11month old Choc Lab

[muddy mudguard]

Hi people,

New to the forum so v quickly - we have Wembley - an 11month Choc Lab, aside from what I'm about to post, he's an excellent dog. He's completely potty trained, generally obedient and great with our 4yr old.

He does however have a couple of issues - one of which I've read about on page2 of here - the "catch me if you can" game. Whenever we play in the back yard, he always does this, fetch has turned into me fetching him - not ALL the time but for the most part. I've tried the walking away, turning my back and running away - running away he does chase me but as soon as I turn to give him praise, he's off again.

Additionally, he barks to get what he wants, which if we're in the back yard it's if he wants to play and I don't want to. He let's out a small bark to come into the house if he's out on his own and I dont' want to discourage that - unless I have to. He barks at the workmen building the house next door. If we're out on walks, he barely barks at all.

Any and all advice will be greatly received and very much appreciated.

[Bill]

The way to end this game is not to play it. You can never win this game. Don't chase him ever again. It's what he wants and it reinforces the game.

As soon as the game starts, turn and walk back into the house. Leave the dog outside and stay inside for about 5 minutes. Don't fuss at the dog. Don't do anything negative. Just go inside and leave him alone for a few minutes to give him time to think about what happened and let him see if he can figure out what caused it. Eventually he will. Then go back outside and begin all over again. Everytime the game starts, you go inside again. Don't try to stop the game, let the dog figure it out and stop it himself.

I'm assuming you have a fenced in back yard. If not, forget everything I've said.

[muddy mudguard]

Thanks for the response Bill.

I'll certainly give it a go. And yes we do have a fenced in backyard.

Any ideas on the barking??

[Harry]

welcome to the forum, my name is Harry from Liverpool, I recently joined myself, It's nice to have you join us.

Some good advice there, from Bill,
I think that training is always the best way to correct your dog's barking.
But remember that most barking is a normal part of being a dog. It is only when it becomes disrupting that you need to take action.
It may sound silly, but to stop your dog from barking, first teach him to bark on command.

Give your dog the command to "speak."
Have someone immediately make a noise such as knocking on the door that is sure to make your dog bark.
Let him bark two or three times, then stick a treat in front of his nose.
When he stops barking to sniff the treat, praise him and give him the treat.
Repeat until he starts barking as soon as you say "speak."
Once your dog can reliably bark on command, teach the "quiet" command.

Start in a calm environment with no distractions.
Tell him to "speak." When he starts barking, say "quiet" and stick a treat in front of his nose.
Praise him for being quiet and give him the treat.

This has always worked for me.
Regards, Harry.