new owner, she won't stop running away from me - YorkieTalk.com Forums

KimluvsLexie · 01-07-2008, 08:57 AM

Hi! My name is Kim and my husband Lee and I are new, proud parents. My baby's name is Lexie and she's 14 weeks old. She is doing great with all her training except come. I actually say "come here" to train her because it seems more natural to me. When I walk toward her she runs under the bed! When I ask her to come here, she'll only come if I offer a treat. I don't think she's actually scared of me because if I catch the furball she'll relax in my arms and allow herself to be petted and gives plenty of kisses. If she's in a room without anything to hide under she's fine and will walk right up to you. I'm just confused and although I've read plenty of books on yorkies, I'm totally clueless as far as experience is concerned! Help me!

FL Tink · 01-07-2008, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KimluvsLexie

Hi! My name is Kim and my husband Lee and I are new, proud parents. My baby's name is Lexie and she's 14 weeks old. She is doing great with all her training except come. I actually say "come here" to train her because it seems more natural to me. When I walk toward her she runs under the bed! When I ask her to come here, she'll only come if I offer a treat. I don't think she's actually scared of me because if I catch the furball she'll relax in my arms and allow herself to be petted and gives plenty of kisses. If she's in a room without anything to hide under she's fine and will walk right up to you. I'm just confused and although I've read plenty of books on yorkies, I'm totally clueless as far as experience is concerned! Help me!

THERE ARE SOME RECENT THREADS ON THIS IF YOU WANNA DO A SEARCH.
BELLA IS 15 MONTHS OLD AND THAT WAS THE LAST THING SHE LEARNED..LIKE IN LAST MONTH OR 2..LOL
DONT GET DISAPPOINTED IF IT TAKES A WHILE.
I READ A YORKIE BOOK THAT SUGGESTED YOU HAVE PEOPLE GO IN TO DIFFERENT ROOMS OF THE HOUSE. CALL THE PUP INTO THE ROOM LIKE A GAME. WHEN THEY SHOW UP GIVE EM A LIL TREAT. WASH AND REPEAT..LOL
I WISH I HAD TRIED THIS WHEN BELLA WAS A PUPPY.
BELLA NOW COMES WHEN SHE WANTS...IT IS HIT OR MISS. I KNOW YORKIES HAVE SELECTIVE HEARING.
GOOD LUCK

barneybu · 01-07-2008, 11:34 AM

Yeah you need to turn around and walk the other way when you say "come"- if you start going to her she thinks you are chasing her- it's a game

mogli · 01-07-2008, 12:07 PM

Also make sure to be consistent with a hand gesture and tone of voice.

Yorkiedaze · 01-07-2008, 12:35 PM

Hello and welcome aboard. So glad you and Lexie could join the group.
The only suggestion I have for training "come" is to put a leash and a long tiny rope that lets her get at least 20 ft. from you. Then just let her get to any length you want and say "Lexie" come, and reel her in. Give her praise and a tiny treat. Train a couple times a day like this till she has it down. If she reverts back to just running away when not on the rope, then start all over reeling her in again.

mogli · 01-07-2008, 12:50 PM

I with-held that comment from my pots, wasn't sure how to say it just right.

What Yorkiedaze said worked for me when Mogli was a baby

... well, he was always a baby, but you know what I mean :P

cobird2 · 01-07-2008, 12:53 PM

Here's a method I recently read. When the dog is approaching you on his own, use the command you want him to learn such as "Come" or "Here." The dog is then supposed to learn the command/behavior through that.
It makes sense when you think about many of the "tricks" dolphins perform. They are trained by taking a behavior they naturally perform and working with that.
I don't know if a dog's mind works in the same way.
I'm trying it...I'll try most anything until I find something that works.

mogli · 01-07-2008, 01:07 PM

CoBird - this DOES work! You have to be extremely consistent ... With Mogli, I always say that he trained me. I was just consistent and never gave up. I mean, this is pretty much the principle for teaching them "speak" ... find what makes them do it, and help them associate it with something different (the command).

Also, I've found that spending 10 or 15 minutes with them one night ... then just 5 or 10 the next few nights works better. Present information in smaller pieces for them.

