Your dog may be great off lead, never leaving your side and being friendly to people and other animals but do you know the risks?  Here are 3 reasons not to let your dog off lead.  

1.  Interrupting Other Dogs

Your dog may be friendly but others could be aggressive, nervous or in training.  Many off-lead dogs walk straight up to dogs who are on a lead.  This is not only dangerous to your dog but also could ruin the other dog's training or confidence.  It really disheartens me to see people let their dogs interrupt the training of other dogs.  Keeping your dog on a lead is not only safer but also more polite.  

2.  Easy to Run Away Or Get Lost

Yes, I know your dog may have an amazing recall and never leaves your side but accidents happen.  We see too many 'lost dog' posts on social media these days, you can bet the dog's owner wishes they had just used a lead.  Dogs can get spooked by loud noises and take off.  I know this first hand.  

I had my puppy on a lead (Hugo was about 8 months old and at least 40kg at the time) while someone's car was stuck in the mud in a huge field.  When the car was towed out, the car's exhaust was ripped off causing a huge noise.  Hugo got spooked and dragged me halfway down the field before I could stop him (the disadvantage of a strong breed like the bullmastiff).  Luckily he had a harness and lead on but dogs will bolt off in dangerous places or simply run into the woods and get lost.  

The woods can be dangerous for dogs, due to wild animal holes that they can fall into or even traps from hunters for wild animals.  The dog could either get stuck and CAN'T come back to the owner or sometimes worse.  

Again, I have some experience in this, unfortunately.  A family friends dog was allowed to wander all day.  The dog went into a wood and ended up being caught in a hunter's trap.  Long story short the dog died in the woods and wasn't found for months.  Yes, this family was very stupid for letting their dog wander BUT the same could happen to an off lead dog.  

3.  The Risk of Chasing Animals

We have all seen the terrible pictures online of sheep being killed by dogs AND the dogs being killed by the farmer.  I don't care how sweet your dog seems to other animals, it is not worth the risk.  Not only is it obviously horrible for the sheep but your dog could be killed too.  I have seen dogs shot for chasing sheep all around me (farms around my house).  

It is also possible for your dog to just chase a bird and end up lost or darting across a busy road.  He could chase and injury or even kill someone's pet cat too.  I know your dog is sweet as hell and you don't think he would ever do that but it's possible.  



*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

It's Pretty well known that dogs chase cats.  It is not just because dogs are aggressive but cats run away from dogs, causing a prey drive spike in the dog.  This is an easy fix when both the cat and dog are allowed to meet properly to become comfortable.  

1.  The Setup

It is important that you start your dog's training in a place that the cat feels comfortable.  This means the cat will be calmer and therefore the training will be smoother.  

You will then put your cat into a *safe pet carrier* so the dog can see and smell the cat without getting into it.  Lastly, you need to choose to train when your dog is in a relaxed, confident mood.  You will also have a *lead* on your dog and a *muzzle* if you think it is necessary.  

Train Your Dog To Be Calm Around Cats

Start by walking your dog around the room until he smells or sees the cat.  Use treats to re-direct his attention from the cat to you.  Your goal here is to get your dog to relax and ignore the cat.  When this happens, you can start to get closer.  Start with walking your dog past the cat (in its carrier) without stopping.  when he acts calmly you can let him stand and smell the cat.  If he becomes excited or aggressive then walk your dog away and repeat the start of the training again.  

Let Your Cat Walk Around Your Dog

Next, you're going to let your cat out of the crate.  Keep your dog on the lead and get him to lie down.  You want him to stay calm and ignore the cat or watch without reacting.  You need a helper to make sure the cat doesn't get too close at this point.  Have patience, you really want the dog to become bored with the cat, which might take a while.  

Let Your Cat Play Infront Of Your Dog

The number one reason why dogs chase cats is that the cat runs away.  You need to get your dog used to your cat running, jumping and playing.  The best way you can do this is to get someone to play with your cat while you hold your dog.  Again, your goal is for your cat to become boring to the dog.  

Repeat Training

Now that you have finished the first turn of training between the cat and dog, you basically want to repeat it for at least a week.  Letting your cat play in the room while your dog is on a lead.  You can start to slowly let your dogs lead longer/looser when you feel comfortable.  

When you feel that the dog is completely relaxed with your cat, you can allow them to sniff each other (with the dog on a lead).  When you eventually take the lead off the dog, make sure you are always in the room when they are together.  It will take a good few months until you feel completely comfortable.  

*Never leave the house when they are together*.  




*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Your commands are Confusing your Dog

Different types of breeds take to commands differently.  If you have been using different commands for the same wanted behaviour you are just making things harder.  Before training your dog you need to plan which command you are going to use.  

For example, will you use 'stay' or 'wait' OR use both of them for different reasons?  I use 'wait' for waiting for food, waiting to cross a road etc.  I use 'stay' for my dog to stay in place for a longer period of time.  

Another important thing to consider is if you will use hand signals.  I use my finger to point at my dog then point up to ask for sit.  I use the same but point downwards to lie down.  This is a good idea for in situations that your dog can't hear you or in case you use confusing commands.  

