Off Leash Dog Commands

If your dog is going to continue beyond beginner level, the obedience trials you give him must be off leash. Some may misunderstand this because the initial way to train a dog is on leash. Therefore it is important that your dog has been fully trained on leash. Off leash instruction just strengthensthe good job your dog has done on leash. An easy way to see if your dog is ready for off leash training is to test him. One way is to work with your dog dragging his leash. Don't use your hands while doing this experiment and tell your dog something simple like " Down" or "Sit" with a peaceful voice. It should be a command that is simple for him to obey. After he does this, try doing the same with something more tempting for him, perhaps the front door etc, and try this experiment again. If you see that he obeys, click and reward him. If the opposite happens, grab that leash. This means that you still need to go over those basic commands around the distraction he is tempted to fall into.

"Straitjacket" commands