This post is part of the series in response to Dunbar’s 2012 Australian seminars. See index.
A reliable recall is often difficult to train. Dunbar has many suggestions on training a dog to be reliable off-leash – however, he doesn’t teach a recall as such, more cues at a distance. The logic is that it is just as useful for your dog to sit immediately, on cue, in any context, as it is for you to train a recall – and perhaps even better if you do not want your dog to move towards you (for example, if there was ongoing traffic or other hazards associated with approaching you). Dunbar’s logic is partly based on not removing a dog from their rewards, as well. For most dogs, being off leash is associated with a lot of fun, and calling a dog away from that fun is inherently punishing, despite any rewards you think you may offer.
Without further ado, here is Dunbar’s seven steps to off leash reliability.
Photo © Ruthless Photos.
1. Define rules and verbal commands
Dunbar does not believe in ranks (i.e. dominance) with dogs. We don’t need to act like wolves, or the dog’s mother, or anything else – we can simply train the dog because we’re human and clever! He simply believes in having rules, and sticking to them. This may be that the dog is not allowed in particular rooms, or it may be that the dog is required to leave any room when asked.
It is important that all members of the household are on the same page regarding rules. For families or individuals taking on a new dog or puppy, they may find it useful to create a doggy dictionary which defines what each cue means. This is deceptively simply – you may think that “sit” means “sit”, but where? How quickly? Is a crooked sit acceptable? What does the dog’s name mean? (i.e. When you say “Fido”, what do you want the dog to actually do?) In terms of “come”, what does it actually mean for the dog? Are you going to have a different cue for ‘come closer’ to that of ‘come here right now and sit’? All decisions that should be made before you begin training.
2. Teach off leash to start with
For many, they begin training their puppy on leash and this becomes a ‘crutch’ and sometimes a physical prompt for the dog to perform behaviours. A good puppy class starts off leash, so reliability off leash is taught from the outset.
With an older dog, he advises to start off leash control in a small room of the house (like the bathroom), and gradually increase the area and the level of distraction.
3. Centripetal attraction
The fundamental piece of all dog training is to teach a dog to want to be close to you. This can only be taught off leash.
Dunbar went into teaching opposites (of being close) in order to enhance recall training (like he is an advocate of training behavioural problems, too – more on this in a later post). For example, he talked about teaching the dog to back up (the opposite of a recall), and teaching send out or a ‘send forever’ (also the opposite of a recall). Chasey is also a good ‘opposite’ game to play with the dog.
Dunbar spent less time talking about making yourself awesome, which I think is also an important part of centripetal attraction. He mentioned doing fun and quirky things during a walk, to maintain your dogs interest in you. I would also make yourself the generous treat and toy god, which supplies good things, and the window to good things (e.g. telling your dog to ‘go sniff’ makes you a controller of good things, even though you don’t ‘own’ those thing, you can provide opportunities for the dog to experience them). Another important part of getting the dog to like you is to not doing mean things to the dog. If the dog finds you scary, angry, or painful, they won’t want to be near you.
But Dunbar did suggest using following exercises to teach your dog how to follow.
- Trail walking: Most dogs stay close to the path but, if the dog gets more than 10 yards away, you head the opposite way. Removing yourself in teaching your dog to ‘stay close’.
- Practice in class by doing ‘dog and people’ weaving exercises.
- Open field following: The rules to this game is “whatever your dog does, do the opposite” and “keep moving away from your dog, fast”.
- Hide N Seek: If your dog is not paying attention to you, hide in a bush. The idea is the dog will ‘freak’ a little and, when they do find you, they choose to keep an eye on you in the future. This is great for puppies who are starting to push then boundaries, and is an effective one trial learning experience. Sometimes it works with adults, but not always.
(All these training exercises should be done with caution and discretion – obviously, if your dog is inclined to ‘take off’, having them off leash and hiding from them may not be the best strategy!)
4. Body position changes
Dunbar suggests we teach dogs body positions (sit, down, stand) and use these as at a distance to control the dog. Each of these positions need to be trained individually, and from all other positions (e.g. we often encounter dogs that will drop from a sit, but not drop from a stand – but it’s important that all body positions are trained). There are 6 position changes with these 3 basic body positions. Dogs should be trained to change body positions on verbals and on signals, individually and together.
