recall/running away

scientistsailor · Puppy Joined: 05 Feb 2008 Posts: 1 Fur Kids: Gracie

Hi All,
We have a ~3.5 YO Weim. named Gracie. We got her from the N. Cal. Weim. rescue when she was ~2 (don't know the exact b-day, she was malnourished, and probably beaten judging by the way she cowers when I pick up a broom or rake). She's done really well with us, house training was no problem. We've actually cured her of her severe leash aggression and leash pulling. She's not a barker or chewer (sometimes she howls when we are away).

When she's not distracted, she will play fetch and recall to "over here" or "Treat!". The problem we still have with her is that when she goes on point, the rest of the world disappears and she will run after whatever caught her attention (usually squirrels). This morning was particularly bad, she ran out of the park, across the street, and into a neighbor's front yard trampling flowers. I had to grab her and drag her (howling and whining) back to the park.

Anyone have similar experience? Found a solution? Tried any of the Weimaraner-specific training programs offered on the web?
Thanks,
Fred

sptddog · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject:

I had a Dalmatian like that (was a rescue who had been tied on a short chain for a year), and never did break him of the habit, but what did help immensely was using a 30ft rope (pretty heavy duty) and keeping him attached to that at all times. When I called him, I could sort of reel him in and reward him. He did well on that, and got to the point where he'd consistently recall, but it was like he knew when it wasn't attached, and he was gone. You may have success trying that and working to getting her off that longer rope eventually.

Awesome that you got the leash stuff worked out though, that's never easy either! Smile

anne · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 1:14 pm Post subject:

Recall when a dog is chasing prey is a very tough situation and requires constant training. I would continue to work her recall and since she's solid with no distractions, I would start with small distractions and build up to the most tempting of distractions. For instance, start with someone else around in the yard or have someone walk around with another dog on leash when you call your dog, with a long line on the dog. Once he can do that, go to say a dog park where there are lots of dogs and then work with him there. You always want success before you go to the next level.

Rosko · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2008 5:42 pm Post subject:

To add to what Anne said...

We went to the dog park again today (finally the ear healed enough!) with 'come' as our focus for training.

It actually worked out really well with only a couple other dogs there. Calling him from playing and actually having him listen was a personal benchmark I think... I almost shed a 'man tear'.

He did fine until about 1.5 hours in when a few more dogs showed up... by around 6-8 dogs he was starting to get distracted a little.

Oh.. my point. Yes, dog parks are good. Just go mid week when their are less dogs at first and work up to the Saturday crazy fest (we can easily have up to 40 dogs in our 1 acre local park on a saturday when teh weather is nice out).

tltrooster · Posted: Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:56 pm Post subject:

I have always been afraid of letting Champ off leash, but I have been
going to one of our Middle Schools here and they are completely fenced
in, except for one opening. I first starting walking him around with a
retractable and was able to reel him back when I needed. Well that is
only 15 ft, I found some rope at Walmart that is very strong and is
50 ft long. We went to the school today and I attached to his collar and
let him run with the rope dragging behind. I stayed close enough to
grab if needed. I would call him back and he came, I gave him treats,
There were bird flying over and he went running. I hollared Champ
HERE! and he pretty much stopped in his tracks and came back. I was
so excited, I had tears in my eyes. Not to say he will come back every
time, but we are going to continue this and see what happens. I have also
been telling him to leave it when we see birds walking around on the
ground.