Beth's Rules for Off-Leash Dogs
Leash laws in much of the United States are pretty tough. By posting this list, I don't imply or state that you should violate the laws. I merely hope to set a standard for off-leash behavior, both on the part of the dog and the owner. The training is certainly useful for any dog, even if the dog never goes off leash.
Someday, perhaps, lawmakers might extend off-leash privileges to people who have worked hard to train their dogs and who exercise the utmost courtesy when out in public with their dogs.
Many dogs simply are not reliable off-leash. If, after doing serious training, you still don't have full confidence in your dog's obedience, please don't take the risk. I have lived with several dogs, and only two met my off-leash standards. Be realistic about your dog. Flexi-leashes are great compromises.
1) The dog must have an absolutely reliable recall (come when you call), and must also be trained to Sit/Down and Stay at a distance. In windy areas, the dog should be trained with whistle commands as well.
2) The dog must be trained not to enter a road without permission, even if a toy or person goes there, or if an animal darts out across the road.
3) If walking along a roadside, the dog must be trained to stay left on the shoulder (since pedestrians are supposed to walk facing the traffic). The dog should Sit or Down--automatically or on command--when a car approaches.
4) The owner must be able to stop the dog on command from chasing wild animals.
5) The owner must be fully aware and ready to respond to the surroundings at all times.
6) The dog should be no more than 30-50 feet away at any time, should be visible to the owner, and should be attentive to the owner.
7) The owner must retrieve the dog the moment another person or dog comes into sight. Off-leash exercise should resume only when it's clear that it won't interfere with the other people or dogs.
8) If the dog is allowed to play with other dogs, the dog must be trained to stop playing if commands are given.
9) The owner must pick up the dog's feces, and should avoid allowing the dog to urinate on private property or landscaped plants and trees.
10) If the dog disobeys and goes up to another person or dog without permission, the owner should apologize profusely, put the dog on leash, and do some training before allowing the dog off-leash again.
If you live in the Ithaca, NY, area and are interested in off-leash park area planning, please look into the Tompkins County Dog Owners Group (TCDOG).
Back to Beth Goelzer Lyons' home page or Dog Training.
Address: http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/bgl1/offleash.html
Page created Oct. 3, 1997. Note about TCDOG added 7/26/02. All material ©2002 Beth Goelzer Lyons.
