Puppy off the lead

[nick_j007]

Originally Posted by Mrs Ba

We were also doing really well with recall (Frankie now 20 wks) but last week she saw a jogger before I did and she went charging after her,jumped up scratching her legs and just refused to listen to me at all.The jogger screeched causing Frankie to get even more excited,the whole episode was awful and now I don't know what to do,feel too nervous to let her off lead now,but she did enjoy being 'free' feel bad taking her back to the field and keeping her on her lead,so will probably get a long line lead.

A long line is exactly what young dogs need! 10-20 metres is ideal.

Keep working on the recall with high value food to reinforce a good recall and only later should you consider allowing him off for short periods so you are feeling confident in his recall away from such distractions.

So many people get in a fix due to allowing the dog off free too soon before the recall is set.

Keep up your good work though!

Nick

[Mrs Ba]

Thanks Nick.I have started to use a long lead and Frankie hasn't seemed to notice thats she's not totally free.Recall ok until someone else appears,then I stand no chance of getting her attention,I end up going to her rather Frankie runnig back to me, we'll keep going though.

[nick_j007]

Ok. How long is your lead though?

If it's between 10-20 metres, you'll be able to make a few quick paces, stand on the line and enforce the recall with a gentle tug from you. Being able to stop a dog and call it back away from people or other dogs is a skill worth working for. Bring the dog in, ask for a sit and reward with a chicken piece...virtually guaranteed to work IME.

Nick

[Mrs Ba]

I think I'm being too hasty, after I've called her with no luck I'm going to her rather than giving her a pull towards me.Need to be more relaxed and confident I think,but after the last 'incident' where the jogger got scratched I feel abit nervous still.

[nick_j007]

Be firm but fair. Ensure the dog is coming to you...not you going to dog

Control is essential, and the long line will allow this.

Here's my Max at 7 weeks. Notice the voice I use. The line was not needed as he came in quite quickly. YouTube - AlphaDogBehaviour's Channel

[Mrs Ba]

He's lovely.Frankie isn't too bad if we are on our own,it's just when someone comes along,she just loves everyone,she jumps towards people on walks too as if to say Hi,make a fuss of me! I give her a sharp no and a little pull and make her sit.Not having had a pup before I think it's reassurance I need that I'm doing the right thing.As I've said somewhere before I'm not finding puppy training much help,we can walk around in circles,sit and lie ok now!

[nick_j007]

Most dogs have no trouble being friendly.

I find though in my work that when a pup is too much and able to run up to any person or indeed any dog, if the owners lacks control these nice natured but excessive pups encourage trouble upon themselves. This in worst cases can result in mauled puppies by stroppy older dogs, leaving the pup nervous and then over time they can develop aggressive traits. (Might, not will.)

A pup is all about prevention rather than cure, so be firm but fair, reward the recall of course, but a dog does need to understand that it cannot and should not be allowed to run up to any person or other dog and jump all over it.

Your job as its parent is to stop and recall where and when you see fit. You'll know already that some dog/owner combos are best steered away from for the safety of you and your dog.

This is in my book the most important skill a young dog can develop...the recall. Do it often and use high value food, and prevent the dog from finding it rewarding to ignore you.

You'll be fine, just keep at it and look to a couple of months away when you can start to allow the dog more full freedom once there is confidence, trust and the dog is more reliant upon you.

Most classes are there to ffer the basics which are in my view very easy, and could be shown in an hour flat via 1-1 training. You'll need to go and practice of course. Practice in public in real environm,ents cannot be beaten. Halls can be too pressurised at times...depends on the dog and how well the class is run.

Nick