You know that split second when you’re walking off-leash with your dog, and you just know they’re about to bolt? It’s like a switch flips. Whether it’s after a squirrel, another dog, or the sound of a river promising an unauthorized swim, they’re gone before you can even say their name.
And there you are, shouting “stop!” or “wait!” as you chase after them, only to feel that familiar frustration when they’re completely out of earshot. If you’ve been there, trust me—you’re not alone.
Training a dog to walk off-leash isn’t easy, but it is possible—without those heart-stopping moments. So, if you’ve been dreaming of calm, controlled off-leash walks, here’s how to get there step by step.
Start with the Basics—Solid Recall is Everything
Before even thinking about unclipping that leash, the most important skill your dog needs is a solid recall. In other words, they have to come back to you every single time you call them. It’s the foundation of off-leash walking.
It might seem obvious, but it’s where the biggest time investment takes place—without this, you’ll end up chasing your dog across the park more times than you’d like to admit (ask me how I know 😅).
Here’s how you can start working on it:
- Practice in a Calm Environment: Begin in your backyard or inside where it’s quiet and there are fewer distractions. Call their name and reward them every time they come back. The goal is to make coming to you the best thing ever.
- Gradually Add Distractions: Once they’ve mastered recall in calm settings, start introducing other distractions—like toys, people, or other dogs. This helps them focus on you, even when the world is more interesting.
When your dog can come back to you no matter what’s happening around them, you’re getting close to that off-leash goal.
Figure Out What Motivates Your Dog
Every dog has something they live for—whether it’s food, toys, or even praise. The key is to figure out what gets your dog excited and use that to your advantage during training.
For Ramsay, my 7-year-old terrier-raccoon mix, it was all about his ball. I’d carry it with me on walks, and he’d stay right by my side the whole time, waiting for the chance to play fetch. I kept the ball in my hand for most of the walk, and after a good bit of focus from him, we’d have an intense fetch game as a reward. It worked wonders for keeping his attention.
So, find out what your dog loves—whether it’s a favorite toy, a special treat, or just good old-fashioned belly rubs—and use that as their reward for sticking close and listening.
Test It on a Long Leash
Before fully unleashing the freedom, try using a long training leash. It gives your dog the feeling of freedom while keeping you in control if things get off track.
Start with short distances and reward them every time they respond to your call. This helps them understand that no matter how far away they are, coming back to you is the best option. And if they get distracted? No problem—you’ve got the leash as a backup.
Choose the Right Location
Not every area is the right spot for practicing off-leash walking. Make sure you pick a place that’s safe and distraction-free before going for it.
Look for:
- Enclosed or Safe Areas: Fields, empty parks, or beaches are great if they’re far from roads or other dangers.
- Less Crowded Places: Skip the busy parks at first. The fewer distractions there are, the better your dog can focus on you.
Starting in a calm, controlled setting helps build your dog’s confidence (and yours!).
Have a Backup Plan—Just in Case
Even if your dog’s recall is usually perfect, something exciting (like a squirrel 🐿️) might grab their attention, and they’ll ignore you. That’s why it’s important to have a backup plan.
- Bring Treats or Toys: Keep their favorite treats or a toy handy to lure them back if needed.
- Stay Calm: If they run off, resist the urge to panic or chase them—it’ll just make it worse. Instead, call them in a calm voice. Chasing can quickly turn into a game you don’t want to play!
Be Prepared for Everything
It can feel like juggling a million things while trying to train your dog—treats, poop bags, keys, your phone… all while keeping one eye on your pup.
That’s why having a bag that holds everything without the hassle can make all the difference. The Cadejo Belt Bag has become my go-to because it frees me up to focus on what really matters—my dog.
Instead of fumbling around for treats or worrying about where I stuffed the poop bags, it’s all in one spot. It’s lightweight, fits everything, and looks great doing it. Whether you’re working on off-leash training or just heading out for a walk, this bag makes it all easier.
Build Trust Over Time
Off-leash walking is as much about trust as it is training. Your dog has to trust that you’ll guide them safely, and you have to trust that they’ll listen. It’s a process that takes time, so don’t rush it. Celebrate the small wins and keep practicing.
The more you work at it, the more confident you’ll both become, and eventually, those off-leash walks will feel like second nature.
Training your dog to walk off-leash is a journey—one that takes time, consistency, and a little patience. But the freedom it brings is worth every effort. Start small, be consistent, and find what motivates your dog. You’ll get there in no time.
Happy walking!
