There are many benefits of off-leash time for your dog. It's important for several reasons.
Quick Take
- Dogs need freedom to move, sniff, explore, and socialise
- Off-leash time builds confidence and burns off mental and physical energy
- It improves joint health, behaviour, and happiness
- Reliable recall is the key to safe, joyful off-lead adventures
- PetWell CALM can help anxious dogs feel more relaxed during off-leash time
It is recommended to have are liable recall before letting a dog off-leash
Why Do Dogs Need Off-Leash Time?
You know that full-body wiggle your dog does when they’re truly happy? That’s what off-leash time is all about. It gives them the freedom to be their natural selves, running, sniffing, rolling, greeting, and exploring without restriction.
We’re not talking about letting your dog run wild down a busy street. We mean safe, controlled off-leash time in parks, secure fields, or bush trails, where they can just be a dog.
At PetWell, we believe in letting dogs live well. And a big part of that is giving them moments of freedom where they can move, think, and explore independently.
Off-Leash Means Mental Health Boost
When your dog has the freedom to sniff the ground, chase a scent trail, or greet another dog on their terms, they’re tapping into natural behaviours that reduce stress.
Off-leash time helps:
- Release pent-up energy and tension
- Lower anxiety and frustration
- Build calm confidence
If your pup tends to be a bit anxious or overwhelmed in new places, you don’t have to rule out off-leash time completely. Start small, in a secure area, and try a natural calming aid like PetWell CALM to help take the edge off.
It’s made with calming ingredients like chamomile, green tea, lemon balm and more, it’s gentle on tummies too.
Why is Socialisation Important for Dogs?
Off-leash time isn’t just about a good run, it’s where dogs learn how to dog.
- They practise social cues (like when to say “hello” and when to walk away)
- They learn boundaries from other dogs (a barky pup will usually tell them what’s too much)
- They grow more confident being around unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells
This kind of social exposure, especially during puppyhood (around 3 to 14 weeks old), sets the foundation for a calm, happy, confident adult dog.
If you’re in that stage, don’t wait, even just sitting in a quiet park and letting your pup watch the world go by counts as socialisation!
The Real Talk: Why Recall Matters
Off-leash time is only magical when your dog listens.
Reliable recall, meaning they come back the first time you call, is non-negotiable. It keeps your dog safe from roads, snakes, other animals, and any unexpected surprises.
It also gives you peace of mind, and helps prevent legal or council issues if your dog is off-leash in a shared space.
Not sure where to start?
Here’s a little recall tip from us:
- Start in a fenced area.
- Use a high-reward treat they go bonkers for, like PetWell freeze-dried salmon or turkey breast.
- Keep sessions short, fun, and full of praise.
If they ignore you, don’t punish them, make coming back to you the best part of the whole day.
Health Benefits: It’s Not Just Play, It’s Fitness
Letting your dog run, roll, sniff and play off-leash isn’t just good for their mind, it’s great for their body too.
✔️ Boosts heart health and circulation
✔️ Builds muscle tone and core strength
✔️ Keeps joints flexible and mobile
✔️ Helps manage a healthy weight
✔️ Strengthens immunity through fresh air and movement
✔️ Improves digestion (yep, movement helps with gut health too, hello, PetWell DIGEST!)
Think of it as your dog’s version of CrossFit, but with more tail wags and fewer gym selfies.
Dogs Need to Be Dogs
Leashes are great for safety, but they can restrict movement, scent exploration, and natural behaviours. Off-leash time lets dogs:
- Sniff like detectives on a mission
- Stretch and twist their bodies freely (great for joint health)
- Chase butterflies, leaves, or dog friends (all totally normal!)
- Problem-solve on their own (like finding a hidden ball or a new trail)
- Choose what they want to do, which boosts their confidence and happiness
When dogs have the freedom to make choices, they feel more in control of their world, and that leads to calmer, happier behaviour overall.
But Wait… Is Off-Leash Time for Every Dog?
Not always, and that’s okay. Some dogs aren’t quite ready yet. If your dog struggles with:
- Reactivity
- Extreme Anxiety
- Poor recall
- Overexcitement
…then it’s best to work with a trainer before heading off-lead.
You can still offer “controlled freedom” using a long lead in a quiet park or bush trail. It’s a great way to practise recall and build confidence gradually.
Final Sniff
Off-leash time is one of the best gifts you can give your dog. It’s not just exercise, it’s enrichment, connection, and freedom.
And while it might seem scary at first, the payoff is huge: a calmer, fitter, more confident dog, and a stronger bond between you both.
Just make sure recall is solid, safety comes first, and you’ve got the right support along the way (like natural calming aids, healthy training treats, and a good sense of humour when they roll in something gross).
Read more on How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy
FAQs
Can any dog go off-leash?
Only if they have a reliable recall and aren’t reactive or aggressive. Some dogs will need training and practice before they’re ready.
When should I start recall training?
You can begin as early as 6–10 weeks of age in a secure area. Keep sessions short, positive, and full of rewards.
What treats work best for recall?
High-value ones! Think: freeze-dried meats like PetWell’s chicken breast, or Lamb Hearts, diced and perfect for training.
My dog is anxious when off-lead. Can I help?
Absolutely. Start with short sessions in quiet spaces and try PetWell CALM to ease tension while training.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care
