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when to allow pup offlead?

9 replies

WTFwasthat · 10/11/2012 16:32

pup begun his walks a couple of days ago and loves them! he keeps bursting into an attempted run though and I would love to let him offlead. There's a great enclosed park nearby where dog walkers seem to gather. When and how soon should he be permitted offlead? i find the prospect quite scary! What if he runs off? Or another dog goes for him? The walkers arecall a lovely bunch with lovely well behaved digs hut.......

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fanoftheinvisibleman · 10/11/2012 16:44

Over on the puppy thread I was advised the earlier the better. Mine is 15 weeks today and I did it over a week ago. He was a little later than most going out though as had to have an extra jab. It was about a week after first trip out.

He was fine though I am making it easier at the minute as I only let him off when noone else around. I randomly call him back for treats too so coming back doesn't always mean lead on.

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tabulahrasa · 10/11/2012 16:59

I did it the day he was allowed out (in an enclosed area) then just everytime I take him somewhere it's safe to do so.

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BOFisAlwaysUltra · 10/11/2012 17:05

I would say the sooner the better, in a safe area. When they are still little and actually interested in being close to you, you stand a much better chance of teaching a good recall. As they get older and more adventurous, the call of the wild kicks in!

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WTFwasthat · 10/11/2012 17:35

Ok. How exciting! I will take him to
Or row to the closed park and see how it goes. I'm sure if I have some chicken in my pocket he will be back! What about the length of time? We are limiting outings to 30 mins at mo as he sniffs as much as he walks. What if he runs? Is that bad for his joints?

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BOFisAlwaysUltra · 10/11/2012 17:49

No, let him run if he wants, just don't get him all hyper and have him being chased etc. Half an hour tops at that age, I'd say, including just some light bimbling about time. Twenty minutes even better.