Tamara&Tootsie · 01-07-2008, 01:20 PM

Tootsie also likes to run because she wants me to chase her around the house. Now I use a firm voice and say "stop" and she will stop running from me.

KimluvsLexie · 01-07-2008, 01:31 PM

Thank you guys so much! I'm going to try everything! It makes total sense now that she thinks running away is a game! Any other tidbits for a new yorkie owner?

cobird2 · 01-07-2008, 02:11 PM

Happy to know this works...it only makes sense...potty training, give praise and repeat command during the act...same concept...I think I'm getting it!!!
I will keep going.
Thanks for your encouragement.

tjdmom · 01-07-2008, 02:20 PM

Zoe is really good with the come command but I had a trainer here to work with my collie because if she has the chance to run off she will. This is what he told us to do.... put her on a long lead. They sell them at walmarts for $6 or $7. Anyways, you put her on one end and you stand at the other end with the lead at your feet. You call her to come and if she doesn't you immediately give a little tug on the lead but then immediately drop it. If she comes, you praise her. If she does not, you might need to reel her in but no treat unless she comes on her own, including praise. This works really good with two people because then you toss the lead to the other person and do it again. It takes a lot of patience and repition but if you just work on it for 10 or 15 minutes a day, it won't take that long. Good luck!

CSRE · 01-07-2008, 02:32 PM

I have said it before but -as It really helped us- I’ll say it again, get the book “The other end of the leash” of Patricia Mcconnel, she explains things from the dogs view and everything becomes very clear. I also own several yorkie and cocker books and I must say that this is the best one by far cause you can really get on your babys feet

yorkiesmiles · 01-07-2008, 04:02 PM

Just wanted to say Welcome to YT - Looks like you've already received lots of great advice. YT is full of knowledgeable, fun people who love yorkies!! Hang around awhile, you'll see

paulapoo · 01-08-2008, 03:05 PM

Others may disagree with me, BUT, I believe that there are some dogs that will just NEVER learn to "come". Otis definately has a terrier nature. He is a true hunter. I will never, ever be able to have him off leash outside of a fenced in area because he will take off, no matter what. He would eventually come back to me eventually, usually when I turn around and walk away from him, but hard telling how far he would get before he decides to come back. It's a pain, but I have my front door blocked off with ex pens because he tries to run out the door. Good luck, I hope your baby learns, but just be aware, some babies are born to run!!!!

01-07-2008, 08:57 AM	#1
KimluvsLexie YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield Posts: 473	new owner, she won't stop running away from me Hi! My name is Kim and my husband Lee and I are new, proud parents. My baby's name is Lexie and she's 14 weeks old. She is doing great with all her training except come. I actually say "come here" to train her because it seems more natural to me. When I walk toward her she runs under the bed! When I ask her to come here, she'll only come if I offer a treat. I don't think she's actually scared of me because if I catch the furball she'll relax in my arms and allow herself to be petted and gives plenty of kisses. If she's in a room without anything to hide under she's fine and will walk right up to you. I'm just confused and although I've read plenty of books on yorkies, I'm totally clueless as far as experience is concerned! Help me!

01-07-2008, 11:34 AM	#3
barneybu Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: santa monica, ca Posts: 51	Yeah you need to turn around and walk the other way when you say "come"- if you start going to her she thinks you are chasing her- it's a game __________________ barney & bridget

01-07-2008, 12:53 PM	#7
cobird2 YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 301	New Thoughts on the Command "Come" Here's a method I recently read. When the dog is approaching you on his own, use the command you want him to learn such as "Come" or "Here." The dog is then supposed to learn the command/behavior through that. It makes sense when you think about many of the "tricks" dolphins perform. They are trained by taking a behavior they naturally perform and working with that. I don't know if a dog's mind works in the same way. I'm trying it...I'll try most anything until I find something that works. __________________ Johnny Rules

01-07-2008, 02:11 PM	#11
cobird2 YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: New York Posts: 301	Thanks, Mogli Happy to know this works...it only makes sense...potty training, give praise and repeat command during the act...same concept...I think I'm getting it!!! I will keep going. Thanks for your encouragement. __________________ Johnny Rules

01-07-2008, 02:32 PM	#13
CSRE Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Margarita's Island Posts: 122	I have said it before but -as It really helped us- I’ll say it again, get the book “The other end of the leash” of Patricia Mcconnel, she explains things from the dogs view and everything becomes very clear. I also own several yorkie and cocker books and I must say that this is the best one by far cause you can really get on your babys feet __________________ Miel, Pulga and Coral (me )

01-07-2008, 12:07 PM	#4
mogli Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 234	Also make sure to be consistent with a hand gesture and tone of voice.

