I wish this video were totled correctly. He is not saying, "Don't walk your dog." He is saying, "Do not let your dog walk you. Do not allow our dog to run around like a crackhead while you daydream." Yes. Go for a walk with your eyes on your dog, the same as you would with a 3 y.o. child. Keep your focus on the dog. Ask your dog to do things, occasionally, so the dog stays engaged with you and learns that you are the best thing in his universe.
I have just watched your video😮 I always thought I was being kind to my dog letting him off leash until very recently when he is very reluctant to come back when he knows he is going home. I think I also became a bit slap happy and overconfident that he needed the freedom so was walking on and leaving him to his own devices. Thankyou so much for demonstrating all my faults through my own ignorance and blaming my dog for being self willed. He is back on his lead for our walks and have started to take him to different locations so he can explore more smells and enhance his senses. The other thing I have found that the shorter walks make him calmer…. or maybe I am just less stressed. I am now following your advice and most grateful that I stumbled across your UA-cam channel. This is a ramble but hopefully others will find it useful.
,We are fortunate because even though we are in senior living apartments, we are surrounded by woods and open fields, a lake and a pond. Every day we walk a different area, and when I get bored we go to a park or practice walking around the town square with all the traffic and people. I'm grateful to have Charlie, and have this good life together, at the same time recognizing that we have more work to do. Thank you for your helpful comment.
I've always walked my dogs and for me the pleasure of walking is having a dog beside me or off leash running free. However you have to know your dogs, their breeding or natural instincts and you have to understand body language. You have to be aware that training is not a once done thing but a life time of reinforcement in all situations. In other words a walk is an interactive exercise between you and your dog. Dogs need mental and physical activity to keep the healthy, happy and to keep them out of trouble; and they love their walks. My dogs have always had a minimum of 1-2 hours a day with 2 - 4 hours on Saturday and Sunday, sometimes full day walks. The other point is while our dogs have all been high energy or working breeds they have been domestic/family dogs.
Agreed, high energy dogs doesn’t mean they have to be high energy at home. You meet their needs and you have a relaxed dog at home, no matter the breed. Owning a dog is a lifestyle, particularly if it’s a gun dog. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy being vigilant with my dogs, giving them instructions, they love it!
I can’t understand why so many people walk their dog in a harness.....to me the only dogs that need harnesses are sled dogs.....a full grown Labrador or German Shepard could pull me flat on my face if he’s wearing a harness. 🥰🥰🥰
@@lindamclean8809I’ve got two GSD mixes who combined weigh 58kg, both are walked on harnesses, I can manage both in one hand, not saying they couldn’t pull me over if they wanted to but I know my dogs and have spent years on reinforcing not pulling. That being said, I occasionally have back problems and will sometimes revert to using a head collar on one of them during these periods too. I empathise that some dogs are stronger and can be more difficult for the owner but I don’t agree with the blanket statement that harnesses are only for sled dogs. (And in case you think I believe this due to mine being mixes, we go walking with a GSD group and many full sheps are on harnesses)
I was sceptical until I followed your advice. My 5 month sprocker was on a harness and extendable lead, and when in fields I let him run thinking "its good to tire him out, he's a spaniel it's what they do". But he never got tired and it had started to get harder to stop him pulling and being a ball of chaotic energy running everywhere. I started to feel overwhelmed thinking hes never going to walk properly next to me, I'm never going to be able to relax when in public. But since watching this video and your others, I changed my mindset and use walk times for training as well as exercise, not to burn his energy off. The difference it has made is huge and positive. Clifford, my sprocker, is making good progress now and I feel more confident for our future. It'll take time but you have helped set me on the right path.
Good advice. Not needed for our first cockapoo, but boy oh boy, it was exactly where we went wrong with our second cockapoo. Such a challenge to get him back under control. Took over 2 years of very hard work. Have a good dog now, but wish I had seen this video when he was a youngster.
Completely agree, Janet. That's my situation with Charlie as well -- although he was a 7 year old rescue when we got him. I've had him 3 years now, and I'm not going to be too hard on myself because we have an awesome relationship, but I really did not understand a dog with his prey drive and tracking instincts. I've never had a working dog with such intensity. Now I understand where I've gone wrong and I believe we can actually improve our relationship employing the tips in this video. He's so smart that I've always understood that the fault was mine. I just was not able to communicate what I wanted in a way he could understand. I am so encouraged now. Thank you for your supportive comment.
I've had 3 labradors all walked on leash fine and allowed to run off leash for several hours when mountain walking and low land walking with me. Average days walk & swim was 2 hours off leash with 4+ hours at weekends. All fit and obedient dogs. None were working lab types ( field or American), they were all traditional (English), stocky show dog types. Maybe there is a difference in the types or I have been exceptionally lucky but I found it was far easier to train when they'd been well exercised.
There is definitely a difference in the types. Working and show are not the same :) my family has had working and show line labs and working cockers. The difference is incredible. A working dog normally has a much high prey or hunt drive and wants to work with you which is why a walk should be training as well. Lovely that your labs had such a great life with you and lots of adventures :)
This is similar to my GSDs. I recommend letting them off the leash from day 1 as an 8-10 week pup. All mine went free from day 1 and all are great off lead. But GSDs are naturally good off lead. They stay close to their handler by nature.
@@laurablockley1269 I think this is why I have had so much trouble with my 10 year old rescue dog, Charlie. He is a WORKING dog! Fortunately for both of us, I have given him as much time and freedom as I can, with an hour or hour and a half serious exercise once a day, and shorter walks besides that. But now that I've watched this video, I understand Charlie so much better. Waffle even LOOKS like Charlie!
Great information. Ive just taken ownership of a 8 month cocker with the bad habits of running up other dogs and going completely deaf. As you say a walk is not just strolling through the woods on your phone etc but being aware of your your dogs surroundings and their body language, making you the most interesting thing and stopping behaviour you dont want before it happens, not just for you n your dog but but for other not so sociable dogs. 3 weeks in and he's starting to get the hint "im no1". Many people say their dogs are their children and its true, you get out what you put in and if you cant give that especially with working breeds then maybe get a cat instead. Will be following and look forward to seeing more videos and waffles progress
Really useful advice. Something I've learned about owners is they don't know when to stop. My Dobermann just wants to 'get there', and he needs to learn nope, you can stop now and wait until I say to carry on. Too many owners let themselves get pulled about, reinforcing the dogs' idea that they can go where they want and get what they want.
With my "grand dog" rescue, I am much more concerned with him having a good time = eye roll = than I have been with him following commands. This is because he is so dang energetic and he gets maximum exercise that way. (When I take him to the really big dog park, that stinker DOESN'T RUN but sticks close by my side.) Charlie is such a HUNTER! Letting him follow his nose and zip around on an extendable leash has seemed important because he will run like Waffle if I let him off the lead. I have always thought he belonged to a hunter and got lost on a lease property, or was injured, and that I have just never known how to call him back. We have developed wonderful trust this way and now that I know how to train him, I have great hopes that he WILL learn to stay close. I should repeat what I wrote above, that Charlie is my 8th dog and my dogs have always stayed close off lead. Charlie has been a puzzle. But here, I have found help! THANK YOU, MordorGundogs22!
I used to breed American Bulldogs and I also trained most of them to be working dogs, such as service dogs, rescue dogs, and for doing nosework for mantrailing and for open or excluded areas. When my puppies moved to their new owners, they were potty-trained, walked on the leash close to the handler, came when told, sat and lied down on command, and had started their crate training. They also were used to many different animals and people, to different travel possibilities, various environments, sounds, haptic experiences, and were used to physical handling like in shows, or with the vet. I always started their training with about 3.5 - 4 weeks, because they pick up new things faster, and even intimidating experiences don't lead to anxious reactions while the litter siblings, mom and all the other dogs are around. I always started with the introduction of the clicker, and this always was when they started to eat kibbles. So my puppies really had a very good start concerning their training and their behaviour. I also used to train dogs in animal rescue centers, who hadn't been socialized or trained at all, so they could be integrated into a normal household of dog lovers. One of the puppies I had sold, suddenly turned up with his owner when he was only 12 weeks old. Within the three weeks he had had him, the new owner had practically ruined the puppy's paws by walking him almost all day and mostly on pavement!!! Where was his common sense??? This man was told by another dog trainer, that a Bulldog would get aggressive if he wouldn't be "powered out" by walking and running! Since then I hate it when hearing this phrase. It took 4 weeks to heal the puppy's bloody paws again, while he had to stay most of the time in the crate, and had to be carried around. And it took about half a year of daily intensive training to teach the puppy walking without any problems again. 😢
I’m Not keen on over trained dogs, the ones that have that “ stare at their owners” look without interacting and visualising the world around them. Their personality is gone and they appear obsessed. That’s my pet hate
Ohh this is brilliant… we have always had springers and are about to get a puppy.. I thought I would refresh my training memories. This is a joy to watch and it is so helpful. Thank you for doing these!
Thank you so much for this video, my husband is stressed out every day because he thinks he has to walk our 2 year old kelpie and let him run some energy off, he wouldn't listen to me so i put this video on for him and its made him realise that he is training rueben to want to go running free every day, he's now going to follow your advice thank you so much❤
I have a shiba inu and he was running away like you said when he was a baby. Your tip to engage and to have them to run at you is so very true. Thanks for posting. Malybe easy dogs don’t have problems to run away but anyone having a chaser type of dog, your tips are formidable!
Perfect timing. We have a 19 week sprocker and want to get it right for her. These videos are brilliant and we can follow along with Waffle! Thank you.
Not sure how I ended up here but anyway. I understand and agree that dogs shouldn't be run ragged to the point they're exhausted, manic and their brains fried but in 30+ years of owning mostly collies, I have always made sure they learn to walk on the lead and can have time off lead to sniff and have a potter around and catch all the smells and do their stuff. We work on recall and what I call the emergency stop training from day one but they need time off lead in a safe, secure space to learn how to behave and stay under control without the giddiness, jumping and getting distracted by everything and just legging it. Always being on a lead means they're not reliable off it and never being on a lead means they aren't as reliable to come back should they end up loose for whatever reason. I just feel happier knowing they only trot and tootle so far off lead and will come right back when called, sit or lie down next to my side and wait to put their head in the loop of a slip lead. I get what you're saying but think it depends entirely on the dog and what level of experience and confidence the owner has. Waffle is gorgeous by the way😊
Great video, my field cocker is my first. I have always had pointing breeds and we encourage distance. But my breeder said to keep him close in the beginning. Now I get what she was referring to.
I am currently living in the City right now in the US, and the number of people with half-ass trained dogs off-lead running amuck with little to no recall is just freaking pissing me off. I have a very senior dog who has nervous aggression. Basically, I rescued him when he was already a senior dog, and he has improved some since coming to live with me, but at this point, because of age and health issues, I don't train a lot anymore. I have never walked him off the lead! These dang rando dogs come running up to him, most just wanting to play, but they are huge and he weighs 8 lbs. and is terrified of them. It is not ever a good situation, if your dog isn't trained to the point where they are effectively on lead even without one, and have complete control of them without a lead, then you shouldn't be walking them off the lead. *I am not sure what "walking" your dog means in Scotland or the UK, but in the US "walking the dog". Can mean on or off lead. Also, dogs do need exercise, but in a controlled manner with full attention on them. Not left to just run and chase pheasants. Also, just as much as a working dog needs to be worked, included in that work is brain work. Until your dog can heal next to you, and you have a full recall, a good strong wait call, to stop them if they are about to cross a road with cars or whatever, and good leave it commands, along with some other ones they shouldn't be outside without a lead.
Very well said, you have to consider other dogs, you don't always have time to judge other dogs reactions before the damage is done and I don't just mean physical damage. Dogs as well as owners can be traumatised. Be responsible and considerate so all dogs and owners can enjoy their walks.
We have worked our Aussie in real world situations. When we get to a neighborhood intersection she sits at the corner and waits. We then tell her to "break" (which is the command saying it is ok to stop siting and move along). Now when we come to a crossing...she just sits automatically and waits for "break". I also worked with her at 4 way stops (suburban lite traffic). I will tell her to sit at one corner and then I will diagonally cross the street to another corner and I will stand there. Cars will come to each stop sign and move along..they all see here (and me) and are careful...and when the traffic clears...I say "break" and she crosses the intersection diagonally to me. I felt it was important to put the dog in real world circumstances to condition her. We started this with no traffic and worked our way up..
I am so fortunate with Charlie. He is not much interested in other dogs, but is calm and cautious when approached. What a blessing, considering how high energy he is! He also understands "wait" and "this way" to follow me.
great little video with great explanation. my cocker is now 3 years old and is exactly what you are talking about in this video. if im working him he is a fantastic very eager dog but as soon as i stop and release him from his job he likes to go off and do his own thing, he does still listen but i cant understand why he keeps going off and quite far away, im assuming he is of a personality that he needs a job to do otherwise he is bored maybe...
Waffle running off is exactly like my 10 year old rescue English Cocker. This is the first time I've had any hope of training Charlie to come when called. Charlie is my 8th dog (I'm 72, usually 2 dogs at a time) and I've ALWAYS had great control over them. Not Charlie. I've had him for 3 years and I laugh about our symbiotic relationship. He is really a good little dog, smart, affectionate, responsive. But comparatively independent and stubborn. I'm sure many would scold me for the harness and extendable leash, and even more for letting him loose with the lead in a fairly controlled environment. I just wish I knew more about his life before I got him. He was found on a back road in West Virginia, just skin and bones, major flea infestation, covered in scabs, barely any fur. He had lyme disease and a broken leg. I got him from a Cherished Cockers foster mom when he had been rehabilitated to the point that he could be adopted. He's always been a charmer. I just feel certain that I have fallen short in teaching him. It felt too overwhelming to do the teaching required when we were doing so well overall. But now I have hope. THANK YOU. I'm a subscriber now.
Great stuff I’ve had 2 jacks one now passed away but both walked everywhere off lead from about 18months old I could walk through our local market and both at my heel. The one I have left is 16 now.
pleased to see that i did everything right on instincts but only because i was so afraid for my tiny dog😂 now she is the best off leash from all the dogs i have ever had and i didn’t know why. Well now i know.
I've gotta say, the countryside in the background is absolutely stunning - what a view! And of course, Waffle is a very good boy. Great video, thank you.
Thank you very much for your video! This is very good information. I was wondering, what I was doing wrong. Now I know. I have a rescue dog who is great on recall, staying close, etc., except when she finds mice. Then she starts digging and becomes deaf to the world. I recently began letting her off the lead, because of a current knee injury that really slows me down. I thought, my dog needed more of a chance to run. That`s when she increasingly became obsessed with digging for mice, moles etc. and stopped following me, not keeping me in her sight, when I kept walking.
“I’ve done this for 20 years.” Well I was raised with dogs before I could walk, had them my entire life, all my entire extended family over multi-generations has all had dogs. And I let my dogs off lead from Day 1 as 8 week old pups. But my breed is German Shepherd and they instinctively stay close to their handler. Training my Border Collie took more effort, as he wanted to target dogs at a distance like they were a lost sheep and run after it. But with training, he’s now just as good as my GSDs. How you train depends on the breed. But, in general, I would say telling people that their dogs don’t need to run is bad advice. And I would also tell owners of other breeds like GSDs that they definitely SHOULD start off leash walking immediately from Day 1. Maybe cockers are completely different.
Good advice. My Toller puppy is 6 months now & we use a long line lead too. We're in the Derbyshire Dales so lots of pheasants & sheep nearby, so we can't let fully off lead . We're trying to teach impulse control & recall too. With my previous Toller I did a lot of on lead/ off lead just like you've done today as this also helps them to realise that being close to you on lead on / off is not spoiling their fun. Our Toller went deaf so it was essential we built a close bond to stay near to me, as if she was ahead off lead she couldn't hear my recall command. We taught her to stop & look back. If I then gave the 'go agead' hand signal she would carry on & if I gave the 'come back' hand signal she'd would do so willingly despite distractions. Its not just about recall as it was for her safety too.
Great video, thank you. This is exactly what I need now that I am looking after the in laws working cocker who is now 4 and has never had proper recall or heel training and has a great ability to actually catch the rabbits and pigeons she is chasing down 😆 I will use your tips when I next take her out on her own to keep her closer to me in the first place.
Neat method. So far I've really enjoyed raising my dog to have two modes: working mode and exploring mode. I'll admit exploring mode breaks all the guidlines you set out here, but I love watching her just ripping around being a dog. Plus she brings antlers back for me sometimes.
@@nanasabiawhat utter rubbish. A dog should not have "free nature" whatever that means 🤣 A dog needs boundaries. I assume you've never owned a dog, particularly a working breed.
@@stevec8243 yes, you are right. I agree, boundaries are very much needed and you have to teach your dog to respect them. But there is also „the exploring more free mode“ and it would be sad to oppress it fully.
@@nanasabia There is nothing more exhilarating to me than seeing my English Cocker Charlie running flat out, criss-crossing a field. And to see him enthusiastically snuffing, tracking, following his nose. It just crushes my soul to think that he would never be allowed to do that. So I agree with you.
We've made the mistake of letting our Sprocker off the lead in very tempting environments, and now we're back to square one with him. He just doesn't go off the lead now whilst we re-train him with good healwork, stay etc. This video highlights our initial mistakes (which were encouraged by a previous trainer sadly) and I'm pleased we've recognised the issues - thank you.
Great video and information. Thanks for sharing. Too many people have dogs, that have no option but to be self employed, as their humans walk with a phone Infront of their face! 😅
I am a bit confused, does 'walking' a dog equal letting them off leash in British English or is it just a clickbait title? When you walk your dog on a leash it's also walking, isn't it?
A working dog needs it's walks controlled. Mine get a mix of off leash and on leash. If he's only too used to off leash he will be offski. On leash walks keeps him controlled.
@@stevec8243 I also have a working dog and I'm all for proper training but how is controlled / on leash walk not walking your dog? The title is misleading on purpose imo. 'Don't let your untrained dog off leash and then scream 'he's friendly!' as you see it disappear' would be more appropriate title here.
I taught agility for over 13 years. You train people how to train their dogs. You don't have a child and decide to let them do whatever they want, you teach them what to do. Dogs are no different, so to me, ALL people are TRAINERS. Basic obedience should be taught to your dog no matter what you plan to do with it. And no matter the breed. If you can't commit, then maybe a cat would be a better choice. :)
@@jboback5322 Totally agree with you. Just listened to todays news in UK and discovered that parents nolonger have the responsibility of training their children (let alone their dogs) since it will soon be the responsibility of school teachers to make sure the children clean their teeth!!!
@@jboback5322 I have never had the problems of staying close and recall with my other dogs, so I would say that so much depends on the dog. I don't think I've ever had a legitimate working dog before, so Charlie is really a different animal. His drive is so intense, which I understand. It is only with that video, and these comments, that I am beginning to understand what I must do to make us both happier and closer in our relationship.
Ive just figured this out after 4 years..I have a pointer cross spaniel cross lab..three gundogs rolled into one so I thought she needed lots of exercise and let her run around wildly for a few years. It didnt do her or me any good at all..she also became reactive to other dogs. I realise what she really needed was a job. I have competely changed everything round and now she is super calm and nowhere near as reactive.
I too have a pointer. Let her run around like a mad thing in forests and fields for years. She too became more reactive to dogs. And I had to start training almost from scratch with recalls last year as it never seemed to improve like I thought it might have. She is the most adorable loving well behaved dog in the house now though. Reactivity still a problem only with growly dogs on lead but I have a much more engaged dog now. How did you improve the reactivity issue?
I stopped letting her run wild and put her on a long line when out in parks and let her do ALOT of sniffing instead. If a dog comes by at a distance she either carries on sniffing or, if she looks at it and then hopefully looks away, ( she does this all the time now ) , I reward her right decision. I learnt that allowing her to become reactive actually embeds the problem further so I watch out for other dogs and manage the issue though the sniffing and treats.An hour sniffing means she comes home calm and not adrenalised. This has worked incredibly well and changed her as a dog and we are both much happier. I also accepted that she just doesnt like other dogs ! @@KS-yv7tw
@@KS-yv7tw thanks for sharing your experience. Until this video, and the great comments, I have felt it would be too much to overcome Charlie's lack of recall. Now I am encouraged. We can have an even better relationship with some work!
First video of yours I've seen, Brilliant! I have an 11 month old Golden Retriever, we have a pretty strong relationship, but the issues we do have come from exactly what you are speaking to here. Such helpful guidance, thank you so much!
I had 5 Goldens in 40 years, usually 2 at a time. I only had one with serious working drive, but she was good off the leash from the time we got her as a puppy. They all were. Once I was at the park down the street and a hawk flew over the lake, dropping its catch. Lady was sitting beside me, saw it, looked up at me for permission and I said, "Go!" with the arm signal. She was off like a shot, got the bird, returned to me, and dropped it at my feet, sitting and looking up at me for approval. It was magical and an experience I'll always cherish. Although I can be faulted for being too much of a "mommy" to my dogs, what I have always done well was understanding them, developing trust and rapport. Aren't we blessed to share our lives with such amazing creatures?
Very interesting, for the last 16 years I've owned and trained rottweilers ( amazing breed ) now I have my first working cocker he is 4 months old and is learning really quick , such an intelligent breed , interesting video I've learnt some things from this video , many thanks
This is the first time I’ve viewed to your site. I believe your information was quite accurate thought out and well presented. I have a year and a half old border collie smart as dickens. I’ve let him off the leash several times, and you’re correct, the more I let him off the leash the more he takes his life into his own hands and the more distance from me he ventures.
I like this guy's method. I've taken in a Spanish valley dog. About 10 months old. I run in the opposite direction and because he senses I've "rescued" him he chases after me!
Hey, This is very interesting and something I will trying out for myself on any news pup's. Probably jumping the gun a little but will there be videos on how to intrduce animals, like sheep, cows, etc and not have them running after them?
3 days of walking my Belgian Malinois like this it's been absolute bliss results are staggering, the loose lead is genius complete opposite of any advice iv come across, always tight slip and slip collar seemed iv almost gained respect back from my dog, trust works both ways I guess 🙏 sit whistle aswell he's coming on, thank you
Stumbled on this vid by chance , watched til the end as a lot of what you said not only makes perfect sense but falls in line with what I try to do with my own dogs (non gungogs, although I had 1 Doberman that I used to work in a beating line and he was probably one of the better behaved dogs on the day , and another Doberman that I used to go rough shooting with (amongst other activities). Will look for more of you content now, thanks
This video is especially important for "moms" and "grandmas" who love their cockers for cuddles but can be confused if they have not had experience with actual working dogs. "Why won't you just do what I want you to do, Charlie?" "Because, mom, I'm a WORKING DOG!! Yeah, I love you, but don't confuse me with a low energy lap dog. I will sure be quiet in the house, and content, but not if I don't get to follow my destiny and work off the incredible energetic drive that I was born with!"
This is interesting. I am however left wondering how to interpret the recommendation of walking my Labrador 2 hours a day. Do I walk (train) him for 2 hours? Do I train him for 45 mins? It feels like ‘walk a Labrador for 2 hours’ is nonsensical according to this? Is this giving them stimulation in general rather than essentially making them fitter through more running? Would love to hear your thoughts
Ik heb in het begin een paar keer rechts omkeer gemaakt ,eerst aan de hele lange lijn en dan roepen, dat vind ze niet fijn dat ik de andere kant op ga. Hierdoor let ze beter op.mij als ik nu stil ga staan en ze merkt dit komt ze meteen naar me toe ,en natuurlijk wordt zel dan beloond met lekkers of even spelen. Je soms even verstoppen ( terwijl jij je hond kan zien) werkt ook, ze gaan hun " koektrommel " goed in de gaten houden . 😊
Hello mate, I’ve got a lab/springer and I’ve probably done what I shouldn’t have done and given him free rein from day 1 on walks thinking I was doing the right thing. He’s just gone 1yr now and I’ve got an air rifle and want to start trying to correct my wrongs so I can take him out. Is it too late to correct my mistakes with Troopers training?
Great videos. Wish I'd seen sooner. My 2 year old lab has done some training but has also been walked a lot off the lead. He's realised he likes chasing deer. What do I do now?
I swear my 10 year old rescue cocker was a hunting dog. He LOVES chasing deer, but after he has brought them to me, it's like he's done his job and he's off to do more tracking. It's the oddest thing. He doesn't bark when he's chasing things. He does bark when he finds a raccoon up in the branches or trees a squirrel. This site has inspired me to learn more about hunting dogs so I can understand him better. I also wonder if Charlie was a stud dog because he was unneutered when I got him at the age of 7. So many questions!
You start walking «young innocent» dogs with a long leash hanging behind them (15 meters) , that way you can stop any chase or whatever you don’t want by stepping on it. At the same time they feel like they’re off leash. You only train recall when you’re 100% sure the dog is in the right headspace and will come to you. Otherwise don’t use their name, change direction and disappear behind a tree without saying a word. Reward them checking in with you using treats, every single time. You will have a dog able to walk off leash everywhere in the end.
@@Nemrai I definitely need to work with my 10 year old rescue cocker, but he has improved in the three years that I've had him. He used to try to evade me when he got away from me and could be gone from me for hours = panic city. How maddening was that?! But now I can let him run, then he stops to wait for me and is never resistent to being on leash. So there's that. But I am absolutely starting recall training tomorrow.
Cd you do something for those gun dogs like mine who've had a free reign. My WC is like velcro. She doesn't go far without zipping back to me to touch base. However she is not into recall if she is in the middle of a snuffle discovery. So maybe a good lesson for us delinquent owners please?!
I do the train part with my dog with all kind of dummy's and then we do some playing with tennisballs and some free running...but she reacts very good on the whisle all the time
So the question is what do you do if you have given your 1 year old Vizsla too much freedom earlier on? We're back to long line only now with a tug when he doesn't come, but it's a slow process
I've had Border Collies for 22 years and they've all been walked off leash nearly every day of their lives. If I have the flu for instance and am unable to walk them, they are just so depressed it's actually unreal. So in a nutshell I literally couldn't disagree with this guy anymore if I tried.
@@Katwashere71 Do you know anything about Border Collies whatsoever? They were bred to have endless stamina, there work rate is second to none and their intelligence needs is just as important as my previous statements. If you walk a Collie on a lead then you're taking away their opportunity for sights, sounds and other mental stimulation. Have you owned a Border Collie at any stage? If you haven't then I strongly recommend you do. If you already have owned then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
@@Katwashere71All mamals show emotion. Observing their behaviour isn't humanising them. Its easy to see a bored, frustrated or depressed dog by their behaviour and body language and they can sense emotions in humans too.
Well the point isnt not to walk your dog his point was dont allow your dog to do what it wants. Throwing a ball for a border collie would be 'training' letting it run around hearding other dogs at a park would be what hes telling you to avoid. I have a border collie and mine is no bother when im ill so maybe youve trained your dog to be necrotic quite common for bad BC owners
Thanks for the tips, however, how would you apply this to a sprinter who has least these bad habits already? I rescued a male sprinter at 7 months who’s pet drive was through the roof and has been allowed to run off into the sunset, slowly getting there with him but it is such very slow progress and hoping to ramp the training up a few notches??
There’s a big difference between how you exercise puppies and how you exercise dogs - and a massive difference between how you walk different breeds of dog. One size doesn’t fit all, so don’t generalise.
So true. I've never even known a working dog like my 10 year old cocker, Charlie. I've been kind of gob smacked because I've expected him to be like my other dogs. I'm finally learning what I need to do differently.
Great video again. Working hard to get back control of 1y lab who was given his freedom too young. Wish I had known you 6 months ago!! Much bigger job now ...
You can guarantee when someone in my area has lost a dog its ALWAYS a non working, working cocker. Far too many people simply let their dogs off lead to run riot, illegally chasing wildlife, whilst they look at their phones. I hardly see anyone actually engage with their dogs, or even interact with them. For me, the first 2 - 2.5 years are all about training and bonding as well as walking/socialisation/habituation. Im an avid walker, so i have a dog thats built for stamina and we do a LOT of walking - around 15-20 miles a day. However, if i dont walk him, even for days, it has zero impact on his behaviour or energy levels as we simply find other things to do like scent work. Even then he isnt all fussed. He knows how to relax. But then my aim has never been to tire him out, but to offer him a fulfilling life and to keep him fit and healthy. I believe active dogs are happy dogs, but that activity does NOT have to be running around like a loon.
I wish you were my neighbor and we could walk together. My rescue cocker Charlie is a great dog, but we need work. This video and the comments are a great start.
Hiello! Thank you for your vídeo. May I ask you a question? What would be your advice to a 2y.o. Malinois Shupherd owner about walking? Mine never walls alone.He walks by my side and I'm always in the leash control.
This is why I see some fearful dogs running loose in my area. The people that own them have just left them off leash on walks when they were young and think thye will stay following since they do when they are just a few months old, and then they hit adulthood and get more confident they run off. They also dont come back and it becomes a hunting game when the owners run after them to capture them. Some even bare teeth and growl when they finally grab them and one even bit their owner, because they are not use to be grabbed/picked up. I have always thought that if I call back my dog a 50 times, just a few of them means he gets the leash on again, and getting leash on again does not mean walk is over, it might even mean that they get to sniff that spot they were interested leashed, or explore/watch anything else they are interested in. I even practice grabbing my dog by the skin/collar quit ruffly so they are use to it, just in case that day comes I might grab them slightly harder so it wont spook them or make them feel punished. I agree on most of what this guy is saying. Focusing too much on one thing and forgetting the whole package is the worst thing a new pet owner can do.
How do you stop them getting over excited? Especially leading up to the walk before you’ve left the house. My boarder sqeeks and wines for a good hour before I even think of going for a walk. Also whilst I’m preparing his food. But once out on the walk he’s excellent tracker training and lost item finding
We have a 6 year old lurcher and live in town - if we let him off he'd either get run over or kill anything that moves! He is always on lead but we do a lot of training on lead, in house and garden.
This is really excellent advice, I can totally see how this is true. I have a 14 month old spaniel/beagle and he has been the most challenging dog that I’ve had so far! We have a lot of land around us and he has always been off lead and has been a total nightmare, great as a pup but then from about 6 months on it was impossible with him. I am just starting to see some improvement with him, but I will start this training with him as I’m sure it will help. Thank you for your video 👍🏻
This is terrible advice, this guy is an idiot. Many dog breeds were bred to work for hours, even all day and need tons of exercise. They're not meant to lay around all day inside.
@@kellil3845 no why do that thats a shit celebrity training method. Zac is more focused on advancing PETA propaganda then actually teaching people how to train their dogs. also if you watch his videos when he hits a road block with training then he just stops he doesn't show the process from start to finish
Having watched this I’m glad I didn’t get my dog from Mordor Gundogs. My Golden Retriever puppy runs free and is very happy 😊 and about to get her Kennel Club Silver.
Well said. My 11 month WCS is still on the lead most of the time on my property. Give him an inch….. It’s going to take a long time with my lad. Work in progress. Love your videos keep them coming. Lots of garb out there.
Well I own a Dogo Argentino that I use for wild boar hunting and I let him run for 35 min every day in the country side next to my motorbike just ffir his stamina and endurance, so he's trained for when we go hunting
This was a great video. Really good advice. I'm getting my first Flat Coated Retriever puppy soon, both nervous and excited in equal measure! Thanks for your videos, grateful to have found this channel!
I can see what you doing engagement. I subbed to your channel, I am from South Africa. My dog qualified for training at other dog club but their techniques is different, I already paid for the month. Once the month is over and I am done with the training, I am gonna continue train him by myself. A person get confussed watch too much different dog trainers, need to learn from one or two dog trainer.
The thing is you would like your dog to be close to you and walk by your side, engaged and all, but you named him Waffle! What to expect! He wants to get as far away from that name as possible 🐩🙌🐾 ‘I’m not associating with some batter-mix square’ 😆
My GSP runs free in suitable countryside locations and is fully whistle trained. I love long walks and so does my GSP. My GSP is calm as a cucumber at home and relaxes and behaves. She understands her boundaries and no means no. You say leave and she leaves split second reaction. Flawless health via a flawless species appropriate diet, titre tested and always a firm but fair precedent set. Hormones in full affect and incredibly well socialised from a young age. I had the same situation with my two Setters. Full control but full freedom. My dogs are pets and my lifestyle is my lifestyle. Debating subjective rhetoric in this manner like it's some global standard does not scream wisdom. It screams personal preference, circumstantial needs and dare I say, slightly overreaching Dunning-Kruger triats. Your method however is essential for working gun dogs so perhaps present it as such. For your circumstances it is perfect 👌 All the very best and here's to many more happy years of dog ownership.🤝
Hello! Our two Golden Retrievers have always had a harness for walks, or collar and lead, but not the slip lead. Are these suitable for trying to improve their walking and healing?
Yes they are really good I have taught my puppy heel so quickly with a slip lead it is loose all the time and only tightens when she is not in the correct position
I think this is rubbish. I’ve had loads of dogs mostly two at a time. German shepherds collies terriers spaniels all were off lead running from the beginning. The key is to take them off lead when they are young enough to not want to run off. And I just keep walking and they follow. Never had a problem. I let them run over to socialise with other dogs and after a while it’s no big deal and they don’t really bother. This is like helicopter parenting. Just chill out and enjoy your walking.
Yeah, I agree to a point, this guy is a bit micro management, but it will help people who don’t have a clue. I say be in charge of your walk, keep changing direction and the dog then keeps checking where you are and it natural instincts kick in to follow, and yeah, relax, enjoy your walk right?
Your dog runs over to other dogs to socialise. Until that day…….We are animals. We are unpredictable, at least at times for some. Dogs are animals. The same applies. You don’t know these other dogs. It just takes on moment…dog fight, car, another human/typically a child. I’ve had dogs almost all my life. You never know them fully. You can’t be in their heads. ✌🏼
If you like this episode please can you hit the like button on the video and leave a comment! Greatly appreciated 👍
I wish this video were totled correctly. He is not saying, "Don't walk your dog." He is saying, "Do not let your dog walk you. Do not allow our dog to run around like a crackhead while you daydream." Yes. Go for a walk with your eyes on your dog, the same as you would with a 3 y.o. child. Keep your focus on the dog. Ask your dog to do things, occasionally, so the dog stays engaged with you and learns that you are the best thing in his universe.
It's titles for click bait. Not judging the UA-camr. It's necessary to get the engagement based on how the algorithm works. But yeah. Annoying
I have just watched your video😮 I always thought I was being kind to my dog letting him off leash until very recently when he is very reluctant to come back when he knows he is going home.
I think I also became a bit slap happy and overconfident that he needed the freedom so was walking on and leaving him to his own devices.
Thankyou so much for demonstrating all my faults through my own ignorance and blaming my dog for being self willed.
He is back on his lead for our walks and have started to take him to different locations so he can explore more smells and enhance his senses. The other thing I have found that the shorter walks make him calmer…. or maybe I am just less stressed.
I am now following your advice and most grateful that I stumbled across your UA-cam channel.
This is a ramble but hopefully others will find it useful.
Well I’m glad you found us and I hope the videos help, I’m sure others will find your story useful. All the best with your training!
,We are fortunate because even though we are in senior living apartments, we are surrounded by woods and open fields, a lake and a pond. Every day we walk a different area, and when I get bored we go to a park or practice walking around the town square with all the traffic and people. I'm grateful to have Charlie, and have this good life together, at the same time recognizing that we have more work to do. Thank you for your helpful comment.
I've always walked my dogs and for me the pleasure of walking is having a dog beside me or off leash running free. However you have to know your dogs, their breeding or natural instincts and you have to understand body language. You have to be aware that training is not a once done thing but a life time of reinforcement in all situations. In other words a walk is an interactive exercise between you and your dog. Dogs need mental and physical activity to keep the healthy, happy and to keep them out of trouble; and they love their walks. My dogs have always had a minimum of 1-2 hours a day with 2 - 4 hours on Saturday and Sunday, sometimes full day walks. The other point is while our dogs have all been high energy or working breeds they have been domestic/family dogs.
Agreed, high energy dogs doesn’t mean they have to be high energy at home. You meet their needs and you have a relaxed dog at home, no matter the breed. Owning a dog is a lifestyle, particularly if it’s a gun dog. I don’t know about you, but I enjoy being vigilant with my dogs, giving them instructions, they love it!
Completely agree. Currently have two sprocker pups I'm training up. Walking and hiking with your dog is a pure joy if done properly and responsibly
I wouldn’t let my dog run free.......for one thing he’d probably run off and there are snakes where I live 🥰🥰🥰
I can’t understand why so many people walk their dog in a harness.....to me the only dogs that need harnesses are sled dogs.....a full grown Labrador or German Shepard could pull me flat on my face if he’s wearing a harness. 🥰🥰🥰
@@lindamclean8809I’ve got two GSD mixes who combined weigh 58kg, both are walked on harnesses, I can manage both in one hand, not saying they couldn’t pull me over if they wanted to but I know my dogs and have spent years on reinforcing not pulling.
That being said, I occasionally have back problems and will sometimes revert to using a head collar on one of them during these periods too.
I empathise that some dogs are stronger and can be more difficult for the owner but I don’t agree with the blanket statement that harnesses are only for sled dogs.
(And in case you think I believe this due to mine being mixes, we go walking with a GSD group and many full sheps are on harnesses)
I was sceptical until I followed your advice. My 5 month sprocker was on a harness and extendable lead, and when in fields I let him run thinking "its good to tire him out, he's a spaniel it's what they do".
But he never got tired and it had started to get harder to stop him pulling and being a ball of chaotic energy running everywhere.
I started to feel overwhelmed thinking hes never going to walk properly next to me, I'm never going to be able to relax when in public.
But since watching this video and your others, I changed my mindset and use walk times for training as well as exercise, not to burn his energy off.
The difference it has made is huge and positive. Clifford, my sprocker, is making good progress now and I feel more confident for our future. It'll take time but you have helped set me on the right path.
I feel like this right now. I relate to this so much 😮
This is a very genic comment I don't know why it's pinned unless you paid money to this guy
Good advice. Not needed for our first cockapoo, but boy oh boy, it was exactly where we went wrong with our second cockapoo. Such a challenge to get him back under control. Took over 2 years of very hard work. Have a good dog now, but wish I had seen this video when he was a youngster.
Completely agree, Janet. That's my situation with Charlie as well -- although he was a 7 year old rescue when we got him. I've had him 3 years now, and I'm not going to be too hard on myself because we have an awesome relationship, but I really did not understand a dog with his prey drive and tracking instincts. I've never had a working dog with such intensity. Now I understand where I've gone wrong and I believe we can actually improve our relationship employing the tips in this video. He's so smart that I've always understood that the fault was mine. I just was not able to communicate what I wanted in a way he could understand. I am so encouraged now. Thank you for your supportive comment.
I've had 3 labradors all walked on leash fine and allowed to run off leash for several hours when mountain walking and low land walking with me. Average days walk & swim was 2 hours off leash with 4+ hours at weekends. All fit and obedient dogs. None were working lab types ( field or American), they were all traditional (English), stocky show dog types. Maybe there is a difference in the types or I have been exceptionally lucky but I found it was far easier to train when they'd been well exercised.
There is definitely a difference in the types. Working and show are not the same :) my family has had working and show line labs and working cockers. The difference is incredible. A working dog normally has a much high prey or hunt drive and wants to work with you which is why a walk should be training as well. Lovely that your labs had such a great life with you and lots of adventures :)
This is similar to my GSDs. I recommend letting them off the leash from day 1 as an 8-10 week pup. All mine went free from day 1 and all are great off lead. But GSDs are naturally good off lead. They stay close to their handler by nature.
@@laurablockley1269 I think this is why I have had so much trouble with my 10 year old rescue dog, Charlie. He is a WORKING dog! Fortunately for both of us, I have given him as much time and freedom as I can, with an hour or hour and a half serious exercise once a day, and shorter walks besides that. But now that I've watched this video, I understand Charlie so much better. Waffle even LOOKS like Charlie!
Great information. Ive just taken ownership of a 8 month cocker with the bad habits of running up other dogs and going completely deaf. As you say a walk is not just strolling through the woods on your phone etc but being aware of your your dogs surroundings and their body language, making you the most interesting thing and stopping behaviour you dont want before it happens, not just for you n your dog but but for other not so sociable dogs. 3 weeks in and he's starting to get the hint "im no1". Many people say their dogs are their children and its true, you get out what you put in and if you cant give that especially with working breeds then maybe get a cat instead. Will be following and look forward to seeing more videos and waffles progress
Really good advice and tips. I've been doing this for the last few months with my 16 month cocker and she's learning fast. Hoping it continues! 📈
Thank you! Best of luck with your training
Really useful advice. Something I've learned about owners is they don't know when to stop. My Dobermann just wants to 'get there', and he needs to learn nope, you can stop now and wait until I say to carry on. Too many owners let themselves get pulled about, reinforcing the dogs' idea that they can go where they want and get what they want.
With my "grand dog" rescue, I am much more concerned with him having a good time = eye roll = than I have been with him following commands. This is because he is so dang energetic and he gets maximum exercise that way. (When I take him to the really big dog park, that stinker DOESN'T RUN but sticks close by my side.) Charlie is such a HUNTER! Letting him follow his nose and zip around on an extendable leash has seemed important because he will run like Waffle if I let him off the lead. I have always thought he belonged to a hunter and got lost on a lease property, or was injured, and that I have just never known how to call him back. We have developed wonderful trust this way and now that I know how to train him, I have great hopes that he WILL learn to stay close. I should repeat what I wrote above, that Charlie is my 8th dog and my dogs have always stayed close off lead. Charlie has been a puzzle. But here, I have found help! THANK YOU, MordorGundogs22!
I used to breed American Bulldogs and I also trained most of them to be working dogs, such as service dogs, rescue dogs, and for doing nosework for mantrailing and for open or excluded areas. When my puppies moved to their new owners, they were potty-trained, walked on the leash close to the handler, came when told, sat and lied down on command, and had started their crate training. They also were used to many different animals and people, to different travel possibilities, various environments, sounds, haptic experiences, and were used to physical handling like in shows, or with the vet. I always started their training with about 3.5 - 4 weeks, because they pick up new things faster, and even intimidating experiences don't lead to anxious reactions while the litter siblings, mom and all the other dogs are around. I always started with the introduction of the clicker, and this always was when they started to eat kibbles. So my puppies really had a very good start concerning their training and their behaviour.
I also used to train dogs in animal rescue centers, who hadn't been socialized or trained at all, so they could be integrated into a normal household of dog lovers.
One of the puppies I had sold, suddenly turned up with his owner when he was only 12 weeks old. Within the three weeks he had had him, the new owner had practically ruined the puppy's paws by walking him almost all day and mostly on pavement!!! Where was his common sense??? This man was told by another dog trainer, that a Bulldog would get aggressive if he wouldn't be "powered out" by walking and running! Since then I hate it when hearing this phrase.
It took 4 weeks to heal the puppy's bloody paws again, while he had to stay most of the time in the crate, and had to be carried around. And it took about half a year of daily intensive training to teach the puppy walking without any problems again. 😢
I’m Not keen on over trained dogs, the ones that have that “ stare at their owners” look without interacting and visualising the world around them.
Their personality is gone and they appear obsessed.
That’s my pet hate
Ohh this is brilliant… we have always had springers and are about to get a puppy.. I thought I would refresh my training memories. This is a joy to watch and it is so helpful. Thank you for doing these!
That’s great to hear, thank you!
Thank you so much for this video, my husband is stressed out every day because he thinks he has to walk our 2 year old kelpie and let him run some energy off, he wouldn't listen to me so i put this video on for him and its made him realise that he is training rueben to want to go running free every day, he's now going to follow your advice thank you so much❤
That’s great to hear! Thank you
I have a shiba inu and he was running away like you said when he was a baby. Your tip to engage and to have them to run at you is so very true. Thanks for posting. Malybe easy dogs don’t have problems to run away but anyone having a chaser type of dog, your tips are formidable!
Thank you!
Perfect timing. We have a 19 week sprocker and want to get it right for her. These videos are brilliant and we can follow along with Waffle! Thank you.
Walk your damn dog
You know when they need SOMETHING. They “ act out”. Different dogs have different needs. True. Be WITH the dog.
Not sure how I ended up here but anyway. I understand and agree that dogs shouldn't be run ragged to the point they're exhausted, manic and their brains fried but in 30+ years of owning mostly collies, I have always made sure they learn to walk on the lead and can have time off lead to sniff and have a potter around and catch all the smells and do their stuff.
We work on recall and what I call the emergency stop training from day one but they need time off lead in a safe, secure space to learn how to behave and stay under control without the giddiness, jumping and getting distracted by everything and just legging it. Always being on a lead means they're not reliable off it and never being on a lead means they aren't as reliable to come back should they end up loose for whatever reason. I just feel happier knowing they only trot and tootle so far off lead and will come right back when called, sit or lie down next to my side and wait to put their head in the loop of a slip lead.
I get what you're saying but think it depends entirely on the dog and what level of experience and confidence the owner has. Waffle is gorgeous by the way😊
Great video, my field cocker is my first. I have always had pointing breeds and we encourage distance. But my breeder said to keep him close in the beginning. Now I get what she was referring to.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video
I am currently living in the City right now in the US, and the number of people with half-ass trained dogs off-lead running amuck with little to no recall is just freaking pissing me off. I have a very senior dog who has nervous aggression. Basically, I rescued him when he was already a senior dog, and he has improved some since coming to live with me, but at this point, because of age and health issues, I don't train a lot anymore. I have never walked him off the lead! These dang rando dogs come running up to him, most just wanting to play, but they are huge and he weighs 8 lbs. and is terrified of them. It is not ever a good situation, if your dog isn't trained to the point where they are effectively on lead even without one, and have complete control of them without a lead, then you shouldn't be walking them off the lead. *I am not sure what "walking" your dog means in Scotland or the UK, but in the US "walking the dog". Can mean on or off lead. Also, dogs do need exercise, but in a controlled manner with full attention on them. Not left to just run and chase pheasants. Also, just as much as a working dog needs to be worked, included in that work is brain work. Until your dog can heal next to you, and you have a full recall, a good strong wait call, to stop them if they are about to cross a road with cars or whatever, and good leave it commands, along with some other ones they shouldn't be outside without a lead.
Very well said, you have to consider other dogs, you don't always have time to judge other dogs reactions before the damage is done and I don't just mean physical damage. Dogs as well as owners can be traumatised. Be responsible and considerate so all dogs and owners can enjoy their walks.
agreed
We have worked our Aussie in real world situations. When we get to a neighborhood intersection she sits at the corner and waits. We then tell her to "break" (which is the command saying it is ok to stop siting and move along). Now when we come to a crossing...she just sits automatically and waits for "break". I also worked with her at 4 way stops (suburban lite traffic). I will tell her to sit at one corner and then I will diagonally cross the street to another corner and I will stand there. Cars will come to each stop sign and move along..they all see here (and me) and are careful...and when the traffic clears...I say "break" and she crosses the intersection diagonally to me. I felt it was important to put the dog in real world circumstances to condition her. We started this with no traffic and worked our way up..
I am so fortunate with Charlie. He is not much interested in other dogs, but is calm and cautious when approached. What a blessing, considering how high energy he is! He also understands "wait" and "this way" to follow me.
great little video with great explanation. my cocker is now 3 years old and is exactly what you are talking about in this video. if im working him he is a fantastic very eager dog but as soon as i stop and release him from his job he likes to go off and do his own thing, he does still listen but i cant understand why he keeps going off and quite far away, im assuming he is of a personality that he needs a job to do otherwise he is bored maybe...
Waffle running off is exactly like my 10 year old rescue English Cocker. This is the first time I've had any hope of training Charlie to come when called. Charlie is my 8th dog (I'm 72, usually 2 dogs at a time) and I've ALWAYS had great control over them. Not Charlie. I've had him for 3 years and I laugh about our symbiotic relationship. He is really a good little dog, smart, affectionate, responsive. But comparatively independent and stubborn. I'm sure many would scold me for the harness and extendable leash, and even more for letting him loose with the lead in a fairly controlled environment. I just wish I knew more about his life before I got him. He was found on a back road in West Virginia, just skin and bones, major flea infestation, covered in scabs, barely any fur. He had lyme disease and a broken leg. I got him from a Cherished Cockers foster mom when he had been rehabilitated to the point that he could be adopted. He's always been a charmer. I just feel certain that I have fallen short in teaching him. It felt too overwhelming to do the teaching required when we were doing so well overall. But now I have hope. THANK YOU. I'm a subscriber now.
Great stuff I’ve had 2 jacks one now passed away but both walked everywhere off lead from about 18months old I could walk through our local market and both at my heel. The one I have left is 16 now.
This guy is very right in what he says !. It’s something I have always practiced and it works a treat
pleased to see that i did everything right on instincts but only because i was so afraid for my tiny dog😂 now she is the best off leash from all the dogs i have ever had and i didn’t know why. Well now i know.
Sensible advice. I do similar but give mine a release command of “Free!” for them to go off and just be dogs.
I've gotta say, the countryside in the background is absolutely stunning - what a view! And of course, Waffle is a very good boy. Great video, thank you.
We are very lucky! Thank you, glad your enjoying the videos
Thank you very much for your video! This is very good information. I was wondering, what I was doing wrong. Now I know. I have a rescue dog who is great on recall, staying close, etc., except when she finds mice. Then she starts digging and becomes deaf to the world. I recently began letting her off the lead, because of a current knee injury that really slows me down. I thought, my dog needed more of a chance to run. That`s when she increasingly became obsessed with digging for mice, moles etc. and stopped following me, not keeping me in her sight, when I kept walking.
Thank you! Glad it you found it useful
“I’ve done this for 20 years.” Well I was raised with dogs before I could walk, had them my entire life, all my entire extended family over multi-generations has all had dogs. And I let my dogs off lead from Day 1 as 8 week old pups. But my breed is German Shepherd and they instinctively stay close to their handler. Training my Border Collie took more effort, as he wanted to target dogs at a distance like they were a lost sheep and run after it. But with training, he’s now just as good as my GSDs. How you train depends on the breed. But, in general, I would say telling people that their dogs don’t need to run is bad advice. And I would also tell owners of other breeds like GSDs that they definitely SHOULD start off leash walking immediately from Day 1. Maybe cockers are completely different.
Good advice. My Toller puppy is 6 months now & we use a long line lead too. We're in the Derbyshire Dales so lots of pheasants & sheep nearby, so we can't let fully off lead . We're trying to teach impulse control & recall too. With my previous Toller I did a lot of on lead/ off lead just like you've done today as this also helps them to realise that being close to you on lead on / off is not spoiling their fun. Our Toller went deaf so it was essential we built a close bond to stay near to me, as if she was ahead off lead she couldn't hear my recall command. We taught her to stop & look back. If I then gave the 'go agead' hand signal she would carry on & if I gave the 'come back' hand signal she'd would do so willingly despite distractions. Its not just about recall as it was for her safety too.
Great video, thank you. This is exactly what I need now that I am looking after the in laws working cocker who is now 4 and has never had proper recall or heel training and has a great ability to actually catch the rabbits and pigeons she is chasing down 😆 I will use your tips when I next take her out on her own to keep her closer to me in the first place.
Thank you Laura! That’s great to hear, all the best with your training
Neat method. So far I've really enjoyed raising my dog to have two modes: working mode and exploring mode. I'll admit exploring mode breaks all the guidlines you set out here, but I love watching her just ripping around being a dog. Plus she brings antlers back for me sometimes.
If you oppress the free nature in your animal you also oppress it in yourself
@@nanasabiawhat utter rubbish. A dog should not have "free nature" whatever that means 🤣 A dog needs boundaries. I assume you've never owned a dog, particularly a working breed.
@@stevec8243 yes, you are right. I agree, boundaries are very much needed and you have to teach your dog to respect them. But there is also „the exploring more free mode“ and it would be sad to oppress it fully.
@@nanasabia There is nothing more exhilarating to me than seeing my English Cocker Charlie running flat out, criss-crossing a field. And to see him enthusiastically snuffing, tracking, following his nose. It just crushes my soul to think that he would never be allowed to do that. So I agree with you.
We've made the mistake of letting our Sprocker off the lead in very tempting environments, and now we're back to square one with him. He just doesn't go off the lead now whilst we re-train him with good healwork, stay etc. This video highlights our initial mistakes (which were encouraged by a previous trainer sadly) and I'm pleased we've recognised the issues - thank you.
ditto with my Yorkie. Most dogwalkers I know claim they have 100% recall but, from what I've observed, definitely untrue
very good info. just when i needed it most....thank you
Nice to have that wide open field to yourselves, without ignorant parents of misbehaved / untrained dogs.
Great video and information. Thanks for sharing. Too many people have dogs, that have no option but to be self employed, as their humans walk with a phone Infront of their face! 😅
Thank You! And yes unfortunately that is far too common
Yes, and morel often than not being pulled along by the dog. 🙄
I am a bit confused, does 'walking' a dog equal letting them off leash in British English or is it just a clickbait title? When you walk your dog on a leash it's also walking, isn't it?
A working dog needs it's walks controlled. Mine get a mix of off leash and on leash. If he's only too used to off leash he will be offski. On leash walks keeps him controlled.
@@stevec8243 I also have a working dog and I'm all for proper training but how is controlled / on leash walk not walking your dog? The title is misleading on purpose imo. 'Don't let your untrained dog off leash and then scream 'he's friendly!' as you see it disappear' would be more appropriate title here.
@agnieszkakania4184 Not click bait, he's saying "don't walk your dog, train you dog". It's just a play on words. 👍🏼
You mean English?
@@uk_siren ohhh.... I had trouble with that, too, but thought it had to do with English vs American. Thanks for the explanation.
I so agree with you, although my thought is that most people aren’t dog trainers and find the commitment hard.
I taught agility for over 13 years. You train people how to train their dogs. You don't have a child and decide to let them do whatever they want, you teach them what to do. Dogs are no different, so to me, ALL people are TRAINERS. Basic obedience should be taught to your dog no matter what you plan to do with it. And no matter the breed. If you can't commit, then maybe a cat would be a better choice. :)
Get a trainer it'll change your life give you both goals to work towards. They're around £30 a session but still cheaper than a new sofa or an injury!
@@jboback5322 Totally agree with you. Just listened to todays news in UK and discovered that parents nolonger have the responsibility of training their children (let alone their dogs) since it will soon be the responsibility of school teachers to make sure the children clean their teeth!!!
@@jboback5322 I have never had the problems of staying close and recall with my other dogs, so I would say that so much depends on the dog. I don't think I've ever had a legitimate working dog before, so Charlie is really a different animal. His drive is so intense, which I understand. It is only with that video, and these comments, that I am beginning to understand what I must do to make us both happier and closer in our relationship.
Ive just figured this out after 4 years..I have a pointer cross spaniel cross lab..three gundogs rolled into one so I thought she needed lots of exercise and let her run around wildly for a few years. It didnt do her or me any good at all..she also became reactive to other dogs. I realise what she really needed was a job. I have competely changed everything round and now she is super calm and nowhere near as reactive.
I too have a pointer. Let her run around like a mad thing in forests and fields for years. She too became more reactive to dogs. And I had to start training almost from scratch with recalls last year as it never seemed to improve like I thought it might have. She is the most adorable loving well behaved dog in the house now though. Reactivity still a problem only with growly dogs on lead but I have a much more engaged dog now. How did you improve the reactivity issue?
I stopped letting her run wild and put her on a long line when out in parks and let her do ALOT of sniffing instead. If a dog comes by at a distance she either carries on sniffing or, if she looks at it and then hopefully looks away, ( she does this all the time now ) , I reward her right decision. I learnt that allowing her to become reactive actually embeds the problem further so I watch out for other dogs and manage the issue though the sniffing and treats.An hour sniffing means she comes home calm and not adrenalised. This has worked incredibly well and changed her as a dog and we are both much happier. I also accepted that she just doesnt like other dogs ! @@KS-yv7tw
"What she really needed was a job." So insightful! And YES, this is what I need to do with Charlie.
@@KS-yv7tw thanks for sharing your experience. Until this video, and the great comments, I have felt it would be too much to overcome Charlie's lack of recall. Now I am encouraged. We can have an even better relationship with some work!
First video of yours I've seen, Brilliant! I have an 11 month old Golden Retriever, we have a pretty strong relationship, but the issues we do have come from exactly what you are speaking to here. Such helpful guidance, thank you so much!
Thank You!
I had 5 Goldens in 40 years, usually 2 at a time. I only had one with serious working drive, but she was good off the leash from the time we got her as a puppy. They all were.
Once I was at the park down the street and a hawk flew over the lake, dropping its catch. Lady was sitting beside me, saw it, looked up at me for permission and I said, "Go!" with the arm signal. She was off like a shot, got the bird, returned to me, and dropped it at my feet, sitting and looking up at me for approval. It was magical and an experience I'll always cherish.
Although I can be faulted for being too much of a "mommy" to my dogs, what I have always done well was understanding them, developing trust and rapport. Aren't we blessed to share our lives with such amazing creatures?
Very interesting, for the last 16 years I've owned and trained rottweilers ( amazing breed ) now I have my first working cocker he is 4 months old and is learning really quick , such an intelligent breed , interesting video I've learnt some things from this video , many thanks
This is the first time I’ve viewed to your site. I believe your information was quite accurate thought out and well presented. I have a year and a half old border collie smart as dickens. I’ve let him off the leash several times, and you’re correct, the more I let him off the leash the more he takes his life into his own hands and the more distance from me he ventures.
i have a 15 week WCS. loving your advice and enthusiasm. keep them coming - so helpful 👍
Thank you! Will do!
such great advice. Thank you. We have a 18 week old WCS and this is exactly how I've been training him out on walks. Very encouraging.
Aw thats great to hear, thank you
great video.
I'm your fan.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it
I like this guy's method. I've taken in a Spanish valley dog. About 10 months old. I run in the opposite direction and because he senses I've "rescued" him he chases after me!
Wow, what a game changer. I will do this while walking with my dog. Thank you.
Hey, This is very interesting and something I will trying out for myself on any news pup's. Probably jumping the gun a little but will there be videos on how to intrduce animals, like sheep, cows, etc and not have them running after them?
Hi Alan, glad your enjoying, there will be videos on that subject definitely
@@MordorGundogs22 great eagerly looking forward to it and following this channel. Love the training style. Great work 👏
3 days of walking my Belgian Malinois like this it's been absolute bliss results are staggering, the loose lead is genius complete opposite of any advice iv come across, always tight slip and slip collar seemed iv almost gained respect back from my dog, trust works both ways I guess 🙏 sit whistle aswell he's coming on, thank you
Thank You! Glad the videos are helping
Stumbled on this vid by chance , watched til the end as a lot of what you said not only makes perfect sense but falls in line with what I try to do with my own dogs (non gungogs, although I had 1 Doberman that I used to work in a beating line and he was probably one of the better behaved dogs on the day , and another Doberman that I used to go rough shooting with (amongst other activities).
Will look for more of you content now, thanks
Hi James, thank you for the compliment glad your enjoying the content
This video is especially important for "moms" and "grandmas" who love their cockers for cuddles but can be confused if they have not had experience with actual working dogs. "Why won't you just do what I want you to do, Charlie?" "Because, mom, I'm a WORKING DOG!! Yeah, I love you, but don't confuse me with a low energy lap dog. I will sure be quiet in the house, and content, but not if I don't get to follow my destiny and work off the incredible energetic drive that I was born with!"
This is interesting. I am however left wondering how to interpret the recommendation of walking my Labrador 2 hours a day. Do I walk (train) him for 2 hours? Do I train him for 45 mins?
It feels like ‘walk a Labrador for 2 hours’ is nonsensical according to this?
Is this giving them stimulation in general rather than essentially making them fitter through more running?
Would love to hear your thoughts
Ik heb in het begin een paar keer rechts omkeer gemaakt ,eerst aan de hele lange lijn en dan roepen, dat vind ze niet fijn dat ik de andere kant op ga. Hierdoor let ze beter op.mij als ik nu stil ga staan en ze merkt dit komt ze meteen naar me toe ,en natuurlijk wordt zel dan beloond met lekkers of even spelen. Je soms even verstoppen ( terwijl jij je hond kan zien) werkt ook, ze gaan hun " koektrommel " goed in de gaten houden . 😊
Agree with this wholeheartedly
Thank you!
fantastic!!!! great education for those of us who have no clue xxx
We didn’t have any of the problems you are suggesting with our last three dogs. They didn’t jump up either.
What breed of dog were they?
Hello mate, I’ve got a lab/springer and I’ve probably done what I shouldn’t have done and given him free rein from day 1 on walks thinking I was doing the right thing. He’s just gone 1yr now and I’ve got an air rifle and want to start trying to correct my wrongs so I can take him out. Is it too late to correct my mistakes with Troopers training?
Great videos. Wish I'd seen sooner. My 2 year old lab has done some training but has also been walked a lot off the lead. He's realised he likes chasing deer. What do I do now?
I swear my 10 year old rescue cocker was a hunting dog. He LOVES chasing deer, but after he has brought them to me, it's like he's done his job and he's off to do more tracking. It's the oddest thing. He doesn't bark when he's chasing things. He does bark when he finds a raccoon up in the branches or trees a squirrel. This site has inspired me to learn more about hunting dogs so I can understand him better. I also wonder if Charlie was a stud dog because he was unneutered when I got him at the age of 7. So many questions!
You start walking «young innocent» dogs with a long leash hanging behind them (15 meters) , that way you can stop any chase or whatever you don’t want by stepping on it. At the same time they feel like they’re off leash. You only train recall when you’re 100% sure the dog is in the right headspace and will come to you. Otherwise don’t use their name, change direction and disappear behind a tree without saying a word. Reward them checking in with you using treats, every single time. You will have a dog able to walk off leash everywhere in the end.
There's no guarantee that you'll be fast enough to step on the leash every time though. But it's true that it's a bigger safety than no leash at all.
@@Nemrai I definitely need to work with my 10 year old rescue cocker, but he has improved in the three years that I've had him. He used to try to evade me when he got away from me and could be gone from me for hours = panic city. How maddening was that?! But now I can let him run, then he stops to wait for me and is never resistent to being on leash. So there's that. But I am absolutely starting recall training tomorrow.
Cd you do something for those gun dogs like mine who've had a free reign. My WC is like velcro. She doesn't go far without zipping back to me to touch base. However she is not into recall if she is in the middle of a snuffle discovery. So maybe a good lesson for us delinquent owners please?!
Fascinating!
really enjoying ur channel my new fav ty so much for sharing these tips
Thank you Claire, lots more to follow
I do the train part with my dog with all kind of dummy's and then we do some playing with tennisballs and some free running...but she reacts very good on the whisle all the time
So the question is what do you do if you have given your 1 year old Vizsla too much freedom earlier on?
We're back to long line only now with a tug when he doesn't come, but it's a slow process
I've had Border Collies for 22 years and they've all been walked off leash nearly every day of their lives. If I have the flu for instance and am unable to walk them, they are just so depressed it's actually unreal. So in a nutshell I literally couldn't disagree with this guy anymore if I tried.
You just humanised your dog and literally proved his point!!!
@@Katwashere71 Do you know anything about Border Collies whatsoever? They were bred to have endless stamina, there work rate is second to none and their intelligence needs is just as important as my previous statements. If you walk a Collie on a lead then you're taking away their opportunity for sights, sounds and other mental stimulation. Have you owned a Border Collie at any stage? If you haven't then I strongly recommend you do. If you already have owned then you know exactly what I'm talking about.
@@Katwashere71All mamals show emotion. Observing their behaviour isn't humanising them. Its easy to see a bored, frustrated or depressed dog by their behaviour and body language and they can sense emotions in humans too.
Well the point isnt not to walk your dog his point was dont allow your dog to do what it wants. Throwing a ball for a border collie would be 'training' letting it run around hearding other dogs at a park would be what hes telling you to avoid.
I have a border collie and mine is no bother when im ill so maybe youve trained your dog to be necrotic quite common for bad BC owners
Neurotic*
Thanks for the tips, however, how would you apply this to a sprinter who has least these bad habits already? I rescued a male sprinter at 7 months who’s pet drive was through the roof and has been allowed to run off into the sunset, slowly getting there with him but it is such very slow progress and hoping to ramp the training up a few notches??
There’s a big difference between how you exercise puppies and how you exercise dogs - and a massive difference between how you walk different breeds of dog. One size doesn’t fit all, so don’t generalise.
So true. I've never even known a working dog like my 10 year old cocker, Charlie. I've been kind of gob smacked because I've expected him to be like my other dogs. I'm finally learning what I need to do differently.
Great video again. Working hard to get back control of 1y lab who was given his freedom too young. Wish I had known you 6 months ago!! Much bigger job now ...
Thank you! And good luck hopefully our videos will help
You can guarantee when someone in my area has lost a dog its ALWAYS a non working, working cocker. Far too many people simply let their dogs off lead to run riot, illegally chasing wildlife, whilst they look at their phones. I hardly see anyone actually engage with their dogs, or even interact with them.
For me, the first 2 - 2.5 years are all about training and bonding as well as walking/socialisation/habituation. Im an avid walker, so i have a dog thats built for stamina and we do a LOT of walking - around 15-20 miles a day. However, if i dont walk him, even for days, it has zero impact on his behaviour or energy levels as we simply find other things to do like scent work. Even then he isnt all fussed. He knows how to relax. But then my aim has never been to tire him out, but to offer him a fulfilling life and to keep him fit and healthy.
I believe active dogs are happy dogs, but that activity does NOT have to be running around like a loon.
I wish you were my neighbor and we could walk together. My rescue cocker Charlie is a great dog, but we need work. This video and the comments are a great start.
Great Video ' 💯
Thank you!
Hiello! Thank you for your vídeo. May I ask you a question? What would be your advice to a 2y.o. Malinois Shupherd owner about walking? Mine never walls alone.He walks by my side and I'm always in the leash control.
This is why I see some fearful dogs running loose in my area. The people that own them have just left them off leash on walks when they were young and think thye will stay following since they do when they are just a few months old, and then they hit adulthood and get more confident they run off. They also dont come back and it becomes a hunting game when the owners run after them to capture them. Some even bare teeth and growl when they finally grab them and one even bit their owner, because they are not use to be grabbed/picked up.
I have always thought that if I call back my dog a 50 times, just a few of them means he gets the leash on again, and getting leash on again does not mean walk is over, it might even mean that they get to sniff that spot they were interested leashed, or explore/watch anything else they are interested in. I even practice grabbing my dog by the skin/collar quit ruffly so they are use to it, just in case that day comes I might grab them slightly harder so it wont spook them or make them feel punished.
I agree on most of what this guy is saying. Focusing too much on one thing and forgetting the whole package is the worst thing a new pet owner can do.
Hi Charlie Excellent video❤😂 thank u for your valuable advice😊 Waffel is a beautiful Cocker spaniel 😊 🇮🇪 greetings from Ireland!
How do you stop them getting over excited? Especially leading up to the walk before you’ve left the house. My boarder sqeeks and wines for a good hour before I even think of going for a walk. Also whilst I’m preparing his food. But once out on the walk he’s excellent tracker training and lost item finding
Great advice. Thank you.
Excellent video thank you
Thank you for the kind words glad you enjoyed!
We have a 6 year old lurcher and live in town - if we let him off he'd either get run over or kill anything that moves! He is always on lead but we do a lot of training on lead, in house and garden.
Great video, thank you!
Thank you! Glad you liked it
Brilliant thanks
Very welcome
Bloody good advise mate
You make so much sense , also alot of people humanise there dogs an all that causes is a problem dogs are a pack animal an we have to be the alfa male
This is really excellent advice, I can totally see how this is true. I have a 14 month old spaniel/beagle and he has been the most challenging dog that I’ve had so far! We have a lot of land around us and he has always been off lead and has been a total nightmare, great as a pup but then from about 6 months on it was impossible with him. I am just starting to see some improvement with him, but I will start this training with him as I’m sure it will help. Thank you for your video 👍🏻
This is terrible advice, this guy is an idiot. Many dog breeds were bred to work for hours, even all day and need tons of exercise. They're not meant to lay around all day inside.
Try Zak George dog training experience
Thank you! Glad it was helpful
@@kellil3845 no why do that thats a shit celebrity training method. Zac is more focused on advancing PETA propaganda then actually teaching people how to train their dogs. also if you watch his videos when he hits a road block with training then he just stops he doesn't show the process from start to finish
Having watched this I’m glad I didn’t get my dog from Mordor Gundogs. My Golden Retriever puppy runs free and is very happy 😊 and about to get her Kennel Club Silver.
16 months is still the silly stage. Then you train them properly.
Well said. My 11 month WCS is still on the lead most of the time on my property. Give him an inch….. It’s going to take a long time with my lad. Work in progress. Love your videos keep them coming. Lots of garb out there.
Thank you! That’s great to hear, plenty more videos to come, all the best with your training
I got my cooker spaniel at his age of 7 months he always rush ahead of me when i went with him for walking... please guide what to do ...
Well I own a Dogo Argentino that I use for wild boar hunting and I let him run for 35 min every day in the country side next to my motorbike just ffir his stamina and endurance, so he's trained for when we go hunting
This is exactly like my lab, I let him off the lead from young because its safe where we are but he is too confident and doesn't heal.
This all makes perfect sense.
This was a great video. Really good advice. I'm getting my first Flat Coated Retriever puppy soon, both nervous and excited in equal measure! Thanks for your videos, grateful to have found this channel!
Thank you Jarvis, very nice of you to say so, all the best with your puppy!
Thanks for the advice. I may have missed this, but what age is Waffle?
Thanks for watching! Waffle is 5 months old
Hahahaha - I've got to get out of the sun and into the shade because it is 23 degrees!
I can see what you doing engagement.
I subbed to your channel, I am from South Africa.
My dog qualified for training at other dog club but their techniques is different, I already paid for the month.
Once the month is over and I am done with the training, I am gonna continue train him by myself.
A person get confussed watch too much different dog trainers, need to learn from one or two dog trainer.
Thank you for subscribing and best of luck with your training!
Thanks. 🙏
A hugely helpful video. Thank you.
Thank you for the feedback, glad it was helpful
The thing is you would like your dog to be close to you and walk by your side, engaged and all, but you named him Waffle! What to expect! He wants to get as far away from that name as possible 🐩🙌🐾 ‘I’m not associating with some batter-mix square’ 😆
My GSP runs free in suitable countryside locations and is fully whistle trained. I love long walks and so does my GSP.
My GSP is calm as a cucumber at home and relaxes and behaves. She understands her boundaries and no means no. You say leave and she leaves split second reaction.
Flawless health via a flawless species appropriate diet, titre tested and always a firm but fair precedent set. Hormones in full affect and incredibly well socialised from a young age.
I had the same situation with my two Setters. Full control but full freedom.
My dogs are pets and my lifestyle is my lifestyle.
Debating subjective rhetoric in this manner like it's some global standard does not scream wisdom. It screams personal preference, circumstantial needs and dare I say, slightly overreaching Dunning-Kruger triats.
Your method however is essential for working gun dogs so perhaps present it as such. For your circumstances it is perfect 👌
All the very best and here's to many more happy years of dog ownership.🤝
Makes perfect sense to me
I wish I saw this 2 years ago - we have sooooo badly trained our 2 yr old lab
Hello! Our two Golden Retrievers have always had a harness for walks, or collar and lead, but not the slip lead. Are these suitable for trying to improve their walking and healing?
Hello Andy, They are perfect for walking and heeling
Yes they are really good I have taught my puppy heel so quickly with a slip lead it is loose all the time and only tightens when she is not in the correct position
Thanks for the tips… Going for a walk with Mary Poppins. 😂 see you later.
I think this is rubbish. I’ve had loads of dogs mostly two at a time. German shepherds collies terriers spaniels all were off lead running from the beginning. The key is to take them off lead when they are young enough to not want to run off. And I just keep walking and they follow. Never had a problem. I let them run over to socialise with other dogs and after a while it’s no big deal and they don’t really bother. This is like helicopter parenting. Just chill out and enjoy your walking.
Yeah, I agree to a point, this guy is a bit micro management, but it will help people who don’t have a clue. I say be in charge of your walk, keep changing direction and the dog then keeps checking where you are and it natural instincts kick in to follow, and yeah, relax, enjoy your walk right?
Your dog runs over to other dogs to socialise. Until that day…….We are animals. We are unpredictable, at least at times for some. Dogs are animals. The same applies. You don’t know these other dogs. It just takes on moment…dog fight, car, another human/typically a child. I’ve had dogs almost all my life. You never know them fully. You can’t be in their heads. ✌🏼
German shepwards 😂 this man is talking about Gundogs.
@@t.d6379 yes I also mentioned collies terriers and spaniels
@magpiesneedle2575 yeah this is the stupidest thing I ever heard. I do not want any strange dogs coming near mine.