dog chooses when to come, when to ignore me

[Nicole]

I'm new to this forum. I have 2 young dogs (2yrs and 3 yrs). The oldest has always had a bit of an attitude but it seems to be getting worse. She is usually good at coming when called but for the last 9 months when I let her outside and then attempt to call her in later she will sometimes ignore me (she will actually turn her back on me) or will run away up onto the lawn of the church across from the house. No threats, treats or happy faces can get her in. I've tried to sort out who is alpha using a variety of methods. I've also tried ignoring her and using timeouts. To no avail. She is very dominant and often "bullies" other dogs in our neighbourhood. By the same token, she loves being around other dogs and playing with them. She is a great trail dog and is never far off my heel either skiing or biking. It's just at home she pulls this stuff usually.

Any advice?

Nicole

[adunphy]

There is an awesome program on the internet you might want to try - 90 days to a rock solid recall.

Check it out!
http://www.raisingcanine.com/Owners/Green/Owners_90DaysToARopckSolidRecall.htm

If that doesn't help you, let me know, but I'm sure it will

Amy

[Nicole]

Thanks, I'll try the program out with her and my other dog. Another question, the same dog is also less than obedient for my partner. We both feed and spend about the same amount of time with her. He is finding it very frustrating and it's causing some friction between us. I only seem to have a problem with her in that one situation, generally I find her good for me. I've suggested he do some dominance work with her - can you suggest anything that might help him get a quicker response from her? Example, when he tells her to sit she will take her time and think about it, then slowly, slowly lower her butt to the floor (after he's said "sit" about 5 times times). I think they are having a personality clash (if that's possible between a human and a dog :) ).

[adunphy]

Have him hand feed her dinner and do some practice with sits, downs. Only give a piece of food if its quick. That'll help the relationship as well as really train "quick sits". The recall program has some good info in there about that sort of thing I believe.

amy