Shelter Dog that does not come when called.

[northernlights]

We became parents to a neat 1 year plus shelter dog last October. We live in a very rural area and our yard (over 2 acres) is not fenced. During the snow months, our Ginger was very good about staying around the yard and coming when called. Now with the spring thaw and smells, she does not come back when called and will disappear for hours, UGH. We have gone through 7 weeks of Obedience classes, but everything seems to have changed since the weather has gotten warmer and the snow is gone. Any ideas???

[Bill]

Begin teaching recall with short distances, like maybe 6' with no distractions. As she gets proficient with a distance, increase the distance by a little. Don't rush. Make sure she is proficient at a distance before you increast the distance. Don't call her when you aren't sure she will come. Don't fuss at her for not coming. If she comes after a few minutes of calling, praise like she came instantly. Treats help when teaching. GRADUALLY wean her off the treats when she has become proficient at the desired distance. Always treat occasionally.

A fun game is for two people to start just a few feed apart and call her back and forth between you. Gradually increase the distance. If she figures out the game and starts going to the other person without being called then she gets no treats.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[BellaDad]

I too have trouble with recall outside. Ironically, in the house the dog is well behavied and comes immediately when called 8/10 times. Outside she becomes a brat! I have heard the gradually increased lead length method before, but have not used it because I can't figure out how to fit it in. We have a large yard with an invisible fence type perimeter that Bella, out 8 month old Golden Retreiver respects and does not go beyong, even when we are not immediately with her. I have watched from the window upstairs and seen her stop chasing balls and birds when she get near the limits. Back to recall. So we have this yard that we let her roam free. Do I use the lead training method and curtail here yard time until she gets its? This seems like a long time to be denied yard privleges not to mention it is our exercise area whan we play with Bella. I believe she ignores me when I call because she knows what I really want is for her to come back into the house.

I would love some clarification on how to best use this recall training method. Thanks in advance. New to the forum and love the advice so far.

Cheers.

[Bill]

You need practice with her. You shouldn't need the lead in the back yard. Just start at a close distance, be excited and give her reason to come to you. I would practice outside the back yard also with a long lead. Practice, practice, practice. Repitition, repitition, repitition. Thats how you make a dog reliable with any behavior.

[northernlights]

Thanks for the direction and encouragement. Ginger continues to be very bad outside with coming when called. She is not dumb and we wonder if she sees the outside a a place to play and not worry about listening. We have thought about the invisible fence, but that would mean putting it around 2 acres and into the lake. That seems abit much, but maybe that is what we will have to do.
Our trainer here (from our obedience classes), feels she needs more time to gain our trust and also she needs a reason to come in the house. Not
knowing exactly what her past history has been with people and houses, we may be working to undue some past negative feels. You sure would love to know what goes through a dogs mind??? The process continues!!!