Retriever running away on walk!

MrsTinks

I think a couple of months should be enough to let the hormones settle too

He'll soon be bouncing round like normal though and he's still the same gorgeous dog, just that unlike most men he can now think with his HEAD

eira

Apart from the Acme dog whistle-the other ploy that I found worked both with our Ridgeback and Newfie crosses was hiding or turning and going a different way.If you walk in the woods you can hide behind a tree (yes it does make you look a bit odd!) or otherwise turning and going a different way rather than straight ahead. It became a game that both dogs enjoyed. the key is that you lead the walk rather than the other way around. If you turn and go another way, coupling this with the whistle is doubly effective

RedBern

thanks Eira, I think my main problem with the training is husband ... although this morning he did run opposite way to Floyd and the dog followed.

Yesterday when I took Floyd out he went in to farmyard and in to a caravan on site that is used as a kennel for the two black lab girlies - think he was after 'one last hurrah'! Anyway everyone was disappointed and the little s*d wouldn't come out - and I wasn't going to go in! So I rang his owner (husband) who had to come out to rescue me - and the minute he called 'Floyd' he came chasing out wagging his tale....So I think he's getting the hang of the recall a bit. As I say, more husband training needed.....

red-boxer

RedBern wrote: »

thanks Eira, I think my main problem with the training is husband ... although this morning he did run opposite way to Floyd and the dog followed.

Yesterday when I took Floyd out he went in to farmyard and in to a caravan on site that is used as a kennel for the two black lab girlies - think he was after 'one last hurrah'! Anyway everyone was disappointed and the little s*d wouldn't come out - and I wasn't going to go in! So I rang his owner (husband) who had to come out to rescue me - and the minute he called 'Floyd' he came chasing out wagging his tale....So I think he's getting the hang of the recall a bit. As I say, more husband training needed.....

That sounds like my dog, i try to do all the training with him.... and he obeys me when we are together, husband doesn't even try to train him(just spoils him), but all hubby has to do is whistle and the daft dog comes running, haven't tried him of the lead yet as not sure he would return.

RedBern

further update - took Floyd on his regular walk this morning - onto the field and walked 50 yards, took his lead off - and once again with a cheery wave over his shoulder he was off! He ran back as far as the gate - I walked quickly in the opposite direction and called him ..............................



and he came back:T
However, he was so keen to get back to me he ran into the back of my friend's legs and bowled her over:rotfl:

When we got to the end of the walk I called him - usually he messes about sniffing important bits of grass and weeing - but he stopped still and I could put his lead on.

Thanks for all your help and support on here - although we've not 'cracked it' yet I do feel we can get him under proper control now.....

MrsTinks

And you didn't believe us to start with when we said it would help hugely to have his bits off now did you? :rotfl:
I'm glad it's made a difference though! Seriously I think it will make training him a lot easier because he won't have the same pull with all them nice lady dog smells all over the place... I must be like me in Thorntons when I'm dieting!!! Sadly I'm not as easily "fixed"
I don't think snipping fixes the problem, but now you don't have to compete with his hormones to get his attention and it will make a huge difference

Keep us posted and if you can then a picture? Would love to have a peek at the handsome boy!

mineallmine

RedBern great to hear things are getting better.

Keep up the good work. The dog is probably enjoying the interaction too.

Remember to vary the treats you give them, the odd charcoal biscuit for instance. That keeps them interested and keen.

RedBern

and now I've managed to upload my avatar .... you can have a look at Floyd!

MrsTinks

AWWWWWWWW! He's so handsome!!! If you ever come near the Bicester area in Oxon let us know and he can play with my girly! She is a bit partial to handsome chaps like that

JCR

He is gorgeous RedBern. I know the decision must have been difficult for you to have him done, I too have a three year old golden retriever (entire), who for the first time on Saturday went off and didn't come back. I don't think the dog he was following was even female.

Went to the vets yesterday and asked him his opinion about having his bits off, and he said it often doesn't make any difference to them and didn't seem to be encouraging me in my decision to have it done.

I wish I could work out how to put Monty on as an avatar.