So many of our dogs spend the majority of their lives exploring the world while on leash. You dog’s mental and physical wellbeing is improved when they are allowed to safely run and explore in a safe, enclosed space apart of their usual routine. In order to build up to allowing your dog off leash, be sure they have a solid recall to you (see our post of teaching recall commands to your dog) and be sure the off leash area is enclosed, safe away from livestock and roads where dogs are permitted off-leash. Alternatively you can invest in a long line to give your dog more freedom to explore while still being completely in your control.
The benefits of off lead time for your dog range from
- Choice: our dogs spend so much of their day to day doing what we want and expect from them. Off leash time allows your dogs the choice to be in charge of their own outcomes and teach self reliance and confidence to shy or anxious dogs. Being off leash is the only chance a dog gets to truly be in charge of their own decisions.
- Freedom: off leash time allows the dog to run, play, sniff, roll, spin, jump and sprint and the freedom to do dog stuff without the restriction of a leash. This is beneficial for good mental health.
- Enrichment: your dog gets to engage in the natural world around them in their own time. They can follow a scent or explore which provides a sense of serotonin and dopamine. The making of a happy dog.
- Needs: your dog has natural breed specific behaviour they need to indulge in every now and then no matter what their breed or breed mix is. A retriever and spaniel wants to retrieve a ball for you or sniff everything, a greyhound or lurcher wants to sprint and show off some speed. It’s hard to meet these needs while theyre tethered to you most of the time.
- Energy : off leash time provides mental and physical stimulation. It allows your dog to burn excess energy and allows them tire more quickly in a positive way.
