How to let a dog off leash for the first time?
Emma Tromp
2025-07-20 23:57:44
Count answers
: 9
Begin by running through all of the commands that you have taught him, but this time on the lead and in a place with minimal distractions. Your garden is usually the best place to start. Once you feel confident with the way your dog is responding to your commands on the lead, it is time to let him off. Choose a quiet place and run through the commands once more. Give your dog the “sit” command, followed by the “stay” command, and then remove his lead. Before you let him go, remind him of the commands, walk on a short distance, and then allow him to go and explore. Stay in regular contact with him by calling him back and praising him with treats, verbal praise and touch. Every time your dog comes back reward him with plenty of praise, fuss and a treat so that he wants to return next time.
Linda Littel
2025-07-20 21:51:32
Count answers
: 8
To begin with, let your dog off the lead in a small enclosed area that is quiet and empty. Preferably this will be a back garden that they are already familiar with, but it could also be a friend or relative’s garden, or even a small enclosed space in a park that’s empty and relatively quiet. While they are off the lead in this enclosed space, practice calling your dog’s name and getting them to come back to you. Try using treats to coax them back to you and even better, practice getting them to sit so once they are with you they are attentive and still.
Take them on plenty of walks with loud noises and other dogs, to get them used to other people, other dogs and loud noises such as traffic. Try letting them off in an enclosed area with other dogs, there are many instances of dog training facilities having secure areas for dogs to play in, or you could even let your dog off with friends’ dogs in your own back garden. Once your dog is reacting to your voice, and is fine with basic commands and recall, it’s time to let them off the lead, if you’re still apprehensive, try letting them off on a walk which is particularly enclosed at first. It could be a fenced off footpath or even an enclosed wooded area where they can’t run into any danger.
Howell Herzog
2025-07-20 20:23:02
Count answers
: 12
I would encourage you to let your puppy off the lead at this stage, or if you’re worried about doing so, investing a lightweight long line attached to your puppy by way of a harness. This way you can feel more confident that you can still grab the long line in case of emergency. Find a quiet spot away from busy areas of people and other dogs, and set your puppy down on the floor. Either unclip the lead or drop the long line down on the floor and move a short distance away. If you manage to get away from your puppy, give them a call such as “Pup, pup, pup” in a high pitched, exciting tone of voice. When they come towards you reward copiously with treats, praise and fuss. I prefer to use a generic call such as “Pup, pup, pup” rather than their name, as quite often they’re still learning their name and I don’t want them to ignore it when they hear it.
Read also
- How to train a dog to walk on a leash for the first time?
- How to work on off leash training?
- How to train a dog to walk on a leash without pulling?
- How to train your dog to be off leash and not run away?
- Is it better to let dogs meet off leash?
- How to properly introduce dogs on leash?
- How to stop a dog from running away when off leash?