Freedom!
We value freedom — and rightfully so. But when it comes to our dogs, that freedom has to be earned.
Giving too much freedom too soon is one of the most common problems I see. It usually happens because, in the case of puppies, they follow you everywhere in the early weeks and give you a false sense of security that they “just get it.”
And yeah, at first they will happily trot after you — but as their confidence grows, so does their roaming.
I’m not saying don’t let your puppy explore. Of course you should — it’s vital. But you don’t want them learning that the environment is more rewarding than you are. In fact, later down the line, when you’ve got some good handling skills under your belt, you can use the environment as a reward — but that’s another topic for another day.
If you’ve read my Total Recall post, you’ll know this: using a lead is vital if you want your dog to understand that coming back when asked is non-negotiable. Until then, keep them leashed. That can be a flexi or a long line (providing the place is safe — the town centre isn’t one).
Don’t panic about them not burning off energy either. Your dog can absolutely get enough exercise and stimulation on a lead, if you’re engaging with them properly (check out this post on co-operative play).
In the House
Like so much of training, it all starts at home. And let’s face it, that’s where you spend most of your time with your dog. Home feels safe, right? So it’s easy to just let a dog have free run of the house.
But early on? No. If you can’t keep eyes on them, they should be either tethered in the same room as you or in their crate.
This is true for puppies and rescues of any age. Why? Because otherwise they’ll be off chewing what they shouldn’t, toileting where they shouldn’t, or rehearsing habits you don’t want.
This is where the house lead comes in. Just a light, simple lead you clip on in the house (you can get them at Pets at Home — they’re usually called training leads). It lets you step in if needed without chasing your dog around. You just pick the lead up.
Bonus: it also starts laying the foundation for following you calmly on a lead around the house. Not a miracle loose-lead fix, but a useful start.
Over time, yes, you can allow more freedom indoors. But that depends on your rules — plenty of people, for example, never let their dog upstairs. That’s fine too.
Crates Are Your Friend
I’ve said it before, but crates are vital when bringing a new dog home. There will be times you need to leave them alone. Fact.
Leaving a new dog free-roaming while you’re out is like leaving a teenager unsupervised while you’re away for the week. It might turn out all good and groovy, but equally, don’t be shocked if you come home to chaos.
The crate, done right, is just a safe chill space. Start small: crate them while you’re still in the house but maybe in another room. Teach them that you always come back, and that the crate isn’t punishment — it’s just part of normal life.
Still unsure? Check out my post on crates here.
Outside the House
Here’s the rule: don’t let your dog off lead if they don’t have recall.
And by recall I mean:
You call once, they come back.
Maybe, if I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt, they didn’t hear you the first time — but second call, they’re back.
Not three, four, five calls. Not “yeah but they do eventually come back.” That’s not recall. That’s a shitty habit. And one day it could land you in serious trouble.
So: freedom comes slowly. Start with a flexi for controlled distance. Then, once recall’s solid, move to a long line or drop line. But remember — a drop line doesn’t mean “go sprint 100 yards away.” If you can’t step in when you need to, it’s pointless.
Done right, what you’ll often find is your dog doesn’t actually wander that far anyway — because they’ve learnt the real value lies with you.
Why I Limit Freedom
Because it builds value in me
Because it keeps the dog safe
Because it prevents them rehearsing behaviours I don’t want
Limiting freedom isn’t cruel — it’s teaching them how to live in our world.
And before anyone throws the “but they’re wolves” card at me — no, they’re not. Yeah, they’re predators, no doubt about it. But they’re not wolves. They’re domesticated dogs.
If you can safely give your dog miles of roaming every day without risk to them, other people, or wildlife — crack on. Fair play.
But let’s be honest: most of us can’t. These animals live in our homes, in our gardens, in our towns. They’re not wild. And our job is to teach them how to succeed in our world, not pretend they’re still out there running with a pack.
Dogs given too much freedom too soon can either get spooked by the world or overstimulated by it.
It’s like taking a young child into a massive toy store. Absolute overload. And when it’s time to leave — especially if you’re not buying them anything — good luck. It’s messy, it’s loud, and it’s not fun for anyone watching. Puppies are the same. Controlled exposure, gradual freedom. Otherwise they’ll find themselves in situations they can’t cope with — dodgy interactions with dogs, chasing wildlife, eating things they shouldn’t.
Rescue dogs? Same deal. Whether you know their history or not, pity doesn’t help them. Structure does.
Limiting freedom lets you build up a nervous dog’s confidence, or give boundaries to an over-confident one. Either way, you’re the guide — and you can assess situations as they arise, making sure you call it a day before it all gets too much.
Freedom Must Be Earned
Too much, too soon — and you’ll wish you’d held back.
Limit freedom, guide your dog, and give them the chance to earn more.
That’s how you set them up for success.