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Module 7: Off-Leash Reality Test
How to know it's safe to drop the long line — and where it is and isn't ever safe.
5 min read Advanced
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The 9/10 rule
On the long line, in the environment you want to go off-leash, your dog recalls 9/10 times through real distractions for 3 sessions. Then you can test.
Hard never zones
Sidewalks, parking lots, near roads, hiking trails with wildlife you haven't proofed against. Long line forever in these.
Adolescent regression
Even bulletproof recall drops 50% from 7–14 months. Plan to long-line through adolescence.
Key takeaways
- ★9/10 rule on the long line
- ★Roads/parking = never off-leash
- ★Adolescence destroys recall temporarily
Lesson checklist
Action items to put this module into practice.
- Identify your safe off-leash zone
- Track 3 sessions of 9/10
- Note your dog's age vs. adolescence