Hi guys, I was just wondering when you think puppies should be allowed off lead. I know that you have to wait until they have perfected recall, but im just not sure how my puppy would react if we let her off lead. She seems to know when she is on a leash and i worry that she would get super exited and run away when i let her off. We are gonna take her up to the mountains this weekend to go sleding. When we do so, she be on a long leash so hopefully she will get the idea of following us without being right next to us. Thanks in advance!
If you're in a safe space (no chance of your pup running into traffic ) then I'd let them off straight away. I have always had my puppies off lead on their first outing as young puppies automatically follow you. Oh course i have also trained a recall alongside that but my dogs have always walked with me off lead (in UK). During the adolescent period you have to put in a bit more effort to engage them - I took a bag of toys out and did lots of games rather than trying to cover any distance.
Alfie first walk was off lead. Was so nervous but all worked out well and he's been off the lead every walk since. Make the most of the puppies instinct to follow you.
There is a sticky whole tread about this at the top of the puppies section. I read it when I just got my pup. I was really nervous about it as my previous dogs (years ago) had not been trained this way. It was the best thing I ever read...she has hardly ever had much time on the lead and is now age 5. She has a fabulous recall. Be brave...let you pup off ( as long as it’s a safe space) .
When they are really young you can catch them in a big open space. Not so much when they are 3 months old. We always let Tilly and Cooper off lead in a field near our house when they were 8 or 9 weeks old. We played the calling them back and forth between us when they were very young. Both had good recall.
We let max off lead from day 1, they have an instinct to follow you, he never goes far and he is now 20 months, it took huge amount of courage on my part and I am so happy that we trusted the advice of this board. Always have a treaty treat to start with ! Good luck.
Thank you guys for all the feed back. I think we are going to use the long leash and let her off if we feel safe. I have a feeling she wouldnt get too far from us, but better safe than sorry.
I too let my pup off lead the first time we went out. I had watched Pippa’s video and trusted she would follow me. I made myself exciting to be near by running a few steps and excitedly saying her name and treating her for sticking by me.
