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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on October 2, 2009 at 9:14am

That's sometimes the way I have to get Livvy in as she will always come to the word "treat"!!!!

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Permalink Reply by Derek on October 2, 2009 at 8:02am

MIranda used to do that alot, she would also come when I called but stay 2 feet away from me so I couldn't catch her.... it stinks when your dog out smarts you. The only way I got her to behave was to let her out in the yard ON leash dragging it behind her. Eventually she learned 1. She can't get away 2. I get annoyed when she doesn't listen, which leads to 3. no cookies. Now she comes when I call her.

I also think it is a youth thing. After Miranda turned 2 years old she stopped playing those games with me, at least most of the time.

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Permalink Reply by Deanna on October 2, 2009 at 8:22am

Yes -- whatever you say or do when Kirby comes back, don't scold him. By the time dogs decide to come back, if they get punished they think they're getting punished for coming back, not for staying away. I've had the same problem with Frankie. I chased him around the neighborhood for 2 hours one night, up and down the street and into the alleys. He finally sat in the middle of an intersection and just stared at me. After the third car almost hit him, he decided to come back. When he did "sheepishly" come to me, I just praised him and petted him, and told him over and over again what a good boy he was. It's working! He's coming back on his own now ready to be praised and petted -- no treats or bribary, just "lovies." It's been almost a month now, and he's coming back on his own even when I don't call him because he wants the praise.

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Permalink Reply by Alice on October 2, 2009 at 12:43pm

Finnigan always liked to play the Chase game too. I know you are not supposed to for this very reason, but sometimes we do it anyway because he gets so excited when we do. We switch it up though and have him chase us sometimes too.

Our trainer went over emergency recall too. She had one person stand on each side and one would have the dog. The other person would call the dog in a high pitch, excited voice while squeaking a toy and when the dog came they got lots of praise and a treat, then it's the other person's turn. It's harder than you would think, especially if there are distractions like other dogs. Finn still isn't very good at it. If there are other dogs around he could care less about us. he is getting better though and age definitely has something to do with it. Finn is a year old now but when he was younger he ignored us even more.

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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on October 2, 2009 at 12:45pm

Al went through a phase like this when he was younger (he's 3 now). Wouldn't come inside when called -- usually after I let him out "one last time" before bed. He knew he didn't have to and I couldn't catch him.
Eventually, this behavior just stopped, dunno why.

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Permalink Reply by Rachel & Romeo on October 2, 2009 at 1:31pm

Ive been there. Romeo would also slip out the front door when someone goes outside. I would slowly walk, and he still runs. And yes, i am also concerned for his safety because he crosses the street. The street is not busy but it connects to a veryy busy road. While this happened, a UPS guy told me to lay down and roll over and that he'll come to me. I tried IT WORKS! He said that if you chase him he thinks your playing catch with him. Also it good to practice the chase me game in a closed space with LOTS of treats and gradually increase the space. Also Kirby is a baby so he just need lots of practice and patient. Also it is a good idea to teach him to sit at the front door so he doesn't slip.

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