Being able to walk your dog safely and without a leash is the desire of every owner. This inevitably requires a good education to teach a dog to walk without a leash.
We all wish we could let our dogs run free, off leash , but this is not always possible. In addition to legal restrictions in certain cases, some stubborn, distracted or runaway dogs are reluctant to return.
The importance of teaching him to come to the call
The famous reminder to order that you come to the call is part of the basic components of learning. It is essential that your dog learns, from a young age, to return to you as soon as you give him the order . This apprenticeship is long, but it is not difficult. Eventually, the dog should answer the first call, without you having to repeat it multiple times.
It would not be possible to let your dog move freely without his leash if he does not systematically return to his master. This would entail a series of risks, both for the dog itself and for others. For you too, also, because you are responsible morally and legally
The dog can run away, be aggressive towards its peers or other animals it encounters, be attracted to a female in heat, scare people or, worse still, attack them, be hit by a vehicle… Potential risks abound. You could also protect yourself against these by making sure the dog is perfectly obedient .
Learning to recognize a command must be done very early . The puppy of 3 or 4 months can already learn it.
For the first few days, it is advisable to start this exercise at home , ideally in the garden, in a place where the young dog is not likely to be distracted by anything else .
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- Untie him, let him escape a bit, then call him. You can talk loudly to her and clap your thighs to get her attention. Embrace your joy to further encourage him to come. Keep calling him if he doesn’t answer, but always do so calmly . The dog is a predator, which means that he best sees what is in motion. Do not hesitate to attract him by running in the opposite direction so that he reacts and returns to you.As soon as he arrives, congratulate him warmly so that he associates it with something pleasant. You can even give him a treat. Also, don’t bring him inside so as not to produce a negative association (reminder = end of recess).You should also not approach him every time, otherwise the animal may acquire the bad habit of not accompanying you knowing that you will.Day after day, you can increase the distances that separate you, then repeat this exercise outside the house.Don’t forget to congratulate him every time he returns to your side, even if he’s been dragging his feet (or paws) a bit. No need to scold him him which would only make him less excited about coming to your side.