How to stop my collie running away!

[Dimmaz88]

Hello all. We have a Border Collie, my parents got him when I was travelling. They have never had a dog before and failed to realise the importance of training him. He is quite a handful and walking him is a challenge sometimes. The main problem is when he is off his lead, if he sees another dog or just a person walking, he runs over to them. No matter how loud I shout, he won't come back. He is not interested in treats but does have a favourite toy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Scott

[nick_j007]

Hi Scott,

For a few weeks place a long training line on this dog when in public. Either allow the dog to drag the lead (we're looking at about 9m) or you hold the end to ensure the dog is not able to ignore your calls.

When he comes back, toss the ball in glee as a reward, then take back again for you next recall reward. You say not food motivated, but taking the dog's meal out with you can work wonders. Experiment with different foods. Mine will do almost anything for liver

Also seek out local classes to enable you to address all the basics that have been overlooked.

Good luck,

Nick

[debs x]

i found taking a little bit of chicken out with me and giving him a little bit every now and again helped then let him off just kept calling him back every so offten and rewarding him for it!

[RobD-BCactive]

Using the line, recall the dog and then as reward let him do what he wants; go and greet the other dog (that you know or owner agrees verbally). [ functional reward ]

As your Collie is no longer a puppy, in the big outdoors, play & activity are big rewards, with praise depending on the bond you establish with the dog and food less interesting.

So for example I know my BC loves swimming for objects I throw in a lake, I make him do something I like first, then throw; rather than have training treats taken half heartedly and not be the reinforcing reward they're meant to be.

It's never too late to train a Collie, so have fun with it, good training treats work best in low distractions spots like inside home or a garden.