Off-Leash Training?

[RobHedrick]

I live out in the country, and I'd like to train my dogs to be obedient off-leash.. They both listen really well when I have control of the leash, but when I drop it - they bolt.

I have had nothing but great behavior from both of them - but it's like they think I'm no longer the pack leader if I'm not holding the leash..

I have tried being stern with body language, and vocally as well. I also tried teaching them with a dog whistle, but off-leash it has no effect. The main thing is, they don't want to give me their attention, they simply want to play in the snow together.

Any help or advice with this is greatly appreciated.


Thanks in advance, ~Rob

 

[Mordy]

you need to find what motivates your dogs and you need to work on training in a low-distraction environment until the behavior you are working on is solid.

don't take it outside into a field with lots of interesting distractions right away. work off leash in your kitchen or hallway, then take it to a fairly boring area outside - maybe a driveway or front yard.

also, get yourself a long line to work on commands outside. you don't have to spend a lot of money buying one from a pet store - go to your local sporting goods place and buy 20 or 30 feet of nylon webbing and a snap hook, tie the hook to the line and you are ready to go.

when it comes to finding what motivates your dog, be creative. most dogs will work well for food rewards, others prefer a toy or a good game of tug. don't be concerned about using cut-up hotdogs if that is what works. you'll gradually fade out these rewards once the behaviors are solid, to a point where you don't need them anymore at all. for now you'll want to work on keeping the dog focused on you, not other distractions.

it might also help if you either work with one dog at a time, or get someone to help you train.

 

[RobHedrick]

Thanks Mordy, I'll try that.

I'll work with them separately tomorrow, and update back here after..


Cheers! ~Rob

 

[SummerRiot]

also, get yourself a long line to work on commands outside

I was just going to suggest this.. if you can't find a long line, get a lunge line(CHEAPER!!!) at your local tack store.. (I assume that you know what a lunge line is..if not - its a training device for exercising/young horses where its attached to their halter and approx 30 ft line you hold the end)

 

[RobHedrick]

Thanks for the suggestion, Summer. Yep, I know what a lunge line is, I have worked with horses before; I plan to buy a lunge line soon.

 

[Doberluv]

I think Mordy's advice is great! Yes...find out what your dogs really love to motivate them.

I have used my lunge line, but I don't like it that well. It's sort of wide. I think a light weight, thinner cotton rope seems like it would be better. The dog wouldn't notice it as much....wouldn't feel the weight of it dragging behind so it would resemble off leash more. It might get tangled up more easily though. Maybe clothes line material? Just some half baked thoughts. LOL. Good luck!

 

[RobHedrick]

I think Mordy's advice is great! Yes...find out what your dogs really love to motivate them.

I have used my lunge line, but I don't like it that well. It's sort of wide. I think a light weight, thinner cotton rope seems like it would be better. The dog wouldn't notice it as much....wouldn't feel the weight of it dragging behind so it would resemble off leash more. It might get tangled up more easily though. Maybe clothes line material? Just some half baked thoughts. LOL. Good luck!

Half baked eh? Sound like someone's having fun! lol..

Yeah I decided to go with lightweight clothesline, I think you're right, it would seem more like nothing is there because it's so light..

Thanks..