One of the questions I get asked all the time is: “How does your dog walk so well off-lead right by your side?”
First, I want to say this safety always comes first. I only let Binxy walk off-lead in safe areas where there are no cars, and I always have her lead around my neck ready to use. If something startles her, or if we come across another dog off-lead, I can quickly clip it back on.
Now, onto the fun part how Binxy learned to walk like this!
Starting Small: Around the Garden
When Binxy was about five months old, I noticed she naturally wanted to follow me around. I used this as the foundation of her training. In the garden, I’d walk slowly, and whenever she stayed close to me, I praised her in my happiest, baby voice: “Good girl, Binxy!” and gave her lots of cuddles and attention.
Binxy isn’t much of a foodie, so treats didn’t motivate her. Instead, what worked best was praise, petting, and attention. Every time she made the right choice like sticking by my side or looking up at me I let her know how wonderful she was.
Taking It Outside
Once she was confident in the garden, I started practicing in quiet, distraction-free areas outside. I kept the sessions short at first, always watching for her to check in with me. The cutest thing is that Binxy constantly looks up at me while we walk, almost as if she’s saying: “Am I doing it right? Are you still next to me?”
Whenever she looked for my approval, I praised her warmly. That positive reinforcement helped her learn that walking calmly beside me is the best place to be.
Respecting Boundaries with Other Dogs
Another important part of the training was teaching Binxy not to approach other dogs unless I say it’s okay. She’s learned to wait for my approval before greeting, which keeps both her and other dogs safe and comfortable.
What’s Worked for Us
Every dog is different, but here’s what’s worked for Binxy:
- Start small and build up slowly (garden first, then quiet outdoor spaces).
- Use the reward your dog values most (for Binxy, that’s praise and affection, not food).
- Always keep safety in mind (lead nearby, avoid busy roads).
- Celebrate the small wins every look, every step by your side is progress.
Now, walking with Binxy feels like teamwork. She’s not just following me; she’s checking in, trusting me, and enjoying the walk together. It makes every outing extra special.
Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Walk Off-Lead Safely
If you’d like to try this kind of training with your own dog, here are some helpful steps:
- Master lead walking first - your dog should already walk nicely on-lead before trying off-lead.
- Start in a safe, enclosed area - a garden or secure field is perfect.
- Keep sessions short and positive - stop while your dog is still engaged.
- Use what motivates your dog - food, toys, or praise (every dog is different).
- Build in check-ins - reward your dog for looking back at you or staying close.
- Practice recall separately - a reliable recall is essential before more freedom outdoors; practice this in your garden, home, or another safe space.
- Never rush the process - some dogs need more time and patience.
Important Note for Pet Sitters
If you’re a pet sitter or walking someone else’s dog: never walk a client’s dog off-lead outside of a secure, enclosed space. Even if a dog walks perfectly for their owner, they may not respond the same way to you. Keeping the lead on ensures safety and avoids unnecessary risks.
Written by Sheena, proud dog mum to Binxy. 🐾