When to let off lead?...

[Lovesgsds]

Hi all

Just would like to see if I am being too over cautious, although I've grown up with GSDs and they've always been in our family Keira is my first GSD puppy and I have been told she can go from velcro pup to bog off pup very quickly once she goes past 7 months until about 10 months, have you all found that with your GSDs?
I still don't let her off lead at all, she has a 10m long line for when I am walking her, she is very good and will come when called except when distracted especially other dogs.
Am I doing the right thing keeping her on the longline until she comes back in all situations, I know she is only a baby but I'm wary of letting her off and teaching her she doesn't have to come when called, at the moment I can go and get her and bring her to where I have just recalled her while I have her attached to the long line?
I am more than happy doing this but having seen someone today with a tiny puppy off lead I'm wondering if I am being a bit OTT?

Thanks H xx

Hi, you can allow her some freedom off lead. But also work on her recall. Remember to use a harness if you're attaching a long line so there's no pressure on her neck.

[Tedsmum]

If she is good at recall on a long line I would start to let her off.
Ensure it is in a place that is safe and preferably enclosed and entice her back to you with a tastsy treat whenever she does come near. Call her back occasionally and treat her without grabbing at her or putting her on the lead. Then she will learn that returning to you is a nice thing and not just the end of her time of freedom.
Young dogs do get distracted by other dogs and it can interfere with their recall, but this is a normal phase and you need to work on it if it does occur.
She will appreciate the additional exercise and leaping around she can do off lead and it is something you need to do at sometime.
Don't stress it, most GSD's really don't want to be far from Mum or Dad and we all find that in an extreme case, if you run in the opposite direction from your dog they will come back at lightening speed. x

[Beki]

U can work up to it by still attaching the long line but not holding it.

[wildmoor]

I let mine off from 8 weeks in a safe enviroment so they can run around and build up muscle

[claire_88]

Exciting high pitched voices, waving of arms and generally, me looking a complete idiot to any other dog walkers, works wonders for Skye's recall..........and a tasty treat for her when she returns.
If she decides she isn't coming i will never wait for her i just continue to walk in the opposite direction, shout 'see ya' and then she comes back to me pretty sharpish!
Give your dog an opportunity and try it some a little quieter first, i'm sure you will be pleasantly surprised.

When she comes back act like it's the most exciting thing in the world.

I did that the other day, despite the fact Zee ignored my 'NO!' and decided the hare in the stubble field was worth wilful defiance. Handler error - while she was thinking about going to chase it I should have got the recall command in, so it was my fault really!

[Stuart]

I dont really think that a dog is excersised that well if it is never off lead,.. so I would find a good safe spot and let the pup run and find things itself,.. but have good recall before allowing off lead anywhere that is not 100% safe

[Lovesgsds]

Great thanks all, I feel she needs some off lead time now so why I was seeing what you all thought, there are no roads where I walk her so if she runs off I'll try some of your suggestions! I dont mind looking a prat so will wave and shout away! Thanks again, will let you know how I get on xx

[LOVEGSD]

I agree with the others, all puppies need off lead time but in a safe environment and you can then practice recall.