact that I was able to trust him enough to let him walk off the leash made a huge difference in our relationship.
He knew that I trusted him, which helped build a stronger bond between us.
The process of rehabilitating my first dog was a reminder that off the leash training is not just about giving dogs more freedom, but it’s also about building trust and a stronger bond between the dog and the trainer.
It takes patience, consistency, and a lot of hard work, but the results are worth it.
Off the leash training can help to improve a dog’s recall.
When a dog is trained off the leash, they learn that coming back to their trainer is a positive experience.
This can lead to a dog that is more likely to come back when called, even in distracting environments.
Despite these benefits, some people disagree with off the leash training.
They argue that it is too risky and that dogs should always be kept on a leash for their own safety.
However, I believe that with proper training and precautions, off the leash training can be done safely.
As an example, I was walking my dogs (Cody, the Pit Bull and Avera) late at night to the dog waste station in a short distance from our apartment home.
Cody was on a leash, and Avera wasn’t, but I regret (TO THIS DAY) that Cody was on a leash, because we were attached by another dog.
Another dog came running from several buildings away, and Cody tried to defend me, but couldn’t because he was on a leash and ended up getting seriously injured.
Avera ran and stayed at a distance, but, in the moment, I thought I had to protect the strange dog because of Cody’s past.
Regrettably, I judged my own dog’s past behavior when, in reality, he was just defending and protecting me.
When done correctly, off the leash training can be a great way to build a strong bond with your dog and to give them the freedom to be their true selves.
Since that day, I am proud to support off the leash training and to have trained all of my own dogs in this way.
This post was all about off the leash training.
As a dog mom who has trained her own Poodle Mix 100% off the leash, I can attest to the benefits of off the leash dog training.
It allows dogs to be in their natural state, promotes trust, and improves recall.
While some may disagree with it, with proper training and precautions, off the leash training can be done safely.
Off-leash training is not for everyone.
I am not suggesting that everyone should do this type of training, nor am I suggesting that it is the only way to train a dog.
It’s important to understand that every dog is different and what works for one dog may not work for another.
However, I believe that when done properly, off-leash training can benefit dogs and their owners.
It’s important to research different training techniques and methods and consult a professional trainer to find the best approach for you and your dog.
The goal is to find a training method that works best for your dog and your lifestyle, not to force a one-size-fits-all approach.
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