Dogs and puppies need the physical exercise that off-leash training would allow. Remember a tired dog is a good dog. Off-leash training could save your dog from being hurt by cars or other animals, and many other dangerous situations. Just as important or more important, your dog will understand its place in the pack so he knows what to expect out of you and you know what to expect out of your dog.
Off-leash training is the most important gift you could give your dog along with consistency and a stable environment. If your dog is not psychologically happy, he will not be stable and thus he will be unpredictable.
Most people start teaching the dog not to come to them, as soon they bring the dog home. People can and often give their dogs too many commands when it’s off the leash. If the dog won’t do these things when it’s off the leash, then it first needs to complete structured on-leash obedience training.
When a young puppy is in a fear period, it is very easy to have the puppy come to you. Just make a noise and most puppies will come running to you.
The result is you believe your puppy or young dog understands this behavior, which it actually does not. Later on when you puppy’s confidence develops and he does not have to stay so close to you for his protection, he will start wandering further away. The puppy will get distracted sniffing around to figure out its surroundings.
Before you know it, the scents hold your puppy’s attention as you call him, and he does not respond. Repeating the behavior tells the untrained puppy you do not have control over it, which in turn tells it that he is actually your boss.
