Brittany has made very good points. Recall can save a dogs life so is of utmost importance that you teach your dog this if nothing else. It can be done, terrier or not.
My girl played the catch me if you can thing when I first got her. Running and it scared me major. I have had two other incidents since. One just last week.
The biggest thing I taught Roxy was Stay. When we are at the off leash parks and a big dog comes around that I don't know, I tell her stay. I crouch down beside her and wait for the other dog to approach so I am there for the introduction. My girl is small and can get hurt easily.
Stay is just as important as calling back but is much more easier to teach in my case.
What I did for recall was take a long 12 foot leash, some favorite cookies and went to an open park. If she started to take off and not come back I could easily grab the end of the lead.
I also play games with her where I have her outside in a field. I tell her stay. Then I walk away. I started this by facing her and walking backwards, continuing to give her the stay hand signal. Each time I go further away. I crouch down, still with the hand signal and then say come. She comes flying to me and she gets a verbal reward with a treat. I have started walking away with my back to her but then returning. If she remains in a hold position through out she gets her treat. She understands "cookies" and that is the ultimate "Must Come" word. Although stay is the emergency word.
She reacts to stay immediately. I suppose the reason is because she understand it is to keep her safe as we have had close calls. I can see when a dog is frightening her so I say stay so to pick her up and out of the threatening situation.
I started training her with the recall at 15 mnths. It is when I got her. She was a rescue (can U believe that??)
Work on the recall. Continue to. I have taught her but must constantly continue to practice.
Another thing I have taught me dog that helps with the problem of running, is teaching her leave it. That way I correct the problem before it occurs.
If I think she is going to fly after something, a cat or a bird or someone walking past the driveway I tell her leave it. She understands and is so eager to go. It is scary at times. Especially when there are cars so near.
A Gate is a wise idea I must say. I use cardboard that I put in front of the doorways in the summer time so to keep my dog in. Safe from predators and wandering too far away. When we go outside, my eyes are on her constant, otherwise she can't go out.
You tube has some great videos. Just search training dog recall or teach dog come. Remember what works good for one dog may not work for another. You must find what works for your dog.
I know the fear and I wish you & your Yorkie the best. |