Off-leash obedience training with a Golden Retriever mix

[MRi9ful]

Clicker? How did you do it?

[ViaK9]

@MRi9ful Easily. I trained her, and since I have standards and expectations of reliable, one-command performance around distractions (and off-leash, as you can tell here), I held her to those standards. Results were achieved quickly, and training was done while I was working full time and going back to school. I accepted no excuses as to why this dog should not be held to this level of training, and expect my future dogs to achieve the same results in obedience.

[berrybonez]

if you don't use anything how do you get her to listen so well and stay by you off leash?

[ViaK9]

@berrybonez But I did use something.

The question is, what?

If the goal in training is to lessen the use of tools/gadgets and eventually not need them at all, I would postulate that I've achieved that goal, no? If the tool was used with appropriate technique, it enhances communication between dog & handler to the point where the tool itself isn't necessary and can be removed because now there is a relationship based on mutual respect/trust, and clear communication and expectations.