Not using a leash...

[MypupShooter]

Ok. Shooter is approximatly 2 1/2 months old. I have a big yard, with a forest for a back yard and there is a big field in front of the house.

Shooter has been so good that we have not been putting her on a leash. I've had her since the 8th of October, and whenever we go on a walk she walks right beside us and if we stop she stops. It doesn't matter if were in the forest or in the field. She may go a few steps away - but always comes right back. She has been so good - but now the question is - am I doing the right thing? Should I be making her use a leash anyways?

 

[leeshie45]

I'm no expert, but i would definitely keep her on a leash. When they're little, of course, they want to be right by you, but what about when you're walking her, NOT on a leash, she sees a squirrel, and takes off?!? Or if you encounter some other big dog? Those little puppies run pretty fast, and god forbid, she got hit by a car because you couldn't catch her soon enough. The leash is really for her own protection. Even if you think it's cute that she'll stay right with you, believe me, that's not going to last forever.
The only dog I have ever walked without a leash if my 7 year old Golden Retreiver...after 7 years, we know she isn't going anywhere, but actually most of the time, she's still on the leash because we don't want anyone else that's walking to get freaked out if they're not a dog person...(thinking that she'll attack them of something b/c she's not on the leash).
good luck

 

[mmichaelson]

Most definitely use a leash. When they go through their fear stages and when they hit adolescence, no matter how well-trained they have previously been, they will test their limits. This will include coming back to you. Your pup is still very young and is not yet confident enough to venture out on her own. Once she's ok with it - she will venture away for you and might not (in puberty probably not) come back to you. I would start leash training right away!

 

[KonaKoffe]

Most definitely use a leash. When they go through their fear stages and when they hit adolescence, no matter how well-trained they have previously been, they will test their limits. This will include coming back to you. Your pup is still very young and is not yet confident enough to venture out on her own. Once she's ok with it - she will venture away for you and might not (in puberty probably not) come back to you. I would start leash training right away!

I agree. I would still leash train because the dog needs to be used to the leash for times when it needs to be on a leash for safety, vet trips, traveling etc. It is easier to train them when they are young than trying to train a 50 lb adult who has alot more strength to fight it.

 

[knjsBailey]

I never suggest a no leash walk unless you has 100% recall with your dog and even at that only once in a while. I would only let them off the leash at a park or somewhere not near a road. Bailey was the same at that age and as much as I wanted her to run, I wanted her to be safe. When I grab my key and tell her lets go for a ride she heads straight for the car. I have no tention on the leash. I made the mistake the other night of trusting to much. My hands were full so I let go of her leash. I swear she turned around and gave me the finger and took off. Lucky for me she was more scared than I was. I ran to the back of the house and she was by the door. She came right to me and her little heart was pounding so fast. Shame on me next time I will make two trips.

 

[Maxwell's Ma]

I am with all the others who have replied. If the field and yard are not fenced in I would definitely use a leash. It is the only way to keep your baby safe.

 

[kerry001]

Ok. Shooter is approximatly 2 1/2 months old. I have a big yard, with a forest for a back yard and there is a big field in front of the house.

Shooter has been so good that we have not been putting her on a leash. I've had her since the 8th of October, and whenever we go on a walk she walks right beside us and if we stop she stops. It doesn't matter if were in the forest or in the field. She may go a few steps away - but always comes right back. She has been so good - but now the question is - am I doing the right thing? Should I be making her use a leash anyways?

I would train her to use a leash, Chloe was a little angel too, until she hit the bratty teens and started taking off. You will need to leash her to bring her to the vets, and if you take her in public, so why not do it sooner, rather than later?

 

[nanci27]

I totally agree with everyone when I a was younger, she would stay with me and not stray too far but now shes 5 months she finds the fields we walk through like her own and isnt scared to run off and jump on a few people or maybe (never happened) run through onto a road. I would always keep her on untill a certain bit then let her off for play then back on after play is over just untill you get through the independent stage

 

[CondoPup]

I started getting Guinness used to the leash at 7 1/2 weeks, the day we brought him home. I agree with those above, when you have to go to a Vet or want to take him to a pet supply store or on a walk where there's a lot of traffic, you'll want to use a leash, and you are really in for a struggle if he hasn't had any exposure to it at all while young. There are lots of previous posts on problems with "leash acceptance" that caused tons of problems for people.
Also - around 7 months and again around 11 (give or take, depending on the individual dog), they go through stages where they have bursts of adolescent independence... meaning they may run off, where they didn't while younger. If he's never been leashed you won't be able to just snap a line on him suddenly and expect him to behave for you! Train him to accept the leash so at least you have the option of using it when circumstances call for it.

 

[MypupShooter]

Well..... I've been more successfull with the leash training. I took her to the vet with it last week - and had no problem. Then this weekend, I took her out twice. Once for almost 2 hours - and the other time for 45 minutes. The second time she was much better - it's like she just picked this up on her own.

The only weird thing is - she always needs to go back the way she came.... really weird...

On the way back the second time - I tried to go another route - and the little thing wouldn't budge. So I started walking in the direction we came, and she came hopping along. Anyone else's do this?