Question: How Do I End Off-Leash Play Sessions?
How can I end off-leash play sessions without teaching my dog that "Come" means an end to the fun? Is there a way to do this without ruining the recall we've finally perfected?
Answer: Putting an end to a fun romp off-leash can be a tricky maneuver. If you call your dog off from a good time only to snap on the leash and take him home, it won't take long before he realizes that returning to you feels like a punishment.
The most important part of calling your dog back to the leash, is to not end all of the fun once he has the leash on. Take him for a leashed walk, a car ride (if he likes that sort of thing), and don't be stingy with the treats and praise.
Always pitch your voice high, and make your side sound like the best place in the world to be. Never sound angry, or punish a dog for returning to your side. As soon as he is within touching distance, pull out that treat, but don't leash him. Do it again once he's gone off to play again; you need to repeat this process a few times during the off-leash session, until he has no hesitation about coming back to you.
