How do you get your dog to come back when he runs off and how do you prevent this?

Answer 1

== Take your dog to a secure but open area (no roads etc) sizeable back garden will do. Have a friend hold your dog on a lead whilst you walk as far away as you can. Turn, go down on your haunches, signal the dog to get his attention by calling his name in a high pitched voice (yes, even if you are a man!). Friend releases dog, you go mad at the other end, calling his name, waving your arms around, remember, you really want this dog to prefer going to you than anywhere else. Dog should run to you when released and if he does it, then a huge reward of cuddles, kisses, fuss and a small food treat - make him feel that everytime he comes to you its worth it! If he fails and ignores you, don't chase him, this will become a wonderful game for him to engage you with! Keep coaxing him, eventually (5 hours later maybe!) he will come, and when he does, even if your annoyed it took so long, remember that reward! Don't shout, holler, threaten, he won't want to know you. Do this again, again, again, always making it great fun. Eventually you will crack it. With pups, they can be taught recall with toys etc at a very early age. So long as it is always fun to be with mum or dad they;ll come to you. Posters are correct - this and "Down" are life savers. === === * Teaching recall to a dog can be a life saver. You should first start teaching a dog indoors where there will be less distractions. Call the dog to you in a happy, excited voice. If your dog is reluctant turn to your side and squat down and avoid making direct eye contact with your dog. Use treats if necessary at first. After the dog comes to you at least 90% of the time start training outside using a retractable leash. Train in an area with as few distractions as possible at first and gradually add them. You can train faster with two people by calling the dog back and forth. We call this doggie ping pong. Also have one person hold the dog and the other run away from the dog calling his name with excitement and after they get about 30 feet away release the dog. Never call your dog to you to do something unpleasant like a nail trimming or to scold. It is important to create a positive association when the dog comes to you. == == * You need to use a "choke chain" on stubborn dogs. I don't like them, but they train your dog far more quickly. Get either a very long leash or even a rope (go somewhere where there is lots of room and no other animals or people around) and let your dog run and then yank the dog back. This is a method for larger dogs only. For small dogs you would use a shorter leash and the same method as above, but don't pull too hard so the dog flips on it's back. When the dog eventually comes back to on the leash praise the dog highly. Dogs are smart and will get the message quickly if the owner has the patience to train them. If you don't have the time then get either a personal trainer or go to evening classes with your dog to teach them the general commands. I go to the trainers for all my dogs and work with them one-on-one. * The main way to get your dog back is simply calling the dog or going to the pound to find it but to PREVENT this is to simply fix the fence dog chain it and don't hurt it or anything just squirt it with water and keep it inside!