Recall and lead training in Cardiff

Loose-lead walking

Pulling works for a dog because it gets them where they want to go. Trainers teach a loose lead by rewarding the dog for staying beside you and by stopping or turning when the lead goes tight, so pulling stops paying off. Start in a quiet place and add distractions slowly.

A well-fitted harness or collar and a lead of a sensible length help. Avoid equipment that works by causing discomfort.

Building a recall

A recall is trained, not hoped for. Start indoors and in the garden, call your dog’s name and a cue word, and reward generously every time they come, then practise on a long line in a safe place before adding distractions. Never call your dog back to punish them, or they will learn that coming back is bad news.

Where to practise around Cardiff

Pick quiet, enclosed or low-distraction places to start, then work up to busier ones. Around Cardiff, spots such as Cardiff Castle and Cardiff Bay are good places to build up, once your dog is reliable in quieter ones.

Whatever your recall is like, follow the local rules: local signs and the access rules for the area, which expect dogs to be kept under control and on a lead around livestock. A good recall never replaces a lead near livestock, roads or water.

Cardiff dog rules

Cardiff Council’s dog control Public Spaces Protection Order sets out the rules for dogs in the city. Dogs must be on a lead in the council’s public cemeteries. Elsewhere in listed public spaces, an authorised officer or a police constable can direct you to put your dog on a lead where it is reasonably necessary to prevent a nuisance. Dogs are excluded from enclosed children’s play areas, games areas and school premises listed in the order.

You must pick up your dog’s faeces straight away and carry something to pick it up with, which you may be asked to show. The council describes the fixed penalty as up to £100. The order was made in 2021 for an initial three years, so check the council’s page for the current wording and any extension. Under UK rules, every dog must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old, and you can be fined up to £500 if not.

Common questions

How long does it take to train a recall?

It depends on the dog and how much you practise, but most dogs need weeks of consistent practice, not days, and it needs maintaining throughout their life.

Is a harness better than a collar?

A well-fitted harness can be more comfortable for a dog that pulls. The key is the training, not the equipment. A trainer can advise on what suits your dog.

Can my dog be off the lead in Cardiff?

It depends on the place and the local rules. Follow signs and council rules, and keep your dog on a lead near livestock, roads and wildlife.

Is K9PN a dog training company?

No. K9PN is a referral service and does not train dogs. We pass your request to a professional trainer who covers your area. It costs you nothing to send a request.

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