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| Print | By | February 28, 2008 5:28 PM

Did you hear the one about how Italian Greyhounds should never, never, never be off leash in an unfenced area? Pick up any book about the breed and you’ll see that pronouncement in bold typeface. That’s because Italian Greyhounds can’t be trusted off leash, they’re easily startled and they’ll run off without giving you a second glance.

Really?

Behold, my new clients 3-year old Mickey and 9-month old Conan (like the talk show host, not the barbarian), taking a potty break off leash in an unfenced area right by a golf course:

Here’s Conan heading home while doing his frolicking fawn impression:

Wha? How come they’re not in the next county? These dogs are flight risks, right?

Not in this case.

Though Conan and Mickey just began training with me this morning, it’s evident that their person has already been working hard to grow a strong and enviable bond with her dogs. She’s confident enough in her relationship with her guys to allow them to take quick potty breaks out back off leash, accompany her to the mailbox off leash, and – gasp – get nutty on the golf course with a pit bull buddy!

Now I’m not suggesting that all I.G. owners should unleash their dogs and cross their fingers. There’s an assumed risk in allowing any dog to run free in an unfenced area, and my Official Dog Trainer Stance on off leash unfenced play is that it’s a big risk.

That said, do I do it? Yup.

Do I have clients who do it?

*Sheepishly shrugs shoulders.* Um hm.

Have I heard horror stories about seemingly well trained off leash dogs that suddenly take off, never to be seen again? Unfortunately, yes.

Safety issues and breed arguments aside, the heart of the off leash debate is about the bond – or lack thereof -- between you and your dog.
I couldn’t help but be impressed by the titanium-strong bond between Conan, Mickey and their person. Everything I teach them will be gravy – they’ve already mastered the tough stuff.

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Arabella Teal February 29, 2008 11:31 AM

Your blog was forwarded to me by one of your clients, who knows my IG, Pluto, from the park, where he has frolicked off-leash since early puppyhood. He has only bolted for home twice (both times during a cold rain). He has left the park a few times in pursuit of chicken bones, which has been the most challenging recall. But this breed becomes very attached, so that works to the owner's advantage!

Mickey February 29, 2008 11:43 AM

At my dog park we have Pluto. I wish that I could show you a picture of him. Our park is not completely fenced in and his person does not have a problem with him running out of the park or being skittish. Actually, I don't think that Pluto is afraid of anything. He will take on a Mastiff or my 90 pound Labradoodle just at quick as he will take on a pug. He is the biggest little dog you ever meet.

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