Training dogs has always come naturally to me. My 8 year old Long Coat German Shepard understands and obeys nearly 30 commands, does countless 'tricks' - sometimes I honestly feel he understands the English language. He is a member of our family, and faithfully shows his love and protection for us.
Yet with no fore warning (nor any apparent reason), he once had a tendency to simply bolt away. I tried many ways to correct this problem, and my techniques were often in vain, leaving me frustrated.
Hopefully this article will save you, and your pet, that time and trouble. My dog hasn't left the yard in two years, and this is how we did it:
Things You'll Need
- Time, patience &dedication
- A choke collar or 'gentle lead' collar
- A long lead or rope, approx 20' long
- Your dog's favorite toys and treats
Instructions
Instinctively, dogs respond to physical contact associated with their neck. As pups, their mother disciplined by grabbing the loose skin in that area with her mouth and giving a firm shake. They are lifted by the scruff of the neck to be coaxed to nurse. If a pup wanders from the litter, it's mother corrects this behavior by tugging at it's neck.
Spend leisure time with your dog outdoors on the long lead, attached to his collar; hold or secure the other end. Play with his favorite toys, offer him treats. Encourage him to run and play within the circumference of the lead.
Practice the "come!" command. Wait until your dog is as far away from you as the lead will allow. Call him friendly but firmly. If he does not respond appropriately the very first call, tug quickly on his lead and repeat the command. Offer treats to reward good behavior, simply ignore him when he does not respond.
Once you feel certain your dog will come every time you call him, repeat Step 2 with the lead still attached to his collar, but this time leave it unsecured at 'your' end. Play with his toys, offer treats. He probably hasn't caught onto the fact he is actually 'free'.
Pay close attention. When it is apparent that he is realizing he is no longer restricted (but before he makes any attempt to run off), offer him a treat and end your training session.
(Repeat this step daily for at least a week.)
Today is test day! Repeat Step 3. This time, when your dog attempts to roam beyond the length of the lead (remember, it is not secured at 'your' end), immediately call him to come. When he does, offer him a treat and repeat this step until you feel safe enough to remove the lead from his collar entirely.
Good luck and let me know about your experience using this method!!
So, let's start there.
If he hesitates or attempts to run off, you have a good 20' of lead to grab for quickly! Again, tug firmly and call "come!", and end the day's session.
Keep repeating steps 3 and 4 for as often as it takes until your dog comes every time. In his own time, your dog will stay at your side (or within his limits) without the need for a secured lead, or treats!