Allowing your dog to walk freely can be a rewarding and stimulating experience for both of you. Médor does not have the stress of a leash, he can sniff out lots of smells without making you wait next door, run as long as he wants, you have your hands free and the satisfaction of a happy dog! However, teaching your dog to walk without a leash and mastering the recall is critical to keeping him and others safe. So how do you unfasten the leash safely?
Establish a relationship of trust
A trusting relationship is essential for successfully learning to recall and walking without a leash. Spend quality time with your dog, play with them, and meet their emotional and physical needs. Trust is built over time and consistency, so be sure to always be patient and understanding when learning.
You've ever seen a human yell at his dog asking him to come back, but have you seen the dog come back often? Inevitably very few... Who wants to go up to a person who is yelling at them?! Yelling at your dog to come back can actually have the opposite effect and push him further away from you. Dogs respond better to clear, positive signals, and yelling can make them feel anxious or fearful. Instead, use an encouraging tone of voice and rewards to reinforce the recall.
The usefulness of the lanyard to start
The lanyard is a great tool for teaching your dog to walk without a leash. It provides additional security while allowing your dog to move freely. Use the lanyard to teach rappelling and walking without pulling, gradually leaving more slack in the lanyard as your dog masters these skills. When you are sure that your dog is responding well to the reminder and is walking without pulling, you can start removing the lanyard and allowing him to walk freely.
Learn to recall
Recall is an essential skill in allowing your dog to walk freely. To teach recall, start by calling your dog in a safe, distraction-free environment. When he comes to you, praise and reward him generously. Repeat this exercise regularly, gradually increasing the level of distraction and the distance between you and your dog. Alternate the type of reward gradually: treats and caresses associated with the voice.
Even if your dog obeys you very well, you should never forget to keep an eye out! If you see danger or temptation, gently reattach your dog.
Never give up on your efforts. Go out with a regular pack of treats in your pocket and don't hesitate to call your dog back, even if nothing in particular is happening, just so he doesn't forget that it's always good to come back! Of course, always with the same associated slogan: “here”, “come back”... That's how you want it!
Remember that patience and consistency are critical to successful learning, and that every dog learns at their own pace. By working together and celebrating the progress made, you and your dog can enjoy a rewarding and safe walking experience.
For each trip, of course, make sure that it is allowed to untie the leash!
