Off Leash Advice

[huski]

Still, at least a dog owner using a long line is being more responsible than owners who know their dogs don't have a good recall yet let them run loose anyway. I can't see how anyone would prefer to see dogs off leash and out of control as opposed to on a long line and under control

[BoxerB]

Thanks guys, really appreciate all the advice.

The beach is huge, and doesn't usually have a huge dog presence. eg might see 4-5 dogs at any one time.

I'm definitey going to take him down but will suss out the beach before i take him with me. Actually pay attention to number of dogs and the way they interact instead of just payign attention to the tan :)

I might even try him during on leash times as a starter before letting him off.

He does have recall and does play really well with all dogs. eg will play bow to my inlwas Shitzu's begging them to play with him, but happy to rough it up with similar and bigger sized dogs. Has never showed any signs of agression.

BUT i'm very aware that he is a boxer, a 7 month old Boxer and an entire Male 7 month old Boxer :)

Add a massive long sandy beach and water (his second favoutite thing after food) and as mentioned earlier, have no doubt that he could all together forget who i am. So until i see how he is, i'm in no way counting on his recall in that environment.

[Guest donatella]

Because the majority are out of control so put a long line in with out of control dogs and owners and it could create problems. Each to their own I said I can understand how other owners were annoyed with the long line in the area. I don't think it should be there if you don't trust it off leash, go to a park with your line and practice recall.

That's just my opinion, people do as they please.

Eta: I'm talking parks here, a long stretch of beach is different as it doesn't have the dog density/potential tangle mess problem as a park environment would

Edited March 28, 2013 by donatella

[trinabean]

people are not saying take your dog on a normal leash - I agree that is dangerous and you leave your dog no way of avoiding other dogs.

They are saying use a long leash when it is quiet to practice recall. This is completely different than an extendable lead which is dangerous and can cut other dogs.

This.

Still, at least a dog owner using a long line is being more responsible than owners who know their dogs don't have a good recall yet let them run loose anyway. I can't see how anyone would prefer to see dogs off leash and out of control as opposed to on a long line and under control

And in the case of the OP, this is a young dog, whose recall training is still a work in progress.

For some of us, our dogs have good, but not 100% recall. I feel like crap that I haven't managed to train a perfect recall.

In the meantime, I try to make responsible choices. Using a long-line to practice recall in open spaces is one. Not letting my dog off-lead (and hoping for the best) is another. I also don't go to dog parks as I don't think my dog is ready for that.

Enjoy your beach weekend BoxerB. :)

Edited March 28, 2013 by trinabean

[Kajirin]

Always found Scout got on well with Staffords and other well built dogs, but yes, most dogs did ostracise him as he was a typical Boxer pup...bouncy, goofy and tactile. He's now 7 years old and nothing much has changed except he's somewhat calmer, but given the chance, he quickly reverts back into bouncy, goofy, tactile mode :laugh:

His best friend ever was a Stafford, who he taught to play Boxer style :D

But I always use a horse lunging lead for free ranging - just be careful not to get your arm pulled out the socket [so to say], maybe have a bungee lead attachment to 'cushion' the end of lead snap. As sometimes when running around or playing they can get to the end of the lead rather quickly, without realising.