5. Distant commands – Emergency sit and down
The method outlined in my post on repetitive reinstruction, for teaching distance sits, can be used for any other position you want to train at a distance. If you do need to repeat a command, the dog must do it on one command before gaining a reward. For dogs that creep, using heights, crates, staircases, fences, or any other barriers can help in the training phase. Your criteria should be: The front paws don’t move. Once you can get yourself 2 yards away from your dog, you’ve got great foundations and the rest is easy.
Your dog should be able to pass the sit test before you start distance control.
This emergency sit and/or down should be integrated into all off leash play, with the reward being continuing play.
6. Bombproof stays
A bombproof stay has three elements: It’s held at a distance, for a long period of time (duration), and with distractions. It doesn’t matter if you choose to bombproof a down or sit it doesn’t matter, as long you have a solid stay with one position.
For teaching a stay, Dunbar advocates starting ‘toe to toe’ with the dog, and then stepping back, rewarding the dog for holding position. From here, distance can be increased. If the dog was to break, repeat the cue (repetitive reinstruction) and reduce distance until the dog returns to position. ‘Breaking’ a stay includes: eye movement, muzzle turns, nose crinkles, walking away, eye blinks, and anything that is not being still.
Once the dog is handling distance okay, then distractions can begin to be introduced. An easy start is to kneel on the ground or go on one or two knees. This can be increased to harder things, like laying on the ground, crawling on the floor, pats from people, giggling, silly things, tennis balls, dogs off leash, radio controlled cars, food, cues from other people, and so forth.
7. Teaching walking on leash
I am still a bit perplexed how teaching a dog to walk on leash is related to off leash reliability. This is not an error in my notes, as I have it in the handout, too. I think what Dunbar is getting at here is that a leash should be used once the dog is already walking nicely by your side, and wants to follow you – and to put a leash on earlier may mean that you result to ‘tugging’ the dog to get it to follow you, which may impact on the dog’s natural inclination to follow and walk on a loose leash.
Nonetheless, Dunbar has recommendations for teaching a dog to walk nicely on leash. First, the dog needs to follow you off leash. Next, the dog should be taught heel position off leash in a stationary position. Then you can start moving, using verbal cues to help the dog understand when to speed up and slow down, and use food lures to get the dog in heel position. Only once the dog is heeling off leash should you put the dog on leash and expect control.
Well done if you’ve made here, to the end! Clearly, off leash reliability is not easy – hence the length of this post. I would be interested to know if anyone has followed this Dunbar protocols for off leash reliability, and your success.
Further reading:
Hey Tegan!
I’m actually one of those people who have a hard time trusting my dog to walk off leash. In our culture, dogs are mostly tied because they couldn’t be left to escape the yard. If they get out, they could get taken by “bad people” (the one who eats them as delicacies) or they could get fleas, ticks or mange. That’s why my mom rarely allows them to be free from their ties. I am lucky enough to have bargained some to be able to stay inside the house.
I love walking my dogs but I’m just sad that Coal for instance has never been free for long. He would always need to stay in our “dog balcony” because of my mom’s fear that they may wonder off.
I do hope the moment we get our gates fixed, I would be able relieve them of their ties so they can stay wherever they want inside our home.
Huggies and Cheese,
Haopee
Thanks for giving me some insights into your culture, Haopee. I always find it a bit strange that some countries have dogs tied up. Though it certainly happens here in Australia, almost all houses have yards and decent fencing, so it’s rarely a necessity in urban and suburban areas.
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I agree with all of it and have used a lot of these tips myself. The Dunbar book I read before bringing home my dog was such a great resource.
I just have a concern about the last point. Maybe I am just confused, but it sounds like he is saying a dog shouldn’t be walked on a leash until the handler has perfected off-leash reliability. While I understand the reasoning, it’s not something that is necessarily possible. In my case, it would have led to just not walking my dog at all.
Interesting post for sure, though. I am tempted to find out if my dog can pass the sit test!
Yeah, Kristine, I’m confused too. But I think your interpretation is right. It’s just not practical, unless you have off leash puppy classes, and assuming you get your dog as a puppy. And even then, it’s kinda impractical, too!
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can all dogs be off leash(smal medium large)
Hi Sotiris. Yes, dogs of all sizes can be reliable off leash. The dog’s temperament and trainability is more important than their size.
