September 5th, 2025 - Off-Leash Goals

Each dog is different when it comes to earning the freedom of being off-leash.

All the dogs in the fenced in field. February 2025

My terrier took about a year to gain that privilege, with plenty of revisits to the leash over the years. Bella, on the other hand, took to it very quickly—probably too quickly. She ended up chasing balls in every direction, and by a year and a half, she was back on a long line for four months. Emma was easier, I think, because she’s obsessed with Bella. Her recall has been the most solid, and she was allowed off-leash at nine months. At first, she dragged the line behind her so I had a way to catch her if needed. By March 2025, at a year old, she finally ran freely.

Only a mild obsession from Emma - March 2025

Each dog learns recall and off-leash listening differently. So how do I decide when a dog is ready?

Here’s what I look for:

• A solid response on a short leash (6ft), with about 75% attention.

• On a 30ft leash, I accept about 50% attention.

• Recognition of their name—at least a glance or head tilt that says, “what now?”

• Periodic check-ins, not constant eye contact, but general awareness of me.

• Reliable recall on a long leash, especially in public places.

  
  

With Bella, who is dog-reactive, recall had to be rock-solid. I don’t like leashes in general, so I work hard to earn off-leash reliability as soon as possible.

Bella sitting pretty on top of a lot of snow in February 2025

For my training clients, I hold the same standards. While I don’t have the same bond with their dogs, I coach clients to build structure and respect so their dogs can learn to listen. In every session, I want owners to communicate clearly and show their dogs that humans aren’t here to take away their fun, but to keep them safe and happy. Our mission is to protect them, trust them, and guide them toward making the right choices.

Emma playing with Daisy in January 2025

Happy Training,

Addi and The Girls