2.  Your approach is all wrong

There is a certain way to get a dog to listen to your every command and I see sooooooo many people who get this wrong.  I know that when your dog isn't listening you feel like shouting and using strong body language but you will make it worse.  

If your dog won't come to you, the best thing to do is to tell ask your dog once in a happy voice and then walk away or sit down.  

Your dog will never want to listen to a negative person and he definitely won't want to come back to his angry owner.  

3.  Your dog is a slow learner

Sometimes your dog may just need extra time to learn a command.  Certain breeds are slower to learn (like my mum's chihuahua!), some are just stubborn (my Bullmastiff Hugo!) and others are quick to learn (collies, spaniels etc).  

hopefully, you will have already done your research on the breed of dog that you wanted and this is one of the things you need to think about.  Do you mind a dog that takes long to train and is stubborn or do you want an easy dog to train?  

4.  He has learnt from other dogs

If your dog is around other dogs often enough he may pick up their bad habits.  For example, if one dog starts chasing a cat they all will.  I have noticed that a dog will copy how others act so if one doesn't come back to his owner, yours might try to copy.  

It is best to try to avoid badly behaved dogs or try to find well-trained dogs for company and play time.  Remember that dogs who don't listen their owners can be rude and mean to your dog too. 


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Start little and often

When my collie cross was scared of the car we started taking him in the car multiple times a day for small trips.  If your dog will not behave in the car, start with putting him in while the engine is off, wait for him to calm down and relax then take him out.  This will give you the time to correct his behaviour without driving.  You can then start to do small trips with another person who can also calm him down.




For Hugo, travelling in the car means it's nap time!  This is what you are looking for by the end.  You can then turn the car on and wait again for him to relax.  You will continue this by driving a very short distance then stopping until you can build it up to a normal drive.

Other tips

• If possible, start when your dog is sleepy, carry him out to the car and put him in.  This will start him in a much calmer mood.  I see a lot of friends dogs who jump in and out of the car themselves which causes too much energy. 
• Use a harness with a seat belt attachment to avoid your dog jumping around inside the car as you drive.  
• Take a calm dog in the car with the badly behaved dog.  

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Sit

Teaching your dog to sit is a very basic but great trick to train.  You can use it in social situations, in the car of events like picnics.  It is also good for the vets and also just at home.

2.  Stay

Stay is a really important trick for safety and politeness.  I use the stay command all the time in social situations and at times when he is in a situation that is dangerous for him like crossing the road or when we come across an aggressive dog.

3.  Lie Down

I am so glad I taught Hugo to lie down!  I use it all the time at home if I need to put cream on his stomach but it has also been great at the vets and physiotherapy.

4.  Leave it

Leave it is a command I use at home.  It could be when Hugo finds something he shouldn't have, other dogs are eating and toys when we are playing fetch.  I would really recommend teaching your dog this if he is food aggressive.

5.  Recall

Probably the most important command.  This should be practised to perfection in case your dog gets loose or is in danger.  Of course, it is also good for in your garden or at the dog park.

*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.
 The Rider's Pets

1. Basics

Your dog needs some basic things to have a good life.  He needs a home where he is warm, comfortable and sheltered.  They need access to healthcare products and a vet.  A good diet and a constant supply of water are also essential.



2.  Exercise

This is something that some owners neglect.  Dogs need regular exercise on a schedule to have a good quality of life with you.  It really helps with energy levels in daily life, aggression levels if that is in a problem and the dog's health through his life.



3.  Socialise

Yes, your dog needs to be socialized.  He needs this to be happy with new people and gets along with other dogs.  Your dog will not have a good quality of life if he is aggressive as he will be kept in the house at all times.



4.  Attention

For your dog to be happy, they need a lot of attention.  Whether that is just him sleeping next to you, playing with him, taking him for a walk or grooming him, he needs it.



5.  Training

Have you ever seen someone shouting at their dog and the dog is not listening and doing the opposite?  You know that person is not having a good time but you need to remember that the dog is having a great time either.  The better your dog is trained, the more enjoyable time spent with him will be for both you and him.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Swimming

Getting your dog to swim for his exercise is great for him.  It is low impact for his joints and seems to burn fat and energy more than anything else I have tried.  I personally take Hugo to hydrotherapy every week because of his back and elbow issues but you can do it anywhere like the beach or in a pond.  Swimming is great for dogs with health issues.



Water Treadmill

Yes, I know not many people will have one of these.  I get Hugo on the one at hydrotherapy at least once a month which I recommend to anyone with a Canine Hydrotherapy business near you.  Again it is low impact and really builds muscle.



The Beach

Obviously, I can only really go to the beach in the summer here in Scotland but if you live somewhere hotter then that's perfect.  My dog's physiotherapist told me that the best place to exercise your dog is somewhere that has lots of types of different ground like the beach.  There are rocky areas, soft dry sand, hard wet sand and the water.  This really helps your dog to build muscle and it's great for dogs with leg problems.



Training

Training your dog is definitely a form of exercise.  I like to do exercise training in my garden once or twice a week.  I make sure I keep my dog's attention and have play breaks in between training.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets