Off leash play at puppy classes?

[Ilovemypuppy]

Is it regular practice to allow off leash play in puppy classes and iif so, what are the guidelines?

[Mick Trainer]

I will not say what is the norm but I do not allow any off lead playing amounst puppies at my training centre. I prefer to control all play so as to avoid many behavioral problems that can be formed by incorrect play such as dominance problems, and hightened fear related behaviors. Early socialisation can have many positive effects. However the opposite is also true that poor early socialistion can lead to many behavioral problems. All socialisation must be done correctly for all dogs if it is to have the positive results it is known for.

Mick.

[WorkinDogz]

I'm with Mick. I don't practice off lead play in Puppy K.....however...I do the following exercise:

After the dogs are evaluated and I know who can play nicely with whom....I'll have 2 matched-temperament dogs with their leads ON...invited to play in the middle of a circle. When they are involved in play (after a minute or so of them being together) I'll have their owners recall them. (and call them...and call them... :))

They're given a minute to respond...and then the owner will give a little tug on the lead when recalling them...prompting the dog to return to the owner...where a reward and praise is given in INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH. The 2 pups are then permitted to go back to playing and the exercise is performed again. Recall to the owner in the middle of play.

It doesn't take long before the pups will run back to the owner (reward/praise) without needing to be reminded with a lead-tug.

Why do this?

It's my opinion that a dog, any dog, should come to their owner when called.....no matter what they are doing. Even playing with another dog.

By rewarding the dog when he comes to the owner; and then allowing the dogs to go back to play.....it builds the foundation that very good things happen when called (even if you're having fun) and gee...after you get a snack and some lovin'...you can go back and play some more! Win-Win situation for the puppy.

Works like a charm :)

Whole class of off-lead dogs playing......not in a million years.

[Lora Lee]

Originally posted by WorkinDogz

It's my opinion that a dog, any dog, should come to their owner when called.....no matter what they are doing. Even playing with another dog.

A very good session, and rightly important :)

[quote]By rewarding the dog when he comes to the owner; and then allowing the dogs to go back to play.....it builds the foundation that very good things happen when called (even if you're having fun) and gee...after you get a snack and some lovin'...you can go back and play some more! Win-Win situation for the puppy.

Works like a charm :)[quote]

I bet it does. And, it's quite charming to have a dog come when called ;) ;)

[K9-man]

10/09/2001 7:22 AM CDT

Ahhhhhhhhhhh………..more valuable info for my archives. :)

You da woo-man, WorkinDogz :D