Dog Community

Off leash training

Anna

Posted : 4/13/2006 8:17:06 AM

I have a 2 yr old chocolate lab. I would like to be able to take him to parks and let him off his leash and know he will return when called. What's the best way to train him to do that? Right now I use a retractable 16 ft. leash when I walk him on a field and he returns when called half the time, but other times I need to give him a tug. I want him to be relatively close to me when we walk. Another problem is that he starts charging towards every dog that he sees because he wants to play. How do I teach him not to do that? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

mudpuppy

Posted : 4/13/2006 9:46:32 AM

take a look at "really reliable recall" by Leslie Nelson. It's a DVD, not a book. You're on the right track with the long line to enforce the recall; make sure you also reward the dog profusely for coming to you. You may wish to do some research into ecollar training. Ecollar training, done properly, is by far the most humane and effective method to train a reliable off-leash dog.

You may also want to work on desensitizing your dog to strange dogs. Take the dog to LOTS of places where leashed dogs are likely to be encountered, and reward your dog for ignoring the other dogs and paying attention to you. Also of course provide a suitable venue for your dog to play with other dogs, and make sure your dog understands the difference: doggy play occurs only on a particular command, or in a particular location. All other dogs are to be ignored.

luv_my_3_labs

Posted : 4/13/2006 8:43:37 PM

I have a chocolate lab too. He has only been with us for six months. I do a lot of hiking with the dogs and needed a way to get them to come immediately on command. They like to be a few feet ahead of me but when other hikers are near I like to have them close if I need to put the leash on fast for some reason or other. What I did was take them on a frozen lake and let them lose. I would blow a whistle with a short quick blow and say COME. When they all would come they get hugs, kisses and the best of their favorite treats. They had it by the end of the day. Now I just give them hugs and kisses. I don't know if this is right or wrong but it works for us. Sometimes they watch me and if I put the whistle up to my mouth, they come running to me... It's like sibling rivalry. First one there wins...lol,lol Good luck...I'm sure you will find something that works best for you.

mudpuppy

Posted : 4/14/2006 8:18:46 AM

I do the same thing-- blow the whistle, first dog there gets the really good treat. Boy do they run.

spiritdogs

Posted : 4/14/2006 4:10:47 PM

ORIGINAL: mudpuppy

take a look at "really reliable recall" by Leslie Nelson. It's a DVD, not a book.

It's aDVD and a book. If you can't spring for the DVD, which is excellent, at least get the book.