Help Your Dog Lose the Leash Without Losing Your Mind

Sit.  Heel. Stay.  These are commands that most well-trained dogs learn.  If Fido passed obedience classes with flying colors and responds well to direction, then you might consider letting him go off-leash.  If he is prone to chasing cars and can't be tempted by treats, he might not be the ideal candidate when it comes to roaming free.

Here's how you can be absolutely sure that your pooch is ready to lose the leash.  Ask yourself:

• Does my dog know how to heel when asked?
• Does he or she stay put until given the signal to get up?
• Do treats work as an incentive in getting him or her to comply with orders?

Training doesn't always come easy.  It requires patience on your behalf.  You must be willing to shower your pooch with praise when he or she follows your command.  Having a tasty snack or two on hand as a source of encouragement is ideal.  A pat on the head or scratch of the ear will not always be enough to get your dog to repeat his or her past good behavior.

Positive reinforcement is necessary, especially when training younger dogs.  Their playful nature may cause them to be rambunctious and rebellious at times.  If this behavior isn't nipped in the bud, you may have no choice but to keep your pup on a leash.

Leash free dog parks are popping up around the nation, and California just may lead the pack, with Carmel being possibly one of the most dog friendly cities in the entire country. Opal, Dixie and I love living in San Francisco, where we have many leash-free areas. Their favorite is their "beach by the bay," Crissy Field, where on any given day you can find an array of happy pups romping around. No matter where you live, DogPark.com offers a complete listing of leash free parks in the United States and Canada. There is no price to join the site, and if you register your dog's birthdate, they'll receive a special greeting on their big day. A dog can never get too many birthday greetings!

Allowing your pet to go leash free is a big decision.  It is not only a matter of preference, but of safety. Running free should never, EVER lead to running away. Any questions or concerns that you might have can be best addressed by conducting a simple web search or consulting a good obedience trainer.