12/11/2021
🐾OFF LEAD TRAINING 🐾
Just because you want to train your dog to be off lead does not mean they actually have to be off lead. Would Fred be OK off lead? Yes, most likely. But I'm not willing to take the risk. It is way easier to learn bad habits, such as chasing squirrels, steal balls and jumping on terrified people in the park, than it is to learn good habits. If your dog comes back 80% of the time, it is likely that your dog is going to start loving that 20% when he can get positive reinforcement from saying hello to some random dog on a lead or roll in poo. It is then likely that those 20% are then going to turn in to 30%+.
I know it's not what people want to hear but managing your dogs reinforcement and establishing good HABITS is key to be able to control your dog off lead in the long run, and treats, toys and longlines are great for that!
One day Fred will be off lead in the park, but not until he is ready, and I'm in no rush 🐾
