How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

Well, the question was 'How far do you let your dog range off lead', so I went out earlier on with Alice for a little stroll off lead. That would be the maximum range I would let a young dog range, maybe even a bit closer. But I think it is obvious from the video that she is quite happy bimbling along, exploring little patches of scent, probably the seat of a rabbit, she is not overly controlled nor in danger of having her intelligence stunted in any way. Just a little walk through a field, that got cut short by an almighty thunder storm. I think you can hear an ominous rumble half way through the clip. We had to leg it back to the house!

http://youtu.be/P31ub3Tb8N4

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

That was a good video showing that the dog was not over controlled (only had two whistle commands to turn back in), she was doing her own learning about scent and range and off lead.

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

Sadly, with some dogs, they simply do not know the difference. And this is really important because it is a serious welfare issue.

When I first started the Gundog Club we were inundated with calls from people in desperate straights with spaniels. I spent all day, every day, talking to people whose dogs were out of control. Most of them springer spaniels between 8 and 18 months old. I have also talked to the rescue centres that are overflowing with working bred springers. Most of them abandoned because the owners had lost control.

Allowing a spaniel with strong hunting drive access to free ranging exercise is a disaster for many working bred dogs. At best getting the dog back under control is going to require a good deal of skill no small amount of force.

Chloe, what I am talking about may not apply to your dog, not all spaniel owners get into difficulties by walking their dogs. You know your dog and obviously are still in control. However, as a general rule, anyone with a working bred spaniel needs to proceed with some caution with regard to free ranging exercise. Because in reality, to a spaniel it isn't about exercise, it is about hunting.

A person with your experience Stacia may well be able to judge just how much freedom to give a dog, but many spaniel owners simply are not able to do so.

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

True Pippa.

Though what surprises me is I see many pet Springers (working bred) who stay around their owners with no training. However, there are exceptions, I have an experienced gundog friend with Springers, he kept two out of one litter, one bitch was always self controlled, the other was off into the far distance at every opportunity. So yes, I can see there is a problem which is sad for the dogs.

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

Well I have just come back from my gundog lesson and I discussed with him about working on getting the dogs to stay closer. So we let Bella off the lead in the field, which has loads of good smells and long grass, a perfect hunting ground for a spaniel!! Typically she stayed close, had a sniff near the grass but went no further and was never anymore than about 5 metres away! On the only occasion she attempted to enter the cover she was met with a quick grrrrrh and came back immediately to sit ON my feet!

I expect my trainer wondered what all the fuss was about!!!

Chloe

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

How did I miss the vid of Alice! Lovely dog.

Very interesting conversation.

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

When I read the original post I completely missed that it was about spaniels. I was talking about my lab which is a completely different kettle of fish. Just setting the record straight. ;D

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

Me as well :-[

 

Re: How far do you let your dog range off lead ?

It's been interesting reading this. I guess with spaniels that breeding / type must make a big difference. I owned a cocker spaniel in the 80s and she was the easiest dog I've ever had. She didn't quarter or hunt (though did like to fetch a ball) and if she got too far ahead I used to call 'wait' and she'd sit down until we caught up. (I wish I could remember how I achieved this!) We also had pet rabbits and I used to have them loose on the grass with her. I suppose she must have been from show lines.
Great video of Alice - she's clearly having a whale of a time, while still being under control.