Running Away & Not Listening

[Trixie]

Today, while leaving my house, my dog got outside. She then started running, running, and running. I was so scared something bad was going to happen to her. I tried calling her back, and yelling sit/ stay , but it didn't work. Luckily, after a while, i finally caught up to her.

I would just like to know if there is anything I could do that could prevent this from happening again in the future. Like maybe I could teach her to not run away while outside... But, I don;t know how... so if anyone has any advice, please help me out.

She knows how to stay... It was the first thing I taught her... but somehow, she didnt even notice me saying it while she was running. I know that isn;t good because whats the point of teaching it to her if she doesnt even listen, right? So, does anyone have any advice on how to get my dog to actually listen to me while I say a command... even if there are many distractions? (like when she is outside...)

[KOPsarah]

Hi trixie and thanks for your post,
It can be really scary when a dog runs off like that and it is definitely something we can help you with. I was wondering if I could get a little more information off your first though before we work on a solution. How old is your dog and what breed? Also does she know the commands 'come' and 'sit'? Finally do you do alpha dog training with her?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

[kjd]

Trixie,

Just a quick suggestion while you are in the process of training: When your dog runs away, call her name and run in the opposite direction! If you run after her, you are playing chase me with you "it." When you run in the opposite direction, she figures she is "it" and will chase you. When she catches up, you can kneel down and hold out your arms to give her a warm welcome.

[Trixie]

Originally Posted by KOPsarah

Hi trixie and thanks for your post,
It can be really scary when a dog runs off like that and it is definitely something we can help you with. I was wondering if I could get a little more information off your first though before we work on a solution. How old is your dog and what breed? Also does she know the commands 'come' and 'sit'? Finally do you do alpha dog training with her?

Looking forward to hearing from you.

My dog is a 3 year old shi-tzu, she knows sit & stay quite well.... but only if i have her FULL attention, like during training sessions...

and yes, i do some alpha training with her... but not alot.

[Trixie]

Originally Posted by kjd

Trixie,

Just a quick suggestion while you are in the process of training: When your dog runs away, call her name and run in the opposite direction! If you run after her, you are playing chase me with you "it." When you run in the opposite direction, she figures she is "it" and will chase you. When she catches up, you can kneel down and hold out your arms to give her a warm welcome.

Thanks for the advice, Ill definately try it out one time when we're in an open space (like the parc) just to see if it works.

[KOPsarah]

Hi again trixie,
First of all I would definitely recommend using your alpha training to increase your dogs respect for you as this will in turn increase her attention to your commands. Secondly I would recommend teaching her come in a way that is fun and gets her attention. First of all get hold of a leash 2 or more meters long. Take the leash and a pocket full of favorite treats or toys with you to an open area such as a good dog park making sure she knows you have them on you. Let her walk out on the leash a little way then when she is looking in your direction tell her to come in an excited voice and start moving backwards excitedly so she will come and chase you (alternatively crouch down, stay still and encourage her with gentle praise as soon as she moves in your direction). When she reaches you treat and praise and make a big fuss so that coming to you seems like the best thing in the world. If she does not respond, give the line a ‘flick’: a short, sharp tug. The aim of the flick is not to use the leash drag him towards you. It’s kind of like a poke in the chest with a forefinger: a quick physical reminder that you’re in charge, and you expect your commands to be obeyed.

Keep repeating this training with your dog in a number of different places and situations and do not let her out loose in a non-fenced area until you know she is coming reliably when called. For the full outline on teaching 'come' see your dog training secrets manual.

Once your dog finds coming back to you more exciting than whatever it has seen in the distance to run off to you should easily be able to call her back when she goes to run off. It will take a little time but I am sure you will soon be much more confident that your dog will not run off. Let me know how you get on.