
Want to give your reactive dog the amazing benefits of off-leash exercise, but feeling a little nervous? I get it. This guide is here to help you confidently and safely introduce off-leash time to your reactive pup. We'll cover essential training steps for how to exercise a reactive dog, address common concerns, and offer practical tips for managing reactivity. Plus, we'll introduce you to Sniffspot, a game-changer for off-leash adventures.
Although it might sound intimidating at first — and for good reason — off leash exercise is great for many dogs. Even reactive dogs can benefit from getting to run free in safe situations. And the experience can be wonderful for dog parents, too!
We unpack the benefits of free off-leash movement, potential risks, training to get started, and final tips and tricks to make your dog’s next off-leash adventure the best yet.
Off-leash dog training can also give young or elderly dogs a better opportunity to take breaks and listen to their bodies. All these can be important contributors to your dog’s health!
Here are some things to know before you start working towards off-leash time with your pup.
But you can mitigate these risks by choosing the right environment and doing lots of off leash training to prepare you and your dog, which we’ll get to later.
You should also manage your expectations around how quickly your dog will learn these new skills. Be aware that training takes time, repetition, and lots of patience. You will probably be teaching your dog multiple new skills — and they will have to employ them in new and distracting environments, sometimes overcoming old habits of unwanted behaviors. This is a lot for a dog to learn. It’s going to take some time!
In addition, you’ll need to think about what good behavior looks like for you. Think about what you want to accomplish with off leash training and outings, and how you want to respond to your dog in various situations. Dog training can be difficult and slow moving. It’s not a one-time activity but a lifelong process. Decide how you want to respond if the training is not going how you expected it to go… or if you feel yourself getting impatient.
Get the right gear: Off leash training doesn’t require any expensive purchases, but you’ll want to make sure you have a couple of things on hand:

Here’s how to train your dog to come when called:
A fun way to practice recall is to use Chirag Patel’s counting game, which uses counting and lots of treats to teach your dog that it’s fun to come when called!
Although a lot of repetition is involved, try to limit your training sessions to 15 minutes so your dog doesn’t get tired or overwhelmed. You may have to do several sessions. Remember, patience is key!
The process for training your dog to “stay” is similar, but with a couple of key differences:
Here’s how the trainers at Dog’s Day Out recommend training your dog to “leave it”:
And finally, here’s how to teach your dog to “check in” with you:
For the “stay” cue specifically, gradually increase the amount of time your dog has to stay, and the activities you do while your dog stays. For instance, once your dog has mastered “stay” while you’re looking at him, advance to briefly looking away while your dog stays, and rewarding him when he does.
Be sure not to move too quickly. Once your dog has mastered a basic skill, it may take several sessions before they can move on to performing the behavior with the addition of distractions or longer durations. Increase the difficulty of each behavior as gradually as possible. If you advance to the next step and it seems like your dog doesn’t understand what you want from him, that means you need to back up and go more slowly.
For the “stay” cue, in addition to training your dog to master it in distracting environments, practice having him stay while you do other things at home: watch TV for a few minutes, cook, etc.
For all stages of training, make sure to go slowly, have patience, and reward your dog every time he performs the behavior you want–no matter how long it takes him to get there.
The key to training a reactive dog is to know what his triggers are. For instance, some dogs may be reactive to other dogs, to strangers, or to skateboards. When doing off leash training with a reactive dog, restrict access to these triggers as much as possible, especially in the beginning.
If your dog is reactive to other dogs or to people, you will need to think seriously about what off leash exercise will look like for him. Make sure you never put your dog in a position where he can hurt himself or others. A private Sniffspot is a great place for dogs with these triggers, while a dog beach or hiking spot likely is not.
If you dog gets away from you and you cannot find her, what you do next will depend on the environment you’re in. If you are in a confined area, keep searching and offering treats. If you are in a larger or unfenced area (such as a hiking trail) and cannot find your dog, you may need to bring in the help of a ranger or other official.
In all cases, continue to offer treats and to sound friendly. Make yourself as appealing as possible with treats and a happy voice. Try not to let on that you are scared or angry. You want your dog to come back to you at all costs.
Your dog should also always be wearing an identification tag that has his name and your phone number on it. This is true for all dogs, but is especially true if you are going to be engaging in off leash exercise outside your home.
You can also try distracting the dogs using a spray bottle, loud noise, or a cue that tends to get their attention, such as “let’s get in the car!”
What are the most important commands to teach my dog for off-leash activities? A solid foundation in basic obedience is essential. "Come," "stay," and "leave it" are crucial for ensuring your dog's safety and responsiveness in off-leash environments. "Check-ins," where your dog regularly looks back at you for guidance, also help maintain connection and control. These commands build trust and create a clear communication system between you and your dog.
How can I find safe and appropriate locations for off-leash exercise? Choosing the right location is paramount for a positive off-leash experience. Look for secure areas with minimal distractions, especially when starting out. Sniffspot offers private, fenced dog parks that are ideal for training and exercise, providing a controlled environment where you can focus on your dog without the unpredictability of public spaces. For more seasoned off-leash dogs, consider less controlled environments like hiking trails or beaches, always ensuring they align with local leash laws.
What should I do if my dog runs away while off-leash? It's a scary moment, but staying calm is key. Resist the urge to chase or yell, as this can frighten your dog further. Instead, try calling your dog in a happy, encouraging voice, using your recall command and offering high-value treats if you have them. If your dog doesn't return, stay in the area and continue calling. Having your dog microchipped and wearing an ID tag is crucial for a safe return.
How can I manage off-leash time with a reactive dog? Off-leash exercise can be incredibly beneficial for reactive dogs, but it requires a thoughtful approach. Prioritize controlled environments like private Sniffspot parks, where you can minimize potential triggers and build positive associations with off-leash freedom. Work with a qualified trainer experienced in reactivity to develop a tailored training plan that addresses your dog's specific needs and helps them feel safe and confident exploring off-leash.
These are the trainers that reviewed this article:
Danette Johnston
Owner – Dog’s Day Out, Ballard, WA
Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Licensed AKC CGC Evaluator
NW Coordinator, Doggone Safe
Hallie Wells
Owner-Lumos Dog Training, Atlanta, GA
Certified Professional Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
Fear Free Certified Professional (FFCP)
Applied Animal Behavior Analysts (UW-AABA)

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