Off Leash
& Advanced Obedience
give your dog ultimate freedom
with off leash training
To be safely trusted off leash, your dog must master the following skills by the end of their training program. Due to the technical nature of advanced off leash training, we strongly recommend a Homeschool or Study Abroad program.
- Immediate off leash recall (come when called) around distractions
- Off leash heel (walk at your side) through distractions
- Down/stay or middle (lay between your feet)
- No approaching people, dogs or wild animals without permission
- Getting in and out the car easily
traction’s training methods
Off leash training and obedience programs begin by teaching the “heel” and “come” commands on leash. We develop a strong understanding of these commands before beginning off leash practice. Although we use a range of individualized training methods, we introduce new commands using largely positive reinforcement.
We teach your dog to view low-level e-collar stimulation as being “paged for a job opportunity.” When we send low-level tapping to their collar at the same time as a command, your dog completes the command, the tapping stops, and they receive a reward, often a treat or toy. This process uniquely builds enthusiasm for the e-collar, ensuring your dog doesn’t feel like they are in trouble.
We phase out the e-collar as your dog builds a positive emotional response and shows a clear understanding of what is being asked of them. We use it only if your dog does not complete the first verbal command correctly, raising the e-collar levels to a mildly annoying level to reinforce the desired behavior. At this point, we raise the ecollar levels to what your dog finds annoying. This is the exact same concept as your car beeping at you until you put your seatbelt on.
In off leash training, using an ecollar is the only way to reach 100% or even near 100% reliability. Allowing your dog off-leash in public without ensuring reliable recall creates a safety and liability issue, so we include e-collars in every off leash training program.
Many people feel tentative about e-collars due to online campaigners promoting positive-only training or negative experiences with outdated "shock collars." We are deeply passionate about helping you discover the joy, freedom, and bond that a properly used e-collar brings to you and your dog.
We passionately demonstrate the pure joy, freedom, and strengthened bond that a properly used e-collar brings to you and your dog.
By the end of a Homeschool or Study Abroad program for off leash training, most dogs are fully reliable to walk and play off leash in public. Either program involves field trips to local parks and hiking trails, although the Study Abroad program enables your trainer to take many more field trips with your dog.
Begin your off leash training journey by scheduling a phone consultation with our Head Trainer, Mara.
