not coming when called

[scott]

We have a collie cross and we know that they are long distance working dogs but as soon as she is off the lead she refuses to come back. She won't come back for treats and when she does come back we do praise her but this doesn't seem to encourage her. She only comes back in her own time. How can we train her to come back when called? She normally responds well to being called during the day when at home, but again refuses to come when called when out for the last toilet trip at night. Can you help?

Thanks
Scott

[adunphy]

Keep her on leash while you work on coming when called. A dog who wont reliably come while on leash wont come while off leash. You can get long lines to work on the new distance. Keep up the obedience work and slowly make it more difficult by adding in distractions, or distance one at a time.

Amy

[Stewart]

The previous writer was right, what I did is purchased a long lead from a horse supply store; here in Canada it is about $16. If you buy a lead elsewhere you are looking at about $30-$40. Have your dog on the long lead, and have a friend play with your dog, at about 2 feet away take out a treat or a play toy and say "ROVER COME HERE!" if the dog comes-grab his collar- have him sit and treat. Then you play with the dog, have your friend now do the same- after about 3times- begin to move about 2 steps back- if the dog doesn't come to you use the food or toy as a "lure" be sure to repeat as you lure "ROVER COME HERE". As the dog follows encourage and remember to grab the collar, sit and then treat. By doing this you are telling your dog, hey if I call you it doesn't mean we are leaving it just means I want you here. By grabbing the collar every time it keeps you in control and may (depending on you dog's behaviour) be reassuring. Try to do this in a quiet "safe" place, then as he becomes more and more familiar with "the game" then add distractions- ie- have a additional friend come in and try to walk about, put treats in his or her path, add another dog. As soon as you believe he is ready and trust he will listen, then proceed off leash (I recommend in fenced areas only) and try if he doesn't show you he can do it with out the leash then go back to using the leash until he is ready.
Tom