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Post by seven2915 on Mar 13, 2006 16:43:58 GMT -5
I recently adopted a shepard mix 3 months ago. I crate him while out because he started chewing up the house and all the wood trim. My problem now is that if we go outside he needs a lease at all times. He wont come when called we have to hike around to find him. the last time he ran off he came back 30 min later but what to do. I want to train him to be outside with us without running away or comming when called. I cant get his attention he is too interested in deer or birds. Help me any suggestions on how to train him
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Post by Laura on Mar 14, 2006 1:14:24 GMT -5
Whoa, hold on there, you need to learn how to crawl before you can walk (both you and the dog) ! Dogs aren't born with the ability to come when called, it is a command that must be taught with patience and time. That being said, you must start at the beginning, and that is teaching the recall (or "come"). Working inside your house where the dog is most comfortable and there are no distractions, start with a 6 foot leash on the dog and a pocketful of treats. This is a conditioning exercise, so a high value treat is important. Take hold of the end of the leash, and in the most singsongy, happy voice, say "Spot, come!" The second the dog turns and comes to you, praise and treat!! If the dog does not turn around at the sound of the command, give a gentle tug on the leash and move backwards. 99% of the time the dog will go towards something that is moving away from it. You are conditioning the dog to think that coming back to you is better than anything else out in the world, and it will take MONTHS for this to become solid. Once the dog is reliable on a 6 ft. leash, them graduate to a longer line, till eventually you are doing this exercise on a 20 ft. leash. Then practice the command outside in different environments to proof the command, then add distractions (a ball, favorite toy, children). DO NOT EVER CALL THE DOG TO YOU TO YELL AT IT, EVER! This will defeat the purpose, what dog wants to come back to it's owner for a reaming? None! So keep it happy, and positive, even if he just ate your shoes . I'm sure the others can add to this, as it's late and I'm tired .
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