[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by ziggy925

Ruger is great on leash, but how do I get him to stay with me off leash. I live in a quiet neighborhood and when I have let Ruger off leash he just runs around smelling stuff. If I walk away he stays within eyesight of me, but that's about it. Yes, I know, I shouldn't let him off leash at all, but any ideas about how to keep him close?

Mine spend quite a bit of time off-leash at the park -- where I can keep an eye on their surroundings and know they're not going to run in the road.

Secret for me is to keep them engaged. At first, I hold a treat or a toy by my side and then walk several steps, rewarding successes frequently.

Later, I'll toss a favorite toy and reward the return.

As soon as you let them dictate the activities -- usually that involves sniffing -- you're going to lose them.

A breakthrough for me was the dog sport of nosework. They've learned to identify odors I hide on our walks, so I keep them engaged and having fun at the same time. And since I'm the one doing the hiding of the odors, I know where they're going to end up.

If you have problems with them running away, work on long-leash recalls. I'll put them on a 20 or 30-foot long leash and call them to me for a reward. If they stray, you guide them to you.

Good luck.