This information isn’t all that true. Not every dog is consider an off the leash dog. Some dogs just like to run.
it makes sense, about of leash you need to stop thinking it means you must first walk your dog around the streets with no leash first but to focus on your dog walking next to you no leash not pulling ever on a lead maybe in the backyard or house or controlled area then you will avoid all the behaviors that can possibly result with out you knowing your creating them.
pulling on lead towards dogs
lead aggression
pulling in general
feeling trapped or cornered when other dog approach
not been settled when required to be on a lead for few hours around kids or other peoples house.
so if you train your dog more of the leash first than on the leash your dog wont have any problems been on a lead and would not of had a hundred walks pulling and been corrected maybe possibly all that avoided.
use the toys food and just walk where ever you feel is safe to off the leash twice as much or more as on the leash.
I reckon most people would be the other way round twice as much walking not training just walks on the lead than off because you cant let your pup/dog be hurt or lost unless you control your environment and train!
I am no dog expert however; I am a dog owner and lover of dogs. With that said I am obviously on this website because I am looking for an answer or an ideal therefore; I do not have the answer. My opinion is that using multiple training techniques and tools works best. The techniques and tools that are effective depend upon your personality and the personality of the dog, not the breed. Patience is the best tool and technique of them all. Like any loving and involved parent/leader I want the best for those around me therefore; I take the time to train my dog for success, sounds a lot like parenting. Parents always discuss and get ideals from other parents regarding what works best for raising a child.
A good reference of time to train your dog is 12 to 18 months. If you are not willing or lack that amount of time to invest in training a dog right now might not be the best time for you to get a dog. Most likely you will be disappointed with the outcome. I surf websites for ideals and most of the time I am using the correct tools and techniques however; I always discover additional techniques to help with my dog training communications/commands.
I truly believe that my dog and most other dogs look to one member of the household for leadership (security; disciple (rules and enforcement of the rules); structure (routine); controlled chaos, communications (training commands), and positive interactions (treats spending time with members of the family). The rest of the members of the family are supporting cast members and sub-leaders. The dog respects them however; depends upon the interaction with the leader. In the absence of leadership the dog becomes the leader and the behavior issues are no less than power struggles.
I find that most people have issues because they want to quickly enjoy the pet, hello the reason I got a dog, right. The problem is that they introduce the dog to new environments without the proper controls i.e. take the dog to park and let him run around before training him to become a good citizen or playing chase with the dog. If you have to ask what is a good citizen you are already behind the curve. People play chase with their dogs and wonder why the dog does not “come” on command. Playing chase does not enforce the “come” command. These are just some pitfalls that people unintentionally commit and become frustrated with the collateral damage.
Off lead training is simply companionship. Your dog should want your companionship, sort of like a dating relationship; the other person should want your companionship, therefore the animal will want your company. Greeting your dog and positive interactions outside of training are build tools for off lead training. However; I use the long lead as an environmental countermeasure. I suggest taking a dog off lead in public with caution, really no need. I use the dog park as a distraction training environment however; I keep my dog on a long lead 30’ lead the entire time that we are at the park. With the “release” command my dog is permitted explore/play with his toys within my line of sight. I use the lead because I can control the dog however; not the environment. Off lead training is designed for in the house use and training and is expanded to hunting or open rural property areas not urban areas. Walking away from a dog that is not following commands (not engaged in destructive behavior) is a good non- verbal technique (if basic commands are solid) to use in conjunction with praise. To prepare your dog for off lead training begin with coming into rooms that your dog already occupy and when you arrive home and always give your dog a great greeting beginning with the dogs name. Greeting your dog by name all of the time will subconsciously reinforce the dog’s positive recall about the name/prepatory command, your approaching the dog, and the dog coming to you. Soon enough you will see that the dog will start to enjoy coming to you, being around you, and seeing you walk towards the dog.
Basic training is required as a foundation for training a dog to follow commands and does not happen in a few months, more like one and half years. You must reinforce learned commands and continue to challenge with new commands. Dogs can learn approximate 200 commands. I find that the lead is a good tool to use to introduce the dog to new concepts. When walking my dog or teaching directions e.g. (right; left; go; around; down; stand; and sit) I use the “gentle lead” head lead in conjunction with the verbal and non-verbal commands. The same tool is used to teach horses. The choke chain and collar are power struggles. Off lead training when reinforced in the house and supported in public with a lead produces measurable positive results. This is only my opinion as I came to this website to read comments and gain some fresh ideals. Happy dog training and the best of luck to you.
Hi there,
I have used Dunbar protocol to successfully train my dog to walk off leash. It was relatively easy to train from a puppy but I don’t know if it’s more effort with an adult dog though.
