Off-Leash Living
FREEDOM!
In the canine world, going off-leash is a freedom that is earned, not given. It requires a foundation of trust, boundaries and hard work. The scope of training your dog to be off-leash is far too complex to cover here. And while the mechanics of off-leash training look quite different for four legs versus two legs, the underlying principles are the same. This concept of “Off-Leash Living” captures the essence of graduation.
To see "off-leash living" in the human world, look no further than graduation season. This time of year we celebrate graduates from all disciplines of life, from high school, college, university, trade schools, technology, and beyond. There may be someone close to you who has achieved this milestone. They have just earned their freedom as well, stepping out into the world ready for "off-leash living."
WoooHoooo!
Speaking of off-leash living, watch Arty’s hard work pay off in these 3 videos showcasing his successful “off-leash” graduation tests!
Test #1: Checking in. Watch how Arty checks in with me, almost to ask, “Wait, are we still going this direction? Or do I get to run over and join in the fun?!” He sees and hears people talking and kids playing, and he made the right decision to stay the course.
Test #2: I like to call this “Remote Control” Stop. This is used when he is thinking about going off course, or is approaching a situation too quickly. When I saw Arty being a bit too casual and his mind was drifting (@ about :05), I said just one word: “Stop”. His quick response is just as important as his voluntary checking in— a reminder for him to pay attention and stay locked in. Arty was responsible for staying in sync with me.
Test #3: Trusting him to wait and remain in the SIT, even while I was away from him, regardless of distractions. In this case, it was a man on a scooter and a child on a bike. Arty and I have spent hours working together and have a deep bond, and that has developed into a sort of invisible leash. He’s a great example of being physically loose and mentally locked in. So proud of him! He was well rewarded with his favorite treat!
Now there’s a thought ~
Graduates need that same internal discipline once they are let off the “leash” of academic structure, deadlines, and schedules. Because success depends on their internal drive, self-discipline, and time management, their own moral compass and values become their new "leash", keeping them safe and moving forward without someone else pulling the strings.
But internal drive isn’t the whole picture. When Arty was thinking about going off-track, that one word “stop” was a reminder for him to pay attention and stay locked in. With freedom comes responsibility, and just as Arty was responsible for staying in sync with me, graduates need to stay in sync with their own support systems. For the new graduate, it’s good to check in with others, especially when unexpected challenges pop up and create uncertainty. Asking for help is not a weakness, it’s a sign of humility and is a great safety net.
Even as we are moving forward, someone may recognize danger ahead and give us a word of warning and say “Stop”, just as I told Arty when he needed a reminder. For us humans, it takes humility to listen to that warning, stop, regroup, and maybe even change course. When there are others around you who have traveled a little further along in life, that one word of warning can save a boat load of trouble.
Arty’s “dogree” (think “daw-GREE”) didn’t come easily. It took hundreds of hours of training to earn that off-leash freedom. Graduates, you’ve just put in that same amount of dedication to earn your degree. So take a page out of Arty’s book - trust your training, stay aligned to your passions, and run towards your goals. Still, even the most well-trained off-leash dogs must regularly check in. As you step into this next chapter of independence, lean on your parents, guardians, mentors and trusted leaders for perspective and support.
If Arty’s journey has taught us anything, it’s that true off-leash living isn't just about total autonomy, it’s about having the confidence to explore the world, and being trustworthy with that freedom.
Graduates, you have a solid foundation. You’ve earned your new status: unleashed!
Do take a moment to appreciate Mr. Smarty Arty in his graduation hat, celebrating his off-leash “Dogree”.
Arty hopes each graduates gets their favorite treat 😇
Arty’s adventures and doggie wisdom can be enjoyed each month in his blog.
🐾He would be especially happy to include you!🐾
