[nagdu] Free running

[Tami Jarvis]

Lisa,

The American training programs are dead set against free running and 
thus do not train their dogs to run free safely. Nor do they train 
handlers how to safely manage their dogs off leash. As a result, if a 
guide dog does find itself loose in the world, the result is frequently 
tragic.

As an owner-trainer, I let my dogs run free and consider off leash 
training an essential part of their development from puppyhood on. I 
also like for them to learn to socialize with as many types of dogs as 
possible so that they can be "dog smart" in their work. I have certain 
safety procedures I follow in considering whether and when to let my dog 
off leash, though I consider training to be the key to mitigating risk.

We also let our dogs have the run of the house and expect them to follow 
the rules, at least when they are grown. Loki, the pup, still spends 
some time in his crate now and then, but I prefer to work with him as 
much as possible. He's spent a couple of brief periods free in the house 
with the other dogs when everybody's gone and has done fine.

I think there are benefits to the free running and socialization and 
all, but the programs here disagree. Frankly, if I got a dog from a 
program, I would be more cautious even if I did train it for off leash 
running, since it would almost certainly not have that early learning my 
dogs get as puppies.

Tami






On 03/26/2015 09:40 AM, Lisa via nagdu wrote:
> Doesn't everybody let their dog free run from time to time? We do it
> exactly as you in Sweden. Taylor loves to get back to me and be praised
> like crazy then. And of course we don't do it across the highway or
> anything but actually, I don't think I have to mention this.
>
> Lisa
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Leye-Shprintse Öberg via nagdu"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> To: "NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users"
> <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2015 5:34 PM
> Subject: [nagdu] Free running (was: Pickup The Poop)
>
>
>> BS'D
>>
>> Viviana,
>>
>> Yes, our dogs are allowed to free run. It's common for pet dogs too.
>> The dogs have a 'play collar" (a collar with a bell) and, of course,
>> we're training recall with them. If you think that guide dog handlers
>> free run their dogs in the busy city, you need to rethink. We're, of
>> course, told wish places are safe. If you work in the city, you leash
>> relieve your dog, if you don't have a safe park close by. When I free
>> run my dog, it's like a game. I let her off, call her back and praise
>> before she's allowed to take off again. Only because we free run our
>> dogs in Europe don't mean that we don't love and care for them.
>>
>> LeSholom,
>> Leye-Shprintse and Hera, who loves a nice run; and especially, mommy's
>> candy! <3
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>
>
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