Can't catch her!

[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by Jaspermom

Everytime I read in here that "chasing is a fun game", I always think, uh oh, someday that's going to be trouble! lolol

I know what you mean. I had real misgivings about making it a game, but he loves running from me so much I figured I'd try to make it work. And it has so far. He comes to me when I call him, and he runs from me when I say "I'm gonna get it."

And FirstYorkie, your advice is terrific, thanks.

[SoCalyorkiLvr]

Originally Posted by FirstYorkie

Catrina -

You need to make "come" more rewarding for her. Start working on come from short distances and always give her a treat for coming. Then let her go back to what she was doing or play a game with her. Why would she come to you if she knew the result was end of fun/punishment? Gradually increase the distance that she has to cover to come to you.

After she learns "come", you need to teach her "drop it".

As far as the not responding unless you have treat in hand, do this. Work on "sit", "come" or whatever with treat in hand. After a couple of repetitions, put the treats on the counter right beside you. When she complies say "GOOD GIRL!" (or better yet, use a clicker!) then reach for the treat and give it to her. Gradually move a bit away from the counter but still get her a treat every time. If you haven't already done so, name your "treat", "cookie" or whatever everytime she gets one. When she knows the name and you have done the above, you'll be able to get the behavior you want and follow up with a "GOOD GIRL! Let's get your TREAT!" and go to another room to get it for her. When she is reliable with the command you're working on, you can start two-fers and then three-fers.

Two rules for you that I follow and think are VERY important:
1) don't chase the dog! It's one of their favorite games.
2) never punish for coming to you regardless of what the behavior she did beforehand! However bad she was, she has redeemed herself by coming on command. The importance of a good "come" command can't be over-estimated. It could save your dog's life!

An obedience class is a good idea and well worth the money!!!

Excellent advice.

Your baby is still very young and it is good that you are concerned and willing to do the hard work necessary to make her obey because it is so worht it in the long run for both of you. Obedeince trained dogs are more bonded to their owners and usually are happier and live longer lives. The 8 week course at Petsmart is a steal at $99. It is best to make training an everyday, all day, exercise where you use daily experiences to train. It is the best way and like FiratYorkie said ...It could dave their life.

Good luck with your little one..she sounds like she has a cute, spunky personality.

[SnowWa]

I swear - I think it's a little dog thing. My little dogs and my neighbors little dogs are terrible about coming when you want them to. The big dogs in the neighborhood just run right up to their owners when they are called.

What did work with one of my little dogs was putting a leash on her in the house in the evening when I was sitting on the davenport. I'd let her run around (on the leash) for a while and then called her to me with "Come." When I did this, I would pull her toward me and praise her when she arrived.
Eventually, she started coming to me when I said, "Come." I didn't give her a treat. I just praised her. Then I didn't do this for a while, and she went right back to her old ways. So, this training is just something I have to repeat occasionally.

Good luck! Lord - I know I have given my dogs millions of dollars worth of treats to get them to come to me when they are outside.

Carol Jean

[gleim516]

My little runt does this everyday it never fails. My husband and I chase him like crazy he has a liking for anything that does not belong to him. Oh and if you drop something you better get to it before he does because you'll never get it back in one piece. You don't know how many of my socks are missing each week when I do laundry. I know all his usual hiding spots and I'll be darned if they aren't there.

I've tried showing him his treat can when I do catch him in the act and he seems to drop what he has but still he gets no treat just a good boy!