01-07-2008, 12:35 PM	#5
Yorkiedaze My hairy-legged girls Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: lompoc, ca. Posts: 6,859	Hello and welcome aboard. So glad you and Lexie could join the group. The only suggestion I have for training "come" is to put a leash and a long tiny rope that lets her get at least 20 ft. from you. Then just let her get to any length you want and say "Lexie" come, and reel her in. Give her praise and a tiny treat. Train a couple times a day like this till she has it down. If she reverts back to just running away when not on the rope, then start all over reeling her in again.

01-07-2008, 12:50 PM	#6
mogli Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 234	I with-held that comment from my pots, wasn't sure how to say it just right. What Yorkiedaze said worked for me when Mogli was a baby ... well, he was always a baby, but you know what I mean :P

01-07-2008, 01:07 PM	#8
mogli Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL Posts: 234	CoBird - this DOES work! You have to be extremely consistent ... With Mogli, I always say that he trained me. I was just consistent and never gave up. I mean, this is pretty much the principle for teaching them "speak" ... find what makes them do it, and help them associate it with something different (the command). Also, I've found that spending 10 or 15 minutes with them one night ... then just 5 or 10 the next few nights works better. Present information in smaller pieces for them.

01-07-2008, 01:20 PM	#9
Tamara&Tootsie Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Georgia Posts: 20	Tootsie also likes to run because she wants me to chase her around the house. Now I use a firm voice and say "stop" and she will stop running from me.

01-07-2008, 01:31 PM	#10
KimluvsLexie YT Addict Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield Posts: 473	Thank you guys so much! I'm going to try everything! It makes total sense now that she thinks running away is a game! Any other tidbits for a new yorkie owner?

01-07-2008, 02:20 PM	#12
tjdmom Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: upstate ny Posts: 2,836	Zoe is really good with the come command but I had a trainer here to work with my collie because if she has the chance to run off she will. This is what he told us to do.... put her on a long lead. They sell them at walmarts for $6 or $7. Anyways, you put her on one end and you stand at the other end with the lead at your feet. You call her to come and if she doesn't you immediately give a little tug on the lead but then immediately drop it. If she comes, you praise her. If she does not, you might need to reel her in but no treat unless she comes on her own, including praise. This works really good with two people because then you toss the lead to the other person and do it again. It takes a lot of patience and repition but if you just work on it for 10 or 15 minutes a day, it won't take that long. Good luck!

01-07-2008, 04:02 PM	#14
yorkiesmiles Donating YT 4000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Iowa Posts: 6,997	Just wanted to say Welcome to YT - Looks like you've already received lots of great advice. YT is full of knowledgeable, fun people who love yorkies!! Hang around awhile, you'll see __________________ yorkiesmiles & Roxy - Queen of quite-A-Lot & Bubba - Ambassador of the Little Gentleman's Club *Conversation means being able to disagree and still continue the discussion.*

01-08-2008, 03:05 PM	#15
paulapoo Blessed by Otis & Ollie Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Plainfield, Indiana Posts: 2,810	Others may disagree with me, BUT, I believe that there are some dogs that will just NEVER learn to "come". Otis definately has a terrier nature. He is a true hunter. I will never, ever be able to have him off leash outside of a fenced in area because he will take off, no matter what. He would eventually come back to me eventually, usually when I turn around and walk away from him, but hard telling how far he would get before he decides to come back. It's a pain, but I have my front door blocked off with ex pens because he tries to run out the door. Good luck, I hope your baby learns, but just be aware, some babies are born to run!!!! __________________ ~Paula~ proud mommy of ~Otis (yorkie) & Oliver (shih-poo)