April 28, 2011
Should I train my dog with the e-collar for walks on trails so that he can be off leash?
Full Question:
Hi Mr. Frawley,I have been watching your DVDs and making some good progress with my fun-loving big labrador (he's 18 months almost). He is now quite good on walks when other dogs are leashed, he is able to control himself well in stores like Pet Smart, etc. But I also love letting him run free on the trails. We have some beautiful trails around here where all the dogs are off leash and the people are friendly, dog-loving types. Everyone gets to know each other, and the dogs keep moving so they aren't contained like a dog park. So it's good exercise for me and my two labs. Am I sending mixed messages by walking him on the leash and expecting him to behave at certain times and not at others when in the trails. I was thinking an e-collar might be the solution because sometimes he doesn't come to me as quickly as I would like. And sometimes he does. I have a Tritronic Sport collar but have not used it yet as I have been concentrating on leash walking and obedience, pack structure, etc. So many things to do, but I really see that it is paying off. So anyway, my question is should I train him to the e-collar for walks on trails so he can be off leash?
Thank you.
Linda
Ed's Answer:
We would never take our dogs walking with other people who have dogs unless we knew the other dogs. You risk one dog fight and forever have a dog aggressive dog. It’s not worth it.
We also would never take our dogs to Petco. That's a stupid program they run. You have no idea how out of control some people can be about their dogs. Why risk it. It’s like letting kids play with guns.
If you want to go with these people, keep the dog on leash – and don’t allow their dogs near your dog. Your dog needs to see you acting like a pack leader and moving dogs off away from him. It is also a good way to practice impulse control.
Kind Regards,
Ed Frawley
We also would never take our dogs to Petco. That's a stupid program they run. You have no idea how out of control some people can be about their dogs. Why risk it. It’s like letting kids play with guns.
If you want to go with these people, keep the dog on leash – and don’t allow their dogs near your dog. Your dog needs to see you acting like a pack leader and moving dogs off away from him. It is also a good way to practice impulse control.
Kind Regards,
Ed Frawley
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