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Originally Posted by kinnykins  hi there hope someone can help us, we have a 15 month old spayed bitch, we love to take her down the beach for walks, but if we let her off lead she just runs off, i have tried treats (lasted 2 walks ) of her favorite cheese, she came back and was rewarded each time she came back, but alas now treats or not she just ignores us , we have tried treats, sweetly calling her, running in the other direction !! playing with a ball , even if she does get close shejust stays beyond reach so we cannot put her back on the lead.
She also barks excessivly outside ,its getting out of hand again as there are more and more cats moving in to the area and more barking dogs. We have tried the pennies in the jar,thanking her for barking and air spray for cleaning computers, most new things last a couple of days and then its back to taking no notice HELP !! sorry to go on so much but its really spoiling a lovely dog (I know it must be our fault somewhere ) |
Obedience isn't something you teach, and then they are perfect thereafter, it's an ongoing process. Your dog may never learn to stay by your side at the beach, you are giving him a food treat as a reward, but he is getting another reward by going off by himself, and this is an intrinsic reward, and difficult to compete with. Concerning his barking and trying many methods, I personally like pennies in a can. I use a tin can, not an aluminum can because it make a louder noise. You want the noise loud enough to get their attention, and slightly annoying. You ALWAYS have to say, "No" and shake the can at barking. One time that you allow them to get away with it, teaches them that you will give up, if they are persistent. Even though Joey is really good about not barking when I say," no", I still have to occasionally get out the can, if he persists. Nothing you do short of cutting the vocal cords works forever, your goal is to reduce the behavior and get them to stop on command. Thanking them for barking and then doing a quick check of the house, is thought to be helpful for younger dog, because they need to know that they have warned you of a possible intruder, and you will check for it, and take care of it. I did this when Joey was younger, and then told him everything was all right, and this works well for those hearing "odd noice" barks. When they are barking at some person/dog the pennies in the can is very effective. Our living room overlooks a park, so he's had plenty of practice. Outside when barking, you could carry the pennies, but I redirect his attention when he barks at a person/dog. The more consistent you are at always correcting him, the less of a fight he'll give you. They will continue to test, and you again have to be consistent.