Stopping a dog running away!

Mojisola

Thanks for all the advice. It's quite reassuring - we're doing the stuff Raksha recommends - I'm probably expecting too much too quickly because we have a busy road outside and I'm so worried about what would happen if he shot out of the house. Baby gate is definitely on the way - more for my peace of mind than his training!

We do need to start training the re-call - that's got to be the long-term answer.

mutley_muppet

supermezzo wrote: »

I guess the trick, as is generally the case with dog training, is to be far more exciting and fun then everything else around the dog. I would suggest that you work on 're-call' then if he does wander off, it will be a lot easier to get him back again.
We train our assistance puppy with a whistle and I'm not suggesting it's the right way/only way or that it will necessarily work, just hoping that it might help.
Start by getting the dog to sit in a controlled environment in the house when the dog is comfy and secure then blow the whistle (we do it 3 times) and give the dog a tit-bit. Repeat this ad nauseum for a few days (but remember to adjust their food if you're doing it 100 times a day! lol) and then move onto blowing the whistle when you're further away or even better a different room. Blow then shout ' Fido, come' (only works if the dogs name is Fido btw)
and be big and exciting and deliriously happy when the dog makes its way to you! Give the tit-bit and hugs and playing and well, anything that your dog sees as a reward. Once thats relatively strong, move into the garden and do it, and if you can get someone else to blow another whislte and make it a lovely game, even better.
Eventually, you can progress the re-call into an outside situation, such as the park etc and even be able to re-call the dog and get them to sit for their lead to go back on.
The babygate is a humans best friend with dogs and I would suggest using one now by the front door, and getting to dog to sit and again, treat it for doing so. Eventually, the dog will sit automatically by the door and probably not be too bothered about wandering off (maybe keep the whistle by the front door just in case though).

Excellent post! :T Just what i did with my lurcher and it works a treat.
I always keep a whistle in my pocket and when I want him to come back I blow the whistle and he comes back like a shot.
I use puffed jerky (from pet shop) as a treat and I found dogs LOVE it!
Make sure you treat your dog with something they really love.

I am always careful when opening front door/ garden gates etc. Even a well trained dog can escape and get run over so it's best to always be vigilant when opening your door.

Good luck.
MM. x

supermezzo

Cheese is also an excellent re-call tit-bit apparently (ours typically doesn't like it of course) but lots of other people I know swear by it. It's also worth only using one specific treat which your pup doesn't get the rest of the time for sitting at the babygate amd waiting, else they tend to get bored of the same old milk bones and the novelty wears off.