tzumommy
Posted : 4/24/2007 2:19:52 PM
Yeah, he sounds a lot like my Tzus. I have one in agility and he is LOVING it. My guys create their own obstacle courses out of the sofa cushions, tunnel under the chairs and tables, and sprint up and down the hall and around the 1 acre fenced in yard, dragging each other backwards down the porch steps by the tail so that he can be the first one in[
][
] - it's incredibly entertaining to watch!
One of my Tzus does dig - in the sofa cushions or bedding - usually when he hasn't had enough exercise on rainy days or when he's frustrated because his big brother has something he wants[
] , but never under the fence to get out.
The difference is likely that your guy was already a known escaper before you got him (for whatever reason - BTW: when was he neutered?), which is why I said the more times he does it, the more habitual it becomes. You need to extinguish that fence digging behavior.
If he simply enjoys digging, give him something or someplace else to dig - like his own sandbox with "treasures" buried in it. You could re-direct his digging to your desired location just as you would "redirect" a teething puppy to chew a nylabone and not the furniture[
]
easiest to leave the front door open he will be back in 5 minutes IF you do not chase him
(5 minutes is all it takes for a tragedy[
])
Don't Chase Him - Get his attention (Use his name in a high-happy voice or a squeaky toy or whatever makes him look at you) and RUN THE OTHER WAY EXCITEDLY so that his curiousity gets the best of him and then you TURN THE CHASE AROUND! I think you should begin a reliable recall with that little guy right away. I was able to get a decent recall on a year and a half year old GSD/Hound Mix Rescue that had no prior training and followed his nose everywhere! You just have to go slow and be persisent and consistent. Start out inside the home with low distractions. Keep REALLY YUMMY treats on yourself at all times and practice at random times throughout the day/evening. If you're in the bathroom or cleaning in another room, just suddenly call him "Scooter Come!" and when he arrives, it's always worth it - whether it's yummy treats, favorite game or toy, whatever it takes! If you have already been using "COME" and he has been ignoring it, choose a new word when you begin his training. Recall words should be reserved for controlled training, emergencies, and never for anything negative such as coming inside when they're playing, or bathtime, etc.
Spiritdogs has a wonderful list of web links and books on training a reliable recall. Maybe she'll be along with her experience and insight.[8|]
If you never teach your dogs anything else, this is the one command that is most worth investing in; it literally coud save his life....
P.S. are there more pics somewhere? The avatar is too small to see Scooter's face!