Energetic Golden Retriever Practicing Off-Leash Training Tries So Hard Not to Have the Zoomies

Training a dog takes a ton of time and effort, but it all becomes worth it when your obedient pup can take a bit of the worry off your shoulders. That's exactly why dog dad Levi is training his Golden Retriever, Goose, to walk off-leash! The happy-go-lucky dog had been practicing successfully, so it was time to take his skills to the sidewalk during a walk around the neighborhood.

On September 9, Goose was having a blast walking with his parents when a case of the Zoomies started to hit him. Fortunately, he remembered his training and the excited Golden Retriever tried so hard not to run and jump. He did a great job, but his effort was everything!

Good boy, Goose! It put a smile on my face to see how happy he was to be out on a walk, though I also felt a bit shocked when the big Golden Retriever body checked his dad out of nowhere. Fortunately, Levi knows his dog and he was prepared for the happy dog's hops.

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"You can see the zoomies loading," joked commenter @floofmilo. I know what you mean! It's clear as day that Goose is so hyped up to be outside with his favorite people, but he's also trying so hard to keep the jumping, running, and hopping to a minimum.

Despite his excitement, this precious Golden boy continues checking in with his parents by turning around to make eye contact. He could easily run off if he chose to do so, but his obedience training (and his spoiled life) taught him just how nice it is to stay with his mom and dad.

How to Start Off-Leash Training

Although some puppies grow up exploring rooms and yards off-leash, most dogs get used to wearing one after a few tries. Dog leashes are an essential safety feature no matter where or when you're walking, but once your dog is comfortable on a leash, you can try taking it away. This is only recommended for dogs who consistently follow commands, as taking away the leash leaves means they can walk or run away from you. If the potential reward outweighs the risk, you can always try off-leash training in a small, enclosed space like a yard.

If your dog isn't leash-trained, start there. Your dog will learn similar techniques with and without their leash, so why not go back to basics? You need to learn how to redirect their attention back to you in case of distractions, and remember to take baby steps along the way. When in doubt, there are plenty of dog training resources available for dog owners who are ready to learn more!

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