Reptile & Amphibian Forums

how can i train my puppy to stay with me off lead in an open area? the open area is land next to my house. should i let him drag a lead around just incase he tries to make a brake for it? i was interested in getting him into agility and wanted to use this extra land in addition to my backyard (which is fenced) to train him.

>>how can i train my puppy to stay with me off lead in an open area? the open area is land next to my house. should i let him drag a lead around just incase he tries to make a brake for it? i was interested in getting him into agility and wanted to use this extra land in addition to my backyard (which is fenced) to train him.

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A good way to teach a dog to be reliable off leash is to keep the leash on until the habit is so set that it would not even occur to the dog to respond the wrong way.
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series at www.veterinaryforum.com

No dog should be trusted off leash until they're at least 2 years old (and that's the very, very least.. most dogs aren't reliable until 3 or 4 and depending on the breed some just can never be trusted). I would leave a leash dragging but I don't do agility with my dog since it's so hard on them and causes premature arthritis and can leave their bones more fragile than other dogs. My main concern if I was going to do agility with the lead trailing would be getting it caught on something and giving the dog a nasty jerk to the neck..

Begin by teaching a reliable recall and practicing for at least a year in the fenced yard.. then at least 6 more months outside the yard on a long lead. Then, armed with lots of treats and a perfect recall, you maybe able to trust him off lead..