Running loose with your dog?
9 tips for walking your dog off leash
That is why we have delved into the world of letting your dog run free and would like to introduce you to the rules and methods to make running free with your dog a fun adventure.
Spoiler alert! Walking your dog off-leash is definitely possible under two very important conditions. First, it must be allowed for your dog to walk off-leash. Second, your dog must be trained to walk off-leash, so be well controlled. In concrete terms, this means that he comes to you when called, even with distractions from people and animals and in every situation.
Well that was the short answer, curious about the details?
Quickly discover our 9 tips for letting your dog run free.
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Make sure you master the basic commands
It sounds obvious but everything starts with the basics. First of all you have to train your dog to obey basic commands.
Your dog must absolutely know what sit, lie down, stay, heel is and of course he must be well controlled before you can let your dog run free.
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Make sure your dog is under control
Making sure your dog comes to you when you call him is honestly the most important condition for walking your dog without a leash. If that doesn't work, you simply can't let your dog run loose. It would be too dangerous for your dog and other people or animals.
So make sure you train this in your backyard, a fenced park, or with a long leash until it works 10 times out of 10.
Tip: Make sure you always reward him when he comes to you. So also that one time when he is distracted. This may sound crazy, but a dog has a memory of about 2 seconds. So if you punish him for his earlier distraction when he comes back to you, he will feel punished for coming back.
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Take a leash with you on every walk
Even if you have trained him well, there will always be situations where you will need to leash your dog. The most important of these is when a dog on a leash approaches.
It is also wise to put your dog on a leash if there are many other walkers or dogs. The exception is of course if your dog can follow you very well without a leash or can ignore everyone well.
However, if your dog does become very interested in other walkers or if there is wildlife in sight, make sure your dog is on a leash. This prevents awkward situations.
So always make sure you have a leash or lead with you, even when you let your dog run loose.
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Always keep your dog on a leash when another dog on a leash approaches!
Despite the fact that you are walking in an off-leash area, you will encounter several dogs on a leash. There are many reasons why a dog is on a leash. Just because, to being in heat, to being anxious, or to recover from illness. Whatever the reason, always leash your off-leash dog when you approach a dog on a leash.
Why? A dog on a leash cannot move freely when your dog is off leash. And since body language and distance are an important part of dog communication, this lack of space can lead to miscommunication. You can easily prevent this by putting your dog on a leash when you meet a dog on a leash.
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Make sure he stays close to you
To make your walk more relaxed it is useful to stay close to each other. You can do this by regularly giving them treats or playing fun retrieving games with each other.
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Keep your dog on a leash on busy paths
Who still remembers the busy forests during the corona lockdown? Dogs on a leash, children playing, all moments when you don't want your dog to run loose and be distracted. That's why it's wise to have your dog on a leash on busy paths, so you keep an overview and that's nice.
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Make sure your dog is on a leash in nature reserves
Nature is our source of inspiration. It is therefore important to keep your dog on a leash in nature reserves to protect nature and wild animals. You will also avoid a hefty fine. For dogs running loose where it is not allowed, you will be charged €100 and for dogs that hunt animals, €500 will be charged.
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Pick up your dog's poop
I hear my mother-in-law say it. “It’s all natural, just leave it there.”
Unfortunately, there are so many dogs that this argument does not quite hold water. Recent research has shown that dog poop and pee actually damage nature reserves and disrupt the natural balance.
So be kind to nature and clean up dog poop even if your dog is running loose.
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Be kind to other walkers and dogs
It is wonderful when you have nature all to yourself. The chance of that happening in the Netherlands is unfortunately small. If you meet someone who is afraid of dogs, put your dog on a leash.
Are there other dog owners where you walk and are you unsure whether your dog is allowed to come into contact with the other dog, feel free to ask. Only let your dog have contact with other dogs if the other owner approves.
Ready to walk your dog off leash? Quick answers to a few frequently asked questions
Where can my dog run free?
Before you set off, it is wise to check whether dogs are welcome where you want to walk. Sounds logical, but unfortunately, especially in the period from April to October, many areas are not suitable for walking with your dog. This is to protect nature.
Is your dog welcome? Then also pay attention to whether it is an off-leash area. This can also vary depending on the time of year.
There are various apps, such as Doggy Dating or Huisdierenapp that have already done a lot of the research for you. Here you will find nice overviews per region with areas where you can walk with your dog, loose or on a leash. You will also find many tips for a nice walk with your dog in nature at Natuurmonumenten.
How do I teach my dog to walk off-leash?
To be able to walk your dog off leash it is important that your dog is well controlled. This can be trained with love and patience.
Start in an environment with few distractions, such as your backyard. Then slowly train in slightly more distracting areas, such as a field, with a long line.
If your dog is very interested in other dogs, the dog park is probably the hardest part to train. Once he listens and comes to you when you call, even with other dogs around, you know he is ready to be off leash on the trail!
If you are the proud owner of a hunting dog, a dog field will not provide enough distraction. You will then have to find a bit more of a challenge by means of a cat. If he can concentrate on you and comes when called with that kind of distraction, he is also ready!
How much will the fine be if my dog runs loose where it is not allowed?
Avoid a fine and make sure you are well informed about the rules. On LICG you will find all legal rules about walking off leash and on leash.
Conclusion - loose or on a leash?
Letting your dog run free can be a lot of fun and adventurous.
You do need to prepare for it. The most important thing is that you have trained your dog sufficiently and that you always have a leash at hand. In addition, follow the tips in this article and letting your dog run free will be extra fun for you, your dog, your fellow walkers and nature.
Want to know which leash suits you best? Read it in the blog with tips for the best dog leash for your dog .
Have fun!
Photos by Jamie Street via Unsplash