I have a 4 yr old doberman who I've only ever walked on the lead as when she was a puppy?

Question

she used to run off. I want to let her off the lead but scared she will run off. I let her off im my field and most the time she comes when called. Would you just let her off the lead in a remote area?

Answer 1

Get a long training lead, so you can let her have the feeling of freedom but you still have the initial control, then see if she comes to heal on command, After a period of time, you should know if hse is going to come back totally off it or not. Also, try taking treats to use as a bribe to start her recall training.

Answer 2

If she runs free in the feild then you just need to tighten up her training a bit more. Use only a happy tone of voice when calling her back and when she comes give her lots of praise and even a treat. The idea is you teach her that coming back is the best thing ever. Then let her run off giving her some command to do so! I use 'off you go' but any words will do. Keep repeating the exercise till she returns every time! If she already walks well for you on the lead try teaching her off lead heel. You must have her used to walking by your side on a loose lead first. Then remove the lead but don't give the command for her to go and play. Give her the heel command, have a treat preferably her favourite and let her scent it. Walk a few paces and if she stays with you praise her and give the treat. Increase the distance gradually till she's walking around the field at your side as long as you want her too. Don't make the sessions too long though and give her the go play command at the end! She should soon get the idea. Then progress to outside the field but at first use a long training lead (or washing line) so that you are still in control. Once she's obeying outside the field too then let go of the long lead but be prepared to stand on it if she starts getting too far ahead! If she trys to run off then keep her on the long line and every few days try again.
It's how I train rescued adults and it is usually successful!

Answer 3

Personally I would not let the dog off leash. In many areas it is illegal (leash laws), and it's not safe. You say "most of the time" she comes when called, but what about that one time she doesn't. If she gets focused on something and starts to run towards it, her run could take her in the street or in the path of something else. Also, you know your dog, but if she meets another dog or other critter, you don't know how they will react.

If you want to find someplace to let her run, do you have dog parks in your area? While these have good and bad about going to them, they are typically fenced in so the dogs cannot run into harm's way. You will need to keep a very close eye on her with the other dogs, but it might be an option for you.

Answer 4

Be sure she will come back. Use a long lead (30 feet) and let her go. When she is called she come back. As soon as you trust her, let her have a good run out in the country. But be sure they are no country roads. A dear friend just lost a lovely pet because of a country truck.

Answer 5

I wouldn't let any dog off its leash because where I live it's illegal and I wouldn't want it to run away or get hit by a car. Also, even though most dobermans I've met have been total sweethearts, I'm sure you're aware of the stigma surrounding this breed and I can imagine anyone she ran into wouldn't be very happy with you based on this.

Answer 6

If you can, take her to somewhere safe (away from roads, people etc.) and just practice recall with her over and over until she comes back every time. Give her lots of praise and a treat every time she returns to you and she should get the hang of it. Dobermanns are extremely intelligent dogs so make the training fn for her. Once you've got recall mastered, you shouldn't have a problem letting her off the lead.
Do you know anyone else with a dog that you could walk yours with? I find my dog is less likely to wander off in the park if I walk him with another dog because his attention becomes focused on the dog and stops him looking for other exciting things to do.

Answer 7

No however the best way to make your dog come to you is to make it a game in the house have members of the family hide in different rooms around the house and take it in turns to call the dog rewarding each time with a treat so the dog looks forward to coming to you repeat this a couple of times always asking a question ie. wheres dave or whatever the dog is called the dog will then associate coming back to you with food start to remove it slowly and take it into your field rewarding at the start then removing slowly the dog loves it as he is answering your question and you like it because he can roam free good luck

Answer 8

Never!!! That is so dangerous, she can chase prey and run off, get hit by a car, attacked by another animal, or lost and not find her way home - do not do this.

Go for some group obedience classes, relatively cheap and teaches you and your dog how to handle onlead walks. Ask your vet for a reference to a trainer who gives group lessons or go to Petco when they schedule them.

Do NOT ever let your dog run free in an unfenced area unless you have done advanced obedience with him and know he will obey when you call.

Answer 9

No do not let her off her lead, if she proned to running off from you, she could keep going till she gets to a road and get hit..
keep her on the leash, since she is a runner....just get a good long lead for freedom....better a lead, than lose your dog to an accident....

Answer 10

Buy a very long washing line and use this instead of a lead, then start encouraging her to come back to you with treats (such as chunks of cheese)

I wouldn't risk letting her off until you have tried this ~ not worth the risk