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Off Leash Training (4)
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Off-leash training is a transition because it is, most definitely, a slow process.
It would be nice if we could just reach down, unsnap the leash, and know that your dog would instantly obey the commands ÂComeÂ, ÂSitÂ, ÂDownÂ, ÂStayÂ, and ÂHeelÂ. Regardless of how proficient a dog may be in basic obedience while attached to the leash, his efficiency diminishes about 80% once the leash is removed.
While heeling, he will lag terribly, go wide on the turns, forge ahead and sit in front of you when you stop. Sometimes, it is as if the unsnapping of a leash erases everything on the memory of a dogÂs mind.
On a sit-stay exercise, without the benefit of a leash, a dog suddenly realizes that his owner is powerless to do anything in the way of correction in the event of disobedience. Should the dog then bolt and runs, the command ÂCome falls on seemingly deaf ears.
To begin off-leash work without making the proper transition would be the same as standing a baby on his two feet to walk before he had even had an opportunity to perfect his crawling technique. On the other hand, to begin making the transition before your dog has demonstrated absolute perfection and control in his work on leash would be a total waste of time.
If your dog needs constant correction while heeling on-leash, he will need the same constant correction while heeling without the benefit of the leash; but without a leash, how are you going to make a correction? Your dog should be able to perform all basic obedience exercises willingly, smartly, and with no opposition, before you undertake the transition to off-leash work.
If you have followed proper obedience training from the very beginning, you will now begin to realize why so much emphasis was placed on correct heeling techniques.
You were constantly reminded to keep a belly of slack in the leash at all times. Instructions were explicit that dogs were not to be allowed to forge ahead and tighten the leash. One of the purposes, of course, was for the dog to get used to feeling no connection between him and his owner. Of course, if the dog spends ten weeks being restrained by the leash while heeling, thereÂs not a bond of affection thatÂs strong enough to hold that dog in the proper heel position once the leash is off.
If your dog is proficient in the commands ÂComeÂ, ÂSitÂ, ÂDownÂ, and ÂStayÂ, but requires constant tugging on the leash while heeling, spend more time correcting that deficiency now while you still have the help of a six-foot leather training leash. Use it while you can.
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BONUS : Older Dog  Getting The Right Amount Of Exercise For Your Adult Dog
When your dog has reached his senior years - about 7 years old for large breeds and 14 years old for small breeds - his level of energy may be lower, he may begin to settle down a bit, and he may only need less exercise.
On the other hand, it really depends on the kind of dog you have. You may have one that is still energetic, driven, and very active - well into his golden years. If this is the case, continue with your normal exercise on a daily basis, maybe just at a slower pace. Keep going until you feel that he is ready to retire and slow down.
Keep Exercise A Top Priority
If you want your dog to stay fit, he needs exercise every day, regardless of his age. Once your canine pal reaches his old age, however, you may decrease the amount of exercise that you are giving him, but you should never stop. Many older dogs are still happy to go on long walks, fetch a ball, or catch a Frisbee. If you feel that he is getting a little slow and requires less activity, a trip to the park or going to the beach may be a better alternative for him.
To keep your dog happy and in good physical and mental condition, let him have at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day. A few example exercises that you can do with your senior dog are: A short or long walk, slow runs in the park, going to the beach, going for a short hike on a trail, or a simple game of fetch. These are activities that your dog can enjoy doing well into his old age.
Older Dogs With Injuries
If your senior dog is suffering from a joint or bone trouble, you will need to slow him down. He will still need to move and stay active, but the amount and length of exercise should be kept to a minimum. For example, instead of doing a 3 mile walk, modify it to a 1 mile walk and do it twice a day. Swimming is another alternative exercise for dogs suffering with a hip dysplasia or other bones disorder.
Keep An Eye On Him
Keep a good eye on your dog during his exercise and make sure that he is not pushing himself too hard. Dogs love to please their owners, and they will push themselves to the limit if they think that doing so will make you happy. Watch out for any signs that he needs to slow down. Such signs are: limping, panting, slow in pace, or sleeping for a long period of time after the exercise, which is a sign of severe exhaustion.
Use Softer Ground
Also keep in mind that older dogs as well as some puppies can develop joint injuries or foot pad injuries from running on hard concrete. If at all possible, let your dog run or walk on dirt, sand, or grass. If you have no choice but to walk him on concrete, avoid running and slow the pace.
When your dog has reached his senior years - about 7 years old for large breeds and 14 years old for small breeds - his level of energy may be lower, he may begin to settle down a bit, and he may only need less exercise.
On the other hand, it really depends on the kind of dog you have. You may have one that is still energetic, driven, and very active - well into his golden years. If this is the case, continue with your normal exercise on a daily basis, maybe just at a slower pace. Keep going until you feel that he is ready to retire and slow down.
Keep Exercise A Top Priority
If you want your dog to stay fit, he needs exercise every day, regardless of his age. Once your canine pal reaches his old age, however, you may decrease the amount of exercise that you are giving him, but you should never stop. Many older dogs are still happy to go on long walks, fetch a ball, or catch a Frisbee. If you feel that he is getting a little slow and requires less activity, a trip to the park or going to the beach may be a better alternative for him.
To keep your dog happy and in good physical and mental condition, let him have at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day. A few example exercises that you can do with your senior dog are: A short or long walk, slow runs in the park, going to the beach, going for a short hike on a trail, or a simple game of fetch. These are activities that your dog can enjoy doing well into his old age.
Older Dogs With Injuries
If your senior dog is suffering from a joint or bone trouble, you will need to slow him down. He will still need to move and stay active, but the amount and length of exercise should be kept to a minimum. For example, instead of doing a 3 mile walk, modify it to a 1 mile walk and do it twice a day. Swimming is another alternative exercise for dogs suffering with a hip dysplasia or other bones disorder.
Keep An Eye On Him
Keep a good eye on your dog during his exercise and make sure that he is not pushing himself too hard. Dogs love to please their owners, and they will push themselves to the limit if they think that doing so will make you happy. Watch out for any signs that he needs to slow down. Such signs are: limping, panting, slow in pace, or sleeping for a long period of time after the exercise, which is a sign of severe exhaustion.
Use Softer Ground
Also keep in mind that older dogs as well as some puppies can develop joint injuries or foot pad injuries from running on hard concrete. If at all possible, let your dog run or walk on dirt, sand, or grass. If you have no choice but to walk him on concrete, avoid running and slow the pace.
