How to Train Your Dog to Be Leashless

For many people, their dogs are their best friends, and they like to bring their pets everywhere they go. It is important to have a well-trained dog if you are going to bring it out in public and expose it to various situations. Off-leash training is done best after your dog knows basic commands. The training, as with other commands, consists of repetition and rewards.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog collar
  • Dog treats
  • Leash
  • Long leash or rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Train your dog to know basic commands. Before attempting to go without a leash, make sure your dog understands and obeys basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "come" and "heel."

      Your dog should also be able to walk on a leash without pulling before you attempt to go leashless.

    • 2

      Work in an enclosed area free of distraction. Set your puppy up for success and take small steps toward going without a leash. FamilyEducation.com recommends training your dog inside or outside in a fenced yard.

    • 3

      Take your dog to your training spot on a leash. Have your dog focus on you and then remove its leash.

    • 4

      Allow your dog to run free for a moment and then call the puppy with the "come" command. When the dog comes to you, reward it with a treat. Repeat this several times. This may be all you do for the first week or so of off-the-leash training. The idea is not only to ensure that the dog will listen to you, but to get your pet to associate the treats with being near you.

    • 5

      Increase the distractions. Once your dog responds to you in the enclosed area, add distractions, such as another person in the yard or another dog. Take the dog to your normal training spot and let it run free and explore whatever distractions you have placed in the yard. Call the dog with the word "come" and reward it when it obeys.

      Slowly add distractions so your dog will be used to coming to you even when there are other attractions around. Master this step before moving on to open, public places.

    • 6

      Be aware of your surroundings. Even the best trained dogs can have moments of uncontrollable excitement, especially in unfamiliar places. Pay attention at dog parks or on hikes or anywhere else you take your dog. Look for other dogs, animals or objects that may distract your dog. Call your puppy over to you before it has the chance to run after another dog, for example. TheDogTrainingFormula.com calls this being "two steps" ahead of your pet.