Sunday, November 25, 2012

Training for Off-Leash Playtime

By Allyson Westcot


It can be a bunch of fun to take your pet off the leash for a while to go play. Going to a dog park is a good way to do itâ€"as long as your dog is properly trained. There are some vital things to make sure of before you risk removing the leash outside.

The most vital thing you can do for the safeness of your pet while off-leash is confirm he'll come to you when called. If your dog does not follow this command, don't risk going off-leash. When you assert "come," your dog should come without delay. Your dog should also follow the command "stay" before you remove the leash. These two commands are imperative, and you are putting your dog at risk by not making sure he'll follow them every time before going.

It's crucial to teach these commands in a selection of places and times. Teaching them within your distraction-free yard or living room is a good start, but distractions should be added to reinforce the lessons. A loud TV, other people close by, food in reach and other diversions should be added so that your dog can start to learn to follow the commands even when lured not to.

On your daily walks where people and noises are abounding, work on the commands. Tell your dog to "stay," then walk to the end of the dog leash. Give the command "come" to get your dog to walk to you. When there are traffic noises, voices and other distractions all around, your dog should still learn to follow the commands. Go to a regular park full of people while using the leash and practice them. You can use an adjustable leash like one made by Ezy Dog to give your dog more slack while you practice.

Irrespective of where you take your dog, be sure you have got an identity tag hooked to your pet's harness or collar, and consider getting a microchip. If he does get lost, these increase the chances that he is going to be returned to you.




About the Author:



No comments: