In general - we don't use a leash. We live on 3 ac - lots of room to run and explore. Truth be told, I was aprehensive about not using a leash - but a leash is so restrictive and we wouldn't enjoy Bailey as much with it.
Yes, the "come" comand is the #1 command. Bailey is very good at it. Its the one command that she always gets a treat - ALWAYS. If we don't take a leash outside, we take treats.
As a back up - we also play "tag you're it". Dogs love to chase - so bend over reach for the dog and say "tag you're it", then run the other direction. Its a fun game. Once the dog understands how it works - you can yell it across the yard, run the other direction and here she comes! The reward is a few seconds of praise and play. |