Free running or training?

A lot of breeders when seeing the baby they have nurtured from before birth off to their new homes stress never to let your pup off the lead. Strange advice when you think that dogs are free running pack animals and off lead exercise is one of the favourite activities of their dog and one they love to watch as their pet chases, plays and seems truly happy just being a dog.

Some trainers feel that if they only let their dogs off the lead during training and tests the dog will be keener to obey and learn. I find, as do a lot of trainers, in all disciplines, that most dogs need a general run round before they can settle their minds to learning or obeying specific commands. This does not mean that the dog should be let off the leader before it is solid on the recall and intensive training is needed to get to this stage ie when it is instinctive for the dog on hearing its name and the recall to return instantly. This is started as a baby from the nest.

When you collect your 8 weeks old pup it will automatically go to the voice of the person who has had most contact with it especially if they are the bringers of food or freedom. You then take over this roll, the pup will soon change allegiance and you can introduce a name to the pup and proceed from there. If a dog learns he can run away and not get caught, especially if there is joy and treats when he does return, he is leading you and telling you what to do. If this behaviour is acceptable to you fine, but I for one would not like my household to be run by an undisciplined dog. They must learn to fit in and have manners as well as obey the house rules.

Socialisation is vital to a puppy, firstly with its mother & peers then with other dogs, people & animals. Pups soon learn, and the earlier the better that all older dogs are not to be played with. Few older dogs will attack a pup, they issue a warning growl and usually move away and the pup soon learns the code of behaviour. If the pup gets older and doesn’t take the hint an older dog will be more severe in reprimanding the other dog.
Dogs that get attacked and do attacking are not usually really to blame. It is the owners who have not grasped that their dog’s behaviour is their responsibility. If you cannot, will not or just haven’t trained your dog to behave in a civilised way off the leader it will have to stay on the lead so you don’t cause problems for others. How many times is your dog on the leader for any reason and another dog leaps up with the owner far away shouting “he only wants to play” but perhaps your dog or you don’t want your dog to play. There may be a very good reason
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If you see another dog on a leader it is good manners to put yours on a leader also until you are well apart. Dogs on leaders often feel at a disadvantage when meeting dogs off leaders and can be more protective of their space and attack. This is your fault for not being in better control of your dog. So go to it and make sure you have a happy trained dog who can be trusted and is a delight to be with giving you so much fun and pleasure when exercising off the lead.

Denise Jury.