Pups should not be set free too soon
WHENEVER I tell new owners my puppies never walk off lead for the first six months of their life I can see the pity in their eyes.
My pups do get to run around but only when they are playing with me, otherwise they walk on their lead.
Most owners can’t wait to turn their new puppy loose in the park, forest or some other dog friendly location.
The naive little puppy usually comes back when called until it gains confidence and learns to chase other dogs, birds, squirrels and rabbits or run off on some interesting scent.
Once a puppy discovers how much fun he can have without his owner he’ll have no incentive to come back.
Why would he? You may be able to tempt him back with a titbit but unless he’s really hungry chances are he’ll ignore you.
I spend the first six months teaching my pups how to walk correctly on lead at my lefthand side.
Providing I’m totally consistent my dog will automatically slot into this position when remove the lead.
Little by little I allow him to walk off lead by my left-hand side until it becomes his lifelong habit.
Initially his off-lead walks are kept short as it demands all his concentration but as he matures I stretch them out until he doesn’t even have to think about it.
In between this I play games with him that always start and end with me.
I want him to believe that I’m the best game in town and I can’t do that by letting him run
Iaround on his own. When you call your dog to you he is going to ask why he should come - and you had better have a good answer or you will be wasting your breath.
Walking to heel (without pulling) and coming when called are basic control exercises we teach in class.
You can join any of our classes on line at vicbarlow.com or by text to 07590 560012.
If you are struggling to make a weekly class on June 25 to 26 we have our two day summer master class.