I was curious how many people have dogs they consider reliable off leash?
Journey is super reliable off leash.the only time she doesn't recall easily is when she is chasing her Whippet friend because she gets a little over stimulated sometimes, but she isn't impossible even in that situation. Aside from that, she is wonderful. Explores but watches, doesn't stray far, comes back immediately and all I have to do is make a little clicky noise or something an not even use a recall word most of the time. She is the most reliable, intune off leash dog I have ever had and she is still young. I am sure with maturity she will be even better. Right now I still have to watch so she doesn't run off to play with other dogs, but she is actually pretty good about leaving strange dogs alone. I think with age she will be even less inclined to go say hello.
Dance is good off leash. She just follows along and while she does get left way behind sometimes because she likes sniffing things deeply, she always happily comes back once she's realize we are not waiting for her. However, she can be firmly independent and she will blatantly ignore my calls if she feels she is doing something better, so that can be annoying. But still, I never worry about her off leash. She is an especially trustworthy and reliable hiker.
Ripley is decent off leash. He used to be a lot better but now we don't really practice as often ever since he started randomly being an ass to other dogs. Mostly he gets leashed walks now and when he is off leash, it's when there are no or limited other dogs around. He is very good in those situations though and if I tell him to leave it, he does.
Keira is annoying off leash lately. She used to be better I think, but she truly couldn't care less about what I want so blatantly ignores me often to do whatever she wants. She doesn't go far though. She has her own 20 foot radius and stays within it. She just prefers to do her own thing. She will come back rig away if she knows I have cookies though lol. Oh well. We try. The only time her recall was amazing was when I would go out five days a week with a long line and really enforce it. As with anything in life if she is going to be good at it, she needs to practice constantly and never have the opportunity to reward herself for her own thing. She is too independent and opportunistic.
How important is it to you?
Very important. I used to think I could live with a non off leash dog, but I do so much with my dogs that requires them to be off leash that it has become a necessity. I dislike doing leashed activities. I just wish I had more legal off leash opportunities in the city.
What do you consider reliable?
For me, it's when I don't have to panic and wonder if my dog is going to come when called. When I let both Dance and Journ off leash, I don't worry at all. Both come back 99% of the time on the first call and keep an eye on where I am. The Dobermans are a little less trustworthy, but even they come back right away 90% of the time and there is never a time when they do not at all, they just take extra time sometimes. Reliability to me is a dog who checks in and pays attention and isn't inclined to stray off and ignore the fact that they are with their person. And is also capable of ignoring people and other dogs.
How often is your dog off leash?
Nearly every time that I am out with them. So, a lot. My two are off leash way more than they are on leash. The Dobermans not as much, but that's because I do do a bit more with Dance and Journey in general and there aren't quite as many places that I trust the dobes off leash in the same way as I trust my girls. It's always safety first and they have never been as naturally inclined for off leash activities as my two so while they are good and well trained, I have to be much ore aware of the environment and situation with Keira and Ripley.
