How do you know when your dog is ready to be off leash?

Before you take your dog off their leash, you must consider the location, situation, and your dog as an individual. An off-leash dog should ideally come when called, no matter the distraction. Start with teaching your dog to come in an area of low distraction. Once your dog understands the recall cue at home, slowly build up to practicing this cue in more distracting environments while your dog is still on-leash. Then, consider transitioning to having your dog drag a leash or wear a long line. Evaluate your pet’s temperament and level of training to determine when and how it is appropriate to let them off-leash. You’ll also want to consider your dog’s breed and the temperament and behavior typical of that breed. Take as much time with your dog on foundation skills like recall.

If your dog takes off, will he come back when you call him? If not, your dog should not be allowed off leash. The other important piece is training your dog to keep track of you and want to keep you close. If your dog does not keep track of you, then it's likely if he's allowed off leash that he will take off and not be concerned whether you are near. When getting started, all walks need to be done on leash. In order to begin giving your dog more freedom, a long line is the next step. It gives your dog a chance to stray farther from you but allows you a safety net in case he is not keeping track of you or responding when you call him. He normally is required to return to me and check in if he hits the end of that line. His job is to remain within that 20 foot radius without straying to the end. I don't mind if he follows tracks and explores – as long as he's still paying attention to where I am. But I need him paying more attention to me when I am not calling him before I will give him more freedom.