It goes without saying that on-leash training is important. After all, who wants a dog that is unruly enough to pull your arm out of its socket when you’re taking them for a walk? However, it is also important to consider off-leash training. When you think about it, your dog will be off the leash far more often than on it, so having them well-trained in commands when off-leash makes a lot of sense. Here are some other reasons to consider off-leash training for your dog.
1. It’s an insurance policy. Anything can happen on a walk, such as dropping the leash, the collar coming undone, or the leash disconnecting from the collar. If this happens at a bad time, your beloved pet could get seriously hurt or endanger someone else if they’re not properly trained.
2. Free up your hands. If you have a dog that you want to help you out with things around your home or farm, they are going to need to be free to do that. Could you imagine a farmer running around with a leashed dog herding the sheep? That would negate the reason for having the livestock dog in the first place!
3. Have more fun with your dog. Off-leash training will enable you to enjoy activities such as fetching a ball, stick or frisbee without fear that your dog will run off. Consider, also, that your dog will be a joy to have inside your home when they answer to simple commands such as sit, stay, and come.
4. Protection. Your dog can be a more effective defender if he or she is not encumbered by a leash. Off-leash training that includes defensive training can allow them to spot and react to a threat more quickly, and those few moments could make a big difference.
If you would like to know more about off-leash training for your dog, give us a call at Dogs By Andy K-9 Services. Our proven success methods and dedication to dog obedience will help you achieve your goals. Andy is a certified dog trainer with over 30 years of experience, so you can be confident you will enjoy the benefits of a well-trained dog. Call today for more information.