I find it quite funny that owners struggle so much with off leash training.I havent seen my leash in about 3 months and havent missed it yet. I have a small dashund/chiuauah mix and a lab pit that i walk all the time and they never run off. I take them to parks, lakes, you name it they always stay close to me. I feel sorry for the dogs who have never been off the leash its sad that they arent alowed an ounce of freedom. i dont think i have done any of the things this article says you need to do to train your dog to walk off leash. My dogs understand thier bondaries. They know never to step off the curb without permission, they know to stay in the grass and off the street. If they explore to far i usually hollar “you better not” and they come back in their alotted comfort zone. These are just thngs they listen to and do out of respect for thier owner. they could be a mile away if i hollar for them to get in the house or get in the car. They will come almost immediately. I am just amazed at how many owner struggle with dogs. Its laughable when this article talks about training your dog to stay out of certain rooms, my dogs never ever go into my bedroom or the beedroom of any house without permission. It wasnt a long drawn out process for me to teach them either. Wish i could say my dogs are special but i have delt with “bad dogs” and they show me the same respect. They may not know all of my commands but they do knoe when i dont aprove of something and they know to stop doing something i dont like. All of you are thinking too much into this. Be assertive, confident, and give off a leaders energy/presence and trust me your dog will notice and respect you for it. The rest of it will just fall into placeI find it quite funny that owners struggle so much with off leash training.I havent seen my leash in about 3 months and havent missed it yet. I have a small dashund/chiuauah mix and a lab pit that i walk all the time and they never run off. I take them to parks, lakes, you name it they always stay close to me. I feel sorry for the dogs who have never been off the leash its sad that they arent alowed an ounce of freedom. i dont think i have done any of the things this article says you need to do to train your dog to walk off leash. My dogs understand thier bondaries. They know never to step off the curb without permission, they know to stay in the grass and off the street. If they explore to far i usually hollar “you better not” and they come back in their alotted comfort zone. These are just thngs they listen to and do out of respect for thier owner. they could be a mile away if i hollar for them to get in the house or get in the car. They will come almost immediately. I am just amazed at how many owner struggle with dogs. Its laughable when this article talks about training your dog to stay out of certain rooms, my dogs never ever go into my bedroom or the beedroom of any house without permission. It wasnt a long drawn out process for me to teach them either. Wish i could say my dogs are special but i have delt with “bad dogs” and they show me the same respect. They may not know all of my commands but they do knoe when i dont aprove of something and they know to stop doing something i dont like. All of you are thinking too much into this. Be assertive, confident, and give off a leaders energy/presence and trust me your dog will notice and respect you for it. The rest of it will just fall into place.
We live on a 2 acre lot on a small lake in a no leash law county. Without off leash reliability, my 3 goldens could not enjoy the freedom of playing and swimming in the lake. My daughter has a 170 acre farm where we take them to run with our side by side. There is a nice lake there to swim in as well. Solid off leash reliability is essential with high distractions of wildlife such as deer suddenly appearing. Off leash reliability also makes them much safer on leash in case I dropped it away from home. It makes life more enjoyable for all of us wherever we are.
We start teaching yard boundaries force free off leash as pups. When they hit adolescence, we add a drag line to a light harness for safety as needed. I spend hours a day working very much like you describe. I’m a walking treat bag. I’m the place where food and fun things happen. I’m safe and never scare or hurt. I watch them closely and recall if I see them look at a loose dog or other temptation. We take them daily on leash neighborhood walks in the street and walks on the federal park trails next to our subdivision on leash.
I don’t agree with waiting until they are reliable off leash to start a leash. But I don’t think Dunbar means to do that. We take our dogs to areas requiring a leash beginning as soon as they arrive at our home during the critical socialization period as Ian Dunbar does. I don’t think he means to wait to introduce a leash until they are reliable off. But because we trained off leash from 8 weeks, loose leash walking was easy to teach. And we did work off leash before putting a leash on for walks. But they were still puppies when we started walking them on a leash. They are all grown now. We only use a leash for the walks on the trace and for neighborhood walks out in our streets. I use a bridge handle and no leash in public. We do all training off leash. They are off leash all day on our property.
Life is so much better and safer with dogs who can enjoy running and playing off leash.
have two germanshepherds both do nosework one a therapy dog the other does agility. I am going to have hand surgury . the one that does agility has to ck out the enviroment before returning to work. I need to get her mind focused and ready to work. I need sometricks of the trade to keep her attention even if a dog or cat walks by. I need both of them to listen to me and be under control.