25/10/2025
Off-leash freedom isn’t magic — it’s training. Here’s what your dog really needs first👇
Thinking about letting your dog go leash-optional? Awesome goal — but it’s not something that just happens. Before you ever unclip that leash, you need to build three key things:
1️⃣ Reliable Recall
Not “comes when you’ve got treats.” I mean reliable — even around other dogs, people, wildlife, or anything that fires up their drive. You want a recall that makes your dog turn on a dime the second you call.
2️⃣ E-Collar
The e-collar can be a powerful tool for keeping your dog safe off-leash — but only when trained properly. Never just strap it on and start using it without guidance. When trained correctly, it helps communicate with your dog in high-distraction or high-drive situations, giving you a way to keep them safe and responsive even when instincts take over.
3️⃣ Functional Obedience
Sit. Down. Heel. Sounds simple, but it’s what keeps things under control in real life. You should be able to call an emergency sit or down, or move your dog into a calm heel through distractions. Functional obedience means your dog listens — anywhere, anytime.
Freedom comes after structure. When you’ve built a reliable recall, trained communication, and solid obedience, that’s when real off-leash freedom becomes possible!
🐺 Bark Brigade Dog Training
📞 825.962.2275
📧 [email protected]
💻 barkbrigade.ca
📍 Calgary, AB
