If a dog is able to heel on command; making that transition to off leash dog training is now upon us. Training supplies needed - 2 pieces of rope, at a good 5 ft each.
One rope should be of a strong material, such as nylon, with a thickness that’s close to a standard kite string. And for a second rope, take a five-foot length of 10lb saltwater fishing line.
The piece of nylon rope is referred to as 'B' line, and the fishing line is to be referred to as 'A' line. Training will begin with the nylon or 'B' line, so the 'A' line can be placed out of reach for the time being.
Begin with one end of the nylon line tied through the ring on a dog’s leash. Avoid tying through the snap as the line could come loose. Be certain that the line is tight. Now, tie the opposite end to a dogs training collar, with it secured to the same ring that the leash snaps on. And than the leash snaps onto a dogs collar in the usual manner.
If at this time a length of line is being dragged on the ground and if either dog or owner is getter their feet tangled, pick up the slack in line 'B' by using something like a clothespin - this tidies things up with the excess rope attached to the leash.
In the first five minutes of training start with a normal routine - just do as would normally be instructed. Review all obedience instructions so that a dog is in a proper frame of mind for an off leash training lesson. Continue this, for a further five minutes with a variety of heeling exercises. Aim to make left turns, right turns, about turns, or to stop all within distances of no more than five-feet.
Attempt this in smart and fast actions so that a dog is doing this in a professional manner. After the five minutes is up, take a break and give praise to the dog. While preoccupied with the attention, unclip the leash, in a casual way, and wrap it around the hand. Line 'B' is attached to the ring of the collar at one end and to the ring of the leash on the other.
Unclip the clothespin and get ready for more start stop heel exercises. Allow slack in the rope and don't let it tighten. If a dog gets wind of this new sense of freedom and attempts to run off, he will soon come to an abrupt halt. Even with an absent leash, the need to obey commands is still there, as well giving correctional instructions, and praise for a well performing exercise.
Take time to heel a dog, making left and right turns, going back and forth, as well as abrupt stops with just the 'B' rope in place. Once the training session of fifteen minutes has ended, clip the lease back on and offer praise. Finish this training routine with a few extra minutes of heelwork.
Over the next two to three weeks, aim to alternate the training routines, with a mix off leash dog training with the 'B' line in place and more with the an actual leash on. Continue to alternate between the two, as this will allow the dog to be accustomed to either of the training methods. It can be awkward working with a five foot rope, as its often in the way, but its crucial to be patient.
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