Husband Out In The Backyard Trying To Catch The Dog? What To Do

[Erny]

Snowball - not being judgmental, but am a bit concerned as your Goldie seems to run away from you a fair amount, unless what I have gathered from what you've written in your recent threads incorrectly. You also mention that she runs away from you when you go out to her if she's been digging holes. Now she's running away from you just because your OH went out to call her in.

I can't help but think that your dog is receiving mixed signals from you, not to mention that she is potentially often reinforced for her running away behaviour as well.

Can't remember if you've mentioned, but do you go to a training school to help with obedience, to understand how dogs learn and how to make your training messages clear, consistent and successful?

Edited October 14, 2010 by Erny

[B-Q]

This may sound counter productive...but run away from the dog. Turns the tables of the 'keep away' game right around and you become the chased, not the chaser. Then you can let the dog 'catch' you.

I taught Quinn that "quick" game. I yell "QUICK" and run off, she chases and as soon as she reaches me I spin around nad treat her or play tug. We practice everyday and she'll call off nearly anything now if she hears it. Wish her actual recall was so reliable.

I plan to use it if I ever have to in an emergency - snake, traffic etc. And I have used it once to get her out of the way of one of the horses who decided to start zoomies. Thats why I plan to keep using a reinforcer every single time.

Edited October 14, 2010 by busterlove

[♪♫LMBC♫♪]

I used to just start walking back inside and say "Bye Darcy" as if I was going to leave him out there Worked every time.

[Souff]

Tried standing there with the car keys in one hand, and the lead in the other?

LoL

That's the look that usually triggers the game. Ie it's her signal I must catch her cos I want to go somewhere like agility training, so I will chase her. I had to learn not to - the hard way. She does the same when I put on my dog walking accessories (bum bag with dog treats and poo bags, shoes, hat, coat etc).

If I want anyone's undivided attention round here, the car keys will get it every time! Don't have to say a word.

Seriously though, if a dog wants to stay outside and wont come in, there must be a reason why outside is better.

Find the reason and eliminate it!

Souff

[matilda1]

have you caught your dog yet or is husband still out there?

I hear your frustration.

I would just shut the door and put an end to the game.

Let the dog come back 'asking' to be let in, and don't let her in on the first ask. make her earn her way back into the herd.

Good luck and i would love an update

[Starkehre]

If the dog is only being let out for a wee and you know it is going to be for a short time or you are limited for time, do not let the dog out until you pop the lead on and take it out for the wee... praise then bring back inside. Do this until you can get a handle on instilling the training advise offered.

Never chase a dog, they love it. Plan in advance and set yourself up for a win. Think before the dog is let out, set up your plan and do it that way. All other methods of coaxing will work, and they are definitely handy to know for emergencies etc, but these are patching up flawed attempts at a simple exercise to start with.

It is all about planning before acting. Sure it takes more effort, but it is worth it in long run, and this is what dog ownership is all about.

It is easier to love a well behaved dog.

Edited October 14, 2010 by dyzney