Not every dog can be trusted off lead, and that’s totally okay! Whether it’s recall worries, reactivity, or simply not having safe spaces nearby, your dog can still enjoy fulfilling, enriching walks while staying on lead. 🚶♀️🐶
I can’t let either of them off lead safely. Charlie has the highest prey drive I’ve ever seen in a dog, he’s even caught and killed birds in our back garden! He hangs on my every word in the house but if he sees a bird, cat, squirrel.. anything that has fur, feathers and is chaseable then he’ll be off like a rocket regardless of what I do.
Joey used to be no problem and loved a bit of fetch in a nearby field, however when he had just turned 1, he was attacked by another dog. This has now made him very reactive and fearful of other unknown dogs. I could take him for a game of fetch but if another dog came and I didn’t spot them then I’m not sure what he’d do – my main fear is that he’d just blindly bolt into the distance.
If you feel my pain then here are some options and ideas to make walks fun, safe, and meaningful.
🌳 Freedom Fields & Secure Dog Parks
In many areas, you’ll find enclosed “freedom fields” that you can book for private sessions. These are fully fenced spaces where your dog can run, sniff, and play safely – a brilliant choice if recall isn’t reliable. I have a couple of these near me and they’re fantastic.
💡 Some even have agility equipment or woodland sections for extra fun!
🦮 Long-Line Adventures
A long training lead (5–10 metres) is a game changer. It gives your dog more freedom to explore, sniff, and trot around while you still keep control. Perfect for fields, woodlands, or quiet open spaces. I do this most walks, as long as I have a decent line of sight so that I know I’ll have enough time to reel them in if needed then it allows them that bit of freedom to really get sniffing!
Tip: Always use a harness (not a collar) with long lines to avoid neck strain.
🌸 Making On-Lead Walks Enriching
An on lead walk can be just as rewarding as off lead if you focus on quality rather than quantity. Try:
- Sniffari walks 🐽 – let your dog take the lead and follow their nose – Charlie is a big fan of this.
- Training on the go 🎓 – practise cues like “sit,” “watch me,” or loose lead walking.
- Changing routes 🗺️ – even small variations keep things interesting.
- Mixing surfaces 🌿 – grass, woodland, pavements… variety is enrichment!
🏡 Creative Alternatives
If you’re short on safe outdoor options, think outside the box:
- Play in the garden with fetch, tug, or hide-and-seek.
- Doggy daycare for supervised play with others.
- Indoor enrichment games like puzzle feeders or scatter feeding.
These don’t replace walks, but they help top up your dog’s daily needs.
🌟 Final Thoughts
Your dog doesn’t need to be off lead to have a happy, fulfilling life. 🐕💛 With secure fields, long lines, and a focus on enrichment, you can give your pup proper walks that meet their physical and mental needs, all while keeping them safe.
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