Comments on: Are Off-Leash Dogs Happier Than On-Leash Dogs?

By: Geegee

Geegee — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 14:14:12 +0000

In reply to Richard. Hi great that you trained your dog (not being sarcastic!) I have a nervous dog with high prey drive who needs to stay on the lead. She is very reactive if an off-lead dog invades her space, which is stressful for both of us, and puts both dogs at risk of a fight. Sometimes afterwards she just freezes on the spot and doesn't want to walk any more. Therefore I would like to ask please don't let your off-lead dog approach any dog on a lead. My dog's problems cannot be fixed by training (due to her breed and history) but can be greatly helped if other dogs/owners respect her space. Thanks

By: Richard

Richard — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 22:26:58 +0000

I have always trained my dogs so that I could walk them off-leash where allowed (here in Vancouver we have many leash-optional trails and beaches). I’ve never had a great deal of luck with getting them to come on command 100%. However, getting them to stay has been very successful. In my experience that is good enough. Even if a squirrel or rabbit is in their sights they will stop when I tell them. If we come upon anyone who is not walking a dog or has small children, I will tell my dog to “stay” and then I come forward and leash them until we go past. Just thought others might find this helpful.

By: Jennie Gross

Jennie Gross — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 11:28:04 +0000

I am so glad I read your article, in my head I thought the zap collar was cruel but I was thinking of having my dog trained but don’t know what for as he will come back when I call offering a treat. And if I lease him (chain as it is easy to slide over his head) he does pull and since I am a senior it’s hard for me. He is a Golden Doodle the sweetest dog and is now 14 months old full of energy.
I have had 2 Border Collies/ 4 Golden Retrievers in my life time and always very well behaved and off leash. BUT they did not want to PLAY with other dogs like this one does, so seeing another dog on leash he pulls on the leash.to try and TALK to them. Will he get better with age? It seems that all of a sudden having a dog is complicated with all the new gadgets and so many people giving advise.

By: shibashake

shibashake — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 07:07:45 +0000

In reply to Valerie.

Sounds like it is her prey-instinct kicking in. Here are a couple of articles on prey-drive training-
http://drsophiayin.com/blog/entry/how-do-i-train-my-dog-to-stop-chasing-the-chickens-cat-rat
http://www.patriciamcconnell.com/theotherendoftheleash/chase-this-not-that

This ASPCA article also has good information on the many different recall training techniques-
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/virtual-pet-behaviorist/dog-behavior/teaching-your-dog-come-when-called

By: Valerie

Valerie — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 23:49:19 +0000

I really enjoyed this page, as I am trying to decide how to solve my training issue with my French Bulldog. She is only ever walked on leash, even though my other two dogs, a Boxer and a Border Collie, are allowed off leash. We live in a very rural area where we own 17 acres.(not fenced) I keep a flock of chickens as well as three horses. The down side is that we are very close to 2 roads. She is a bulldog- stubborn and strong willed, but very trainable with food rewards and praise. She is not reliable with recall. This is the reason I was considering an e-collar. Do you have any good suggestions to re-direct her focus when I am trying to recall her and she is focused on a distraction? (ie: cat, deer, chicken, horse, etc) Once I have her attention she responds to commands. She is wonderful with kids, loves people and most other dogs. Thank you for your article!

By: shibashake

shibashake — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:56:38 +0000

In reply to Jess.

Hi Jess!
Hahaha, yeah Sephy doesn’t usually dig, but when it is a big archaeological project, he gets involved. Shania just wanted Sephy to get out of the way so she could go back to excavating.

I have actually let Sephy go off-leash a few times. Surprisingly, I think he is more of a homebody than the Siberians. He does not usually come when called, but he does not like to wander too far away from his people. When he goes walking with a group of dogs, then he sticks to a particular dog, especially the ones that ignore him. In this way, the dog walker can get recall by calling in the other dog. 😀

How is Zeus? Has he written more poems?

By: Jess

Jess — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:06:22 +0000

I adore the picture of Sephy digging!! Shania has that face of “Man, we are getting really dirty…” 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Great article! Poor Zeusie will never be able to be off leash I don’t think… if for any reason he ran I’d never in a million years catch him and he definately does NOT come when called. He comes when he needs something!