training off leash I was watching It's Me or the Dog the other day and I'm glad I did! It was dealing with an issue that I needed help on... hopefully it's a sign. See, Smokey LOVES to run... he would run all day if he could and I'd love to watch him run, but it's hard to give him any freedom because he doesn't listen pretty much at all when he's off leash. Well, I think her technique might work with him... of course, it's gonna take me a couple months I think. She said to get a long training leash, so it's almost like he's off leash, but not really, and get a whistle, and a squeaky toy or something he'd be really interested in getting. Let him run where ever he wants but whistle, say his name and the command, then reward him when he comes and repeat the process. That way he learns that he can still have fun, but will be rewarded when he listens. What do you think? Anyone use this? |
i am also interested to see what people think... |
I know! I'd love to be able to trust him off leash like we can trust Chip. I know how much he loves to run and be free, but he just likes to run and not stop. |
That method sure does work. I used to carry treats when I was first walking my guys off lead. Make sure your dogs know you have the treats - be prepared to be ignored for the first 10mins - the smells are just tooooo exciting. Then you'll find they listen. I saw that episode - that was a serious running away problem - that dog would be gone for HOURS! I would just relax and let your dog just run. Carry the treats (or toy or whatever motivates your dog). If your dog isn't listening. Try running away and make exciting noises - say "bye bye". You'll find your dog will come running to check out what exciting thing mum's doing. When I get to the park. I make the dogs wait before removing their leads, treat, then release. Then I just start walking. They wind up following me sooner or later - I just keep an eye out that they're not rolling in anything gross! I never used a long lead. But if you do be prepared for when you do stop using the long lead your dog will know he's no longer on a lead. Dougal acts very differently when he's got his collar on and when I take it off to run an agility course. I didn't think it made a difference but now I've started training without a collar as well. |
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Oh and the bye bye thing does not work for him. It works for Chip, but not him. He could care less. Maybe if I take him for a long run first to tire him out, then go take him to a park to train, he'd listen better and I would get better results? I think one of Smokey's big problems is dealing with his history. See, Chip is VERY attached to us, but we also brought him home at 7 weeks and he was with us 100% of the time. If we let him off leash, he just runs about 15 feet and comes back. Smokey we didn't get until he was 6 months old and we were his fifth home.... so I think it might be an attachment issue as well as his care free, laid back attitude. He loves us, I know he does, and I think it's just now starting to sink in that he's actually got a permenant home that loves him and would never leave him - I've seen some big improvements in his behavior and listening these past couple months, but I'm so afraid to let him off leash... that's why I want to teach him to come when I call him. I wish I could let him off leash more often... I love watching him run... he's so happy and I'd do anything to make him happy, BUT his safety comes before that even. As soon as I get the money when my husband gets a job, I'm going to get Smokey in obedience classes. He knows the basic commands, but he does have some other behavior issues to deal with and I need the help of a trainer. |
Both Training methods (lead and treats) sound excellent. Our Biggie sometimes does not come when off leash. He too loves to run...esp. after the rabbits we have around the neighborhood. But if we have treats or we say, Biggie do you want a treat?...98% of the time he comes running back to us. We continue to practice with him each week just so he doesn't forget what he is supposed to do. It takes time..but I bet with persistence both training methods will work wonders for Smokey. |
Lexi used to be horrible at coming offleash, especially when there was another dog to sniff! Not only would I treat her every time she came back when I called, but I'd also treat her if she came back without being called. Now she stays close, checks in often and comes when I call her. I barely use treats anymore on walks. Good luck with your little runner! :) |
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This is why I love to post ideas, because someone always has another good idea to expand the original idea. |
it sounds to me like your little guy doesnt really respect you as his leader you need to let him know that you are the boss not him. also that you will allow him to have fun it just has to be within your rules. everyone says to give these dogs nothing but praise. that is great to teach them that way but when you are trying to teach them you need to let them know what is unacceptabel too weather you have to put them in the kennel for a five minute time out or something. i dont recomend physically disiplining them but they need to comprehend what is wrong. you need to let him know that even thought he thinks he is the boss he isnt. once you have fully taken the roll of leader he will come back when you want him to come and call his name. |
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ive been very interested in the gentle leader i would be curious to know how it works out for you |
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we too have this problem off lead, but not everytime. some days sophie will just leg it and come back when she s ready and other days she s pretty good.and not wander too far, although if she sees anyone in the distance she races off to say hi despite me shouting running off in another direction or showing her the ball She loves the ballat tims ) treats do nothing for her buti may try cheese in my pocket next . I think its a case of if they get distracted (other dogs, joggers ,cyclists, well anyone lets face it ) she s off !! any new ideas would be welcome !! |
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These little yorkies are very smart. I tried the same thing. Now my boy knows come here but he doesn't always listens. He will come half way and turn around. We'll i had a treat in my hand and he knew it. Everytime I said come here he came a running..lol I have also taught him how to shake in 2 days. They will do whatever you want if you are feeding them treats. :p |
I used this method with my yorkie and it was 100% successful. Now, my yorkie is a bit timid -- I recall trained him so that I could call him back if he started eating something off the ground. His leash broke today and it took me quite a while to notice because he was sticking so close to me. It might be more difficult with a dog that loves to roam. Also, you need to keep the training up regularly, or the dog will mind you less. Anyway, I took my guy into a park with bacon. He'd wander off a bit, and then when he came back, I would give him a piece of bacon. Pretty soon he was sprinting back to me, to the point where he'd hit himself in the face with the bacon treat. I also gave him a bigger treat if I specifically called for him, rather than him just returning on